Canada PGWP: A complete overview

The Canada Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) offers a wonderful opportunity for international graduates to work in Canada after completing their graduation course. Canada is known for its excellent educational facilities, high-paying jobs, and streamlined naturalization policies, which inspire millions of international students to stay back in the country after completing their studies and acquire Canada PR upon eligibility. The PGWP acts as a potential pathway for acquiring a Canada work visa and eventually settling as a Canada PR.

According to a recent announcement, Canada is welcoming 485,000 international students in 2024 and 473,000 in 2025. Recent changes have suggested that the Canada PGWP program aligns with the country's current labor market demands. Once you get a valid job offer in Canada, you can apply for a Canada work visa to work as a legal foreign worker in Canada.

What are the benefits of Canada PGWP?

Canada PGWP offers a world of benefits to international students. Some of them are listed below:

• Gain valuable Canadian work experience, which would be useful for PR application
• Work for any employer in any province or territory
• Stay in Canada as a legal resident even after completing your studies
• No LMIA is required for Canada PGWP holders
• Can start working  immediately after completing studies
• Can work for multiple employers at the same time
• Enjoy employment insurance benefits and leaves
• Get Canada PR via programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

PGWP Eligibility for international students in Canada

International students who have completed their graduation in Canada would be eligible for Canada PGWP if:

• The study program was at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• They have maintained full-time student status in Canada
• They have a valid Canadian study permit and have applied within 180 days of completing their studies
• They have completed their degree in one of the in-demand study fields in Canada
• A minimum of 50% of your program was completed in Canada
• They qualify under one of the special case groups

PGWP Eligibility for Overseas Students

International students who have studied overseas would be eligible for Canada PGWP if:

• They have completed a full-time study program in Canada of at least 8 months duration
• They have a valid Canadian study permit and have applied within 180 days of completing their studies
• They hold a degree in one of the in-demand study fields in Canada
• A minimum of 50% of your program was completed in Canada
• They qualify under one of the special case groups

PGWP Eligible Study Fields

Recently, the IRCC updated Canada PGWP requirements, including a list of eligible study fields. The following disciplines are eligible for Canada PGWP application:

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Education
• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• Trade
• Transport

IRCC added “Education” as the sixth field of study under Canada’s PGWP. The table below lists programs that qualify for the Education Field of study.

 

CIP 2021 Title	CIP 2021 code
Developmental services worker	19.071
Montessori teacher education	13.1207
Waldorf/Steiner teacher education	13.1208
Early childhood education and teaching	13.121
Teaching assistants/aides, general	13.1501
Child development	19.0706
Child care and support services management	19.0708
Childcare provider/ assistant	19.0709
Early childhood and family studies	19.0711

 

PGWP Requirements

The documents required to apply for Canadian Post Graduate Work Permit are listed below:

• An original and  valid passport
• Letter of completion from a Canadian DLI
• Official copy of educational transcripts
• Proof of language proficiency
• Valid Canadian study permit
• Clean character certificate
• Personal Identity proof
• Medical Fitness certificate

Note: From November 01, 2024, candidates must have a minimum language proficiency score of CLB/NCLC 7 for university graduates and CLB/NCLC 5 for college graduates to be eligible for Canada PGWP.

PGWP Processing Time and Validity

The processing time for a Canadian Postgraduate Work Permit is 80 to 180 days, depending on factors like the type of application, the accuracy of the documents submitted, and the workload of the embassy.

How long is the PGWP valid?

Canadian PGWP is valid for a period between 8 months and 3 years, depending on the length of your study program at a Canadian DLI. The table below lists the details of the same:

Course Length	Validity Period
Less than 8 months	Not eligible for PGWP
Between 8 months and 2 years	Same as the course length
2 years master’s program	2 years
More than 2 years	3 years
More than one program	8 months- 3 years (Depending on the length and number of programs pursued)

 

How to apply for PGWP?

The application process for Canadian PGWP involves the steps listed below:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible

Step 2: Gather all the documents required

Step 3: Fill out the application form

Step 4: Complete the fee payment

Step 5: Wait for the visa to be approved

PGWP Application Deadline

International students with valid Canadian Study Permits must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving a transcript and an official letter from your DLI confirming that you meet the requirements.

PGWP Fee

The application fee for a Canadian Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is CAD 255.

In-Demand Jobs in Canada for International Students

The job market in Canada has a high demand for skilled workers who can contribute towards the development of the economy and can bridge the current skills gap. The employment rate in Canada for international student graduates in 2024 was 88.6%. The majority of international graduates secured jobs within three years of completing their graduation. Canada offers high-paying salary packages and numerous other employee benefits, which attract freshers and recent international graduates to stay and explore the job market there.

The table below lists the top ten highest-paying jobs in Canada for international students:

In-demand industries	No. of Job Opportunities in Canada	Annual average salary
Engineering	1,50,000	$125,541
IT	1,32,000	$101,688
Marketing & Sales	85,200	$92,829
HR	64,300	$65,386
Healthcare	2,48,000	$126,495
Teachers	73,200	$48,750
Accountants	1,63,000	$65,386
Hospitality	93,600	$58,221
Nursing	67,495	$71,894

PGWP to Canada Work Permit

The Canadian Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) acts as a stepping stone to the Canadian Work Permit. As an international graduate, you can start working in Canada after completing your studies with a PGWP and use it as a pathway to enter the Canadian job market. Once you gather relevant work experience and secure a full-time job offer in Canada, you can apply for a Canada Work Permit to stay and work in Canada as a legal foreign worker.

After your PGWP expires, you are free to apply for LMIA-based work permits or LMIA-exempt permits. You can also consider continuing your studies in Canada by enrolling in a study program there. PGWP even allows you to apply for a Canada PR via the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry program. You can continue working in Canada with a Bridging Open Work Permit while your Canada PR application is processed.

How to apply for Canada PR?

Canada PGWP holders can apply for Canada PR through various pathways. One of the most effective pathways for acquiring Canada PR from a PGWP is applying via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry Program. The CEC is designed for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who are willing to obtain permanent residence in Canada.

Work experience gathered in Canada on a PGWP can be used as Canadian work experience, which makes the candidate eligible for the specialized category of Canadian Experience Class. It will also fetch you additional points under the Express Entry program, thereby increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for Canada PR.

The steps to apply for Canada PR via the Express Entry program are listed below:

Step 1: Create an Express Entry profile

Step 2: Check your eligibility

Step 3: Gather all the required documents

Step 4: Complete the fee payment

Step 5: Wait for an ITA

Step 6: Apply for Canada PR

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