Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are a popular way for international students to obtain Canadian work experience after graduating from a designated learning institution (DLI).
This work experience can be valuable for many reasons, including how it helps international students build eligibility for many permanent residence programs.
Lately, PGWPs have been in the spotlight in Canadian immigration news due to proposed changes to permit eligibility. Specifically, it has recently been revealed that immigration officials at both the federal and local (provincial/territorial) levels are considering altering PGWP eligibility in a way that “[aligns the] issuance of PGWPs to labour market needs” across Canada. However, no official changes have been announced.
International students should remain aware that PGWPs have never been guaranteed after graduation. This means that IRCC will not give every international student a PGWP simply because they have successfully graduated from an eligible program at a Canadian DLI. In fact, there are many reasons that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may refuse an applicant’s PGWP application.
Note: DLIs are the only post-secondary institutions in Canada deemed eligible by IRCC to admit international students. Click here for a list of DLIs in Canada.
Failure to meet eligibility criteria
Obtaining a PGWP requires applicants to meet a strict set of eligibility criteria.
Among those criteria are conditions such as:
- The international graduate must have completed a PGWP-eligible program of at least eight months in length at a Canadian DLI
- The international graduate must have always studied full-time outside of their final semester
- The international graduate must have completed a program of study that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
- The international student must have graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution
- Graduates of a Quebec-based vocational or training program must meet additional IRCC-established PGWP criteria to be eligible (depending on the type of credential issued)
Failure to adhere to IRCC’s eligibility criteria will result in the refusal of an international graduate’s PGWP application.
Missing required documents
IRCC does not require international graduates to wait until they have their educational credential to apply for a PGWP.
However, IRCC does mandate the submission of one of the following three documents as part of every PGWP application:
- An official letter from the student’s DLI confirming they completed their program of study
- An official transcript from the student’s DLI
- A copy of the student’s transcript from their DLI’s website
Therefore, international graduates who do not include any of the above documents with their application may receive a refusal from IRCC.
Unexplained study gap
At times, there are reasons that students need to take a break from their studies. For example, this may happen due to a family emergency or other uncontrollable factor.
For this reason, IRCC provides students with ways to formally pursue a leave of absence from their studies. However, should students not pursue an authorized leave of absence or have another way to formally explain any gaps in their studies may see their PGWP application refused.
Late application submission
IRCC provides international graduates with 180 days to apply for a PGWP (from the day their DLI issues final grades to students). Those who do not submit their application during this period will have their permit application refused by IRCC.
Failure to maintain legal status in Canada
Further to the above, IRCC notes that eligibility for a PGWP requires students to ensure that their study permit is “valid at some point during” the 180 days IRCC gives them to apply for a permit.
This means that students must make sure their study permit does not expire and they maintain legal status in Canada while they apply for a PGWP.
Note: Students may also have their PGWP application refused if they violate their student visa conditions or remain in Canada beyond their authorized stay.
IRCC clarifies that study permits expire on the earlier of the following dates:
- The day marked on a student’s permit
- 90 days after a student completes their studies
If a student’s study permit expires before they apply for a PGWP, they can either restore their status as a student and apply for a PGWP accordingly or leave the country and apply for a PGWP from outside Canada.
Meanwhile, if a student’s study permit expires after they apply for a PGWP but before a decision is made, IRCC says they can remain in Canada as a temporary resident and continue working if they were also “already able to work off-campus during their studies.”
