Post-Graduation Options: Navigating Work Visas and Immigration

1. Exploring the Importance of “Post Graduation Work Permit “

The Post-Graduation Work Permit enables foreign students, who have completed their program of study at any of the Canadian post-secondary institutions, to work in the country. The validity of the permit depends on the duration of your study program but the permit can, however, be valid for up to three years. This permit is an open work permit which means that the holder can work for any employer of his or her choice in Canada without the need for an LMIA.

This is the reason that the Government of Canada wants more foreign students to come and choose Canada and we are committed to ensuring their success,” said Minister Finley. This will also assist in marketing Canada to become a preferred country for international students and assist in retaining the students already in Canada. “

2. Eligibility Criteria for PGWP

Requirement for a PGWP

• A PGWP can be obtained if the student meets some requirements which include having completed his or her full-time course at a designated learning institution for at least eight months. This is important in order to make the program strong and solid and deliver the needed education and training.

• Applicants must also apply for the work permit within 180 days of receiving certain documents such as a transcript or official letter from the educational institution acknowledging that the applicant has completed all the requirements of the course. This period is very important, especially for those graduates who intend to look for jobs within that period as they will not be forced to travel back to their home countries.

• Applicants need to have kept full-time status in each academic session in the program that has been completed save the last session, which may be part-time, and has declared this in their PGWP application. This requirement will help the Canadian authorities determine whether the student was an active participant in his or her learning process and an individual who intended to finish his or her education and be a part of Canadian society.

• Last but not least, foreign students, who received the PGWP earlier, cannot receive it again. It restricts the benefit in such a way that each graduate can avail of it only once so that the maximum number of people in Canada get Canadian work experience.

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for your PGWP involves several steps that need to be carefully followed to increase your chances of approval: Applying for your PGWP involves several steps that need to be carefully followed to increase your chances of approval:

Step 1: Document Organisation

You will need:

· Certified letter from your school, college, or university requesting that you have finished your studies.

· An official transcript, or a copy as it appears on the school’s website shall be considered with the same weighting as the official document.

· A valid passport.

· Evidence of financial resources to cater for your stay in Canada.

Step 2: Application

It is important that upon receipt of the application form the concerned organization or authority duly fills it in the following order.

It is however important to note that submission of the application for the PGWP can be done both online and on paper. However, usually, online applications are on the faster side and you will also know for sure that when you are submitting it is a complete application.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

Since it is compulsory for all the students to enter into an agreement with the fee structure that suits their classes, the cost incurred has to be paid in full.

· The cost of the PGWP application is inclusive of the open work permit holder fee and the normal work permit fee. Check that you have cleared all the charges so that your application is not rejected when you are undertaking an application.

· The last step is to submit your application and wait to be enlisted into the program.

· Upon the completion of the application process and collecting all the documents, apply through the IRIR online portal or by post. Always carry a photocopy of the entire application to be safe.

· Things to Do After Getting Your PGWP

· Once you have the PGWP in your hands, it is time to start your career in Canada.

Few tips

Start Networking

Networking is very important especially when one is starting his/her professional life in a new country. This is especially important if you are an immigrant; it is always encouraging to find people in the same profession as you and learn from them as well as give you a lead on the next job opportunity. Carry out networking and attend association meetings and local chapter meetings as well as contribute on professional social media sites such as LinkedIn. Such activities may assist you in developing social relationships, gain information concerning trends in the market, and increase your exposure to employers.

Update Your Resume

It is imperative that you suit your resume to the Canadian market. Canadian employers expect precise formats as well as kinds of experience. Lastly, you should add the volunteer work or internships that you have done because Canadian employers value them.

Consider Further Immigration Options

It is recommended that while one is an immigrant in Canada on the PGWP, he or she should consider other opportunities available for immigration. However, one of the frequently used categories, the Canadian Experience Class or CEC, is within the system and is called Express Entry.

Post-Graduation Options: Navigating Work Visas and Immigration