Work Permit Post-Graduation Overview
Students who have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution can apply for a Canadian Work Visa. 
Students with a post-graduation work permit in Canada may stay for up to three (3) years. By obtaining a work permit for post-graduation in Canada, candidates can get closer to permanent residence.
Canada’s postgraduate work permits underwent a few changes over the years. The temporary work permit program is a good example of this. It was created for international students affected by the covid-19 outbreak. The temporary work visa program was offered to 52,000 people as of January 27, 2020.
Eligibility for the PGWP
- You must be at least 18 years of age to apply.
- The applicant must complete a program of at least 8 months in any Designated Learning Institute that offers a Certificate/Degree/Diploma.
- The applicant must have a valid student visa and visitor’s record.
- The applicant must be a full-time undergraduate student during each semester. The last semester can be part-time.
- If you complete an eight-month program or course in six months by using an accelerated program, then you can apply for the Canada Post-Study Work Visa.
- The applicant will only be considered if they transfer from one college to another, which is not a DLI. Only the total number months of study at a DLI will be taken into consideration.
- You can extend your stay in Canada with a visitor’s card and apply for an post-study Canada visa. After graduation, they can return home and apply for work permits.
Validity of postgraduate work permit
The Canadian government provides candidates with a work permit to help them plan their long-term careers. Candidates can work in Canada and earn a living. They may also be eligible for permanent residency through different immigration programs that reward those who have worked in Canada.
It does not matter where the job is located, as this is a permit that is valid anywhere. The work permit can be used in any province or territory. The Labour Market Impact Assessment is not a concern for either employers or candidates.
These factors can affect the validity of the postgraduate work permit.
- The post-graduate permit will be valid only if your study period was greater than 8 but less than a year.
- The duration of the program will determine the validity of the work permit for post-graduate candidates.
- Candidates who have successfully completed a study program of at least two years will be eligible to apply for a postgraduate work permit valid for three years.
Only Designated Learning Institutes can issue work permits to post-graduate students. Before enrolling, it is best to confirm with the institution if they are a DLI. If you want to simplify your immigration process, contact us at peerlessimmigration.
Colleges and Universities are eligible
How to determine if a university or college has been designated a Designated Learning Institution
- Public and private secondary school:
- Colleges and universities are public institutions
- Learn to trade at a school
- Technical Institutes
- CEGEP (Only available in Quebec)
- Private institutions of education that follow the same rules as public ones in Quebec are included. Postsecondary or private secondary schools in Quebec include educational institutions that offer relevant courses with a total of more than 900 hours of study for a diploma or vocational course.
- These institutions are subject to provincial legislation, and only offer a small number of courses. It can be a doctorate or master’s degree that is only approved by a province.
- After completing a postgraduate degree, the process of applying for a permit can be lengthy. The chances of you obtaining a permit can be affected by any discrepancies. You should therefore seek immigration services in Canada.
