Working In Canada Without Work Permit? Here’s What PGWP Students Must Know

International students always had a tough time dealing with the decisions about leaving or staying back in Canada until receiving a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Earlier they faced the risk of losing their eligibility to work in the country after they traveled outside Canada. But not anymore! The new decision passed on February 21 has made it legal for the PGWP students to work sans work permits while they are waiting for it.

Similarly, these students can work in Canada full time even if they leave the country for some reason and decide to return. But to become eligible for this provision, international students must ensure that their application reaches the authorities before the expiry of their study permit. Importantly, the Canadian administration requires around 90 days to deciding on Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Essential Requirements For Canada PGWP Applicants

1. Students Must Hold Valid Study Permit

Students who are interested in getting PGWP in Canada must have a valid study permit when they are applying.

2. Student Must Complete Study Program

Students who have left their study half-way do not stand any chance of getting the work permit. It is only given to the international students who have duly completed their degree, certificate, or diploma program and proof regarding the same has to be attached with the application.

3. Full-time Students Enrolled For At Least Six Months Program

The PGWP privilege is available only for the students who had enrolled in a full-time course at a recognized institution in Canada in a professional training, post-secondary, and vocational program. Moreover, the program duration essentially must be at least six months.

4. Working Hours 20 Hours/Week Or Less

The students interested in working in Canada after their graduation should not have worked for more than 20 hours per week to become eligible for the PGWP in Canada. Students whose applications fail to meet the approval of the federal government will have to stop working immediately on getting intimation from the ministry of immigration in Canada.

Requisites For Making Canada Permanent Residence

After fulfilling all the criteria once the applicant gets Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada he gets permission to work for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of three years in Canada. In this case, the aim is to make Canada a permanent base; the students can apply for the Express Entry system for becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Express Entry is Canada’s exclusive application management system that applies to three major immigration programs related to economic class. It includes the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

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Sangati Jogwar

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