After graduating, working abroad makes sense and opens various employment doors. The post-study work visa makes it easier for international students to transition to a country’s employment market. Employment visas are available to foreigners who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree there.
After completing their education, these visas might last two years or longer, depending on the years of their study. In this regard, Canada offers a lucrative choice for many graduates. International students who desire to stay in the country after graduation might benefit from the Canadian Express Entry immigration procedure.
The PGWP doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which other Canadian employment authorizations need. However, this work visa has a one-time application restriction. Our complete article on how to apply for a post-graduation work visa in Canada and the extension procedure is below.
Steps on Applying for a Canadian Post-Graduation Work Visa
Getting a Canadian post-graduation work visa requires six months of registration after receiving the university’s official transcripts and degree certificates. It’s a remarkable method for breaking into the employment market. Below are the steps we recommend for applying for a Canadian PGWV.
Step 1. Compile the Necessary Documents
The first step is to check eligibility for the PGWV application. Ensure the applicant has all the essential papers, such as a university transcript, student visa, medical exam report, ID card, etc. The candidate may now download the application form from the Canadian government’s official website. Fill in all the needed fields and check the boxes to see whether you’re applying for PGWV outside Canada or the nation.
Step 2. Submit Documents and Pay the Required Fee
After completing the application form and attaching all required papers, pay the processing fee. For 2023, the PGWP application charges are CA$255. However, ‘Open Work Permit Holders’ must pay an extra CA$155 for the authorization fee and an extra CA$100 for the holder fee. These may include biometric, third-party, and processing costs. Submitting the paperwork and payment starts the visa procedure.
Step 3. Wait For the Decision
IRCC’s website now provides visa status updates for Canadian PGWV applicants. Applicants may check their work visa application status on its official website. After completing a Canadian program, one has 180 days to apply for a work visa. Once authorized, the candidate may work in their profession anywhere in Canada without violating Canadian laws.
FAQs: Post-Graduation Work Visa Applications for Canada
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Visa for Canada?
After finishing a one-year course, you must complete the conditions to extend your one-year visa to stay in Canada. The country allows a three-year residence after completing a two-year college degree or coursework. Students work at their selected level without money or employer assistance. PGWV can help you apply for citizenship if you’re staying in Canada. Below are the qualifying requirements for a Canadian work visa post-graduation:
| ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR PGWV |
| Should be 18 years or older |
| Studied in Canada for eight months continuously before applying |
| Has a full-time bachelor’s or postgraduate degree from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) |
| Eligible for a PGWP if more than half of his courses are on campus, corresponding to the duration of their degree or diploma |
| Must have filed visa applications within three months or 90 days after studies were completed |
| Must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements (English language proficiency is assessed for individuals coming to Canada who wish to live, work, or become citizens through this criteria) |
What Are the Requirements to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Visa for Canada?
The Postgraduate Employment Program in Canada has been created to help overseas students swiftly and effortlessly become permanent citizens. The document list and requirements to apply for this are as follows:
| PGWV APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS |
| An official letter or transcript required for successfully completing the institution’s degree program |
| A valid student visa |
| A guest visa status for students with expired study visas ONLY |
| A pre-employment medical checkup 90 days before application (if work requires it) |
| Photocopies of passport pages with the passport number, issuance date, and expiration date |
| Copies of their national identity documents |
| Current immigration document photocopy |
What is the Process for Extending a Post-Graduation Work Visa for Canada?
For students who already have a work permit and want to apply for a post-graduation work visa extension in Canada, we have all those details for you right here. The individual must have departed Canada or have a valid temporary work visa to get a PGWV. Graduates of approved DLIs are eligible. The applicant must provide proof that he or she meets the criteria for the following conditions:
- A work permit extension application may only be filed by a student or recent graduate of a recognized institution or college.
- The applicant has formal documents from their institution proving they graduated from an approved course.
- The candidate’s work permit allows full-time employment throughout the academic year.
- Each applicant must pay CA$155 for this open-entry work visa.
How Can You Find a Job in Canada as an International Student?
In March 2023, Canada’s employment rate was 62.40 percent. Due to its dynamic economy, more jobs are accessible here. For postgraduate work visa holders seeking employment, this might not be easy. TEER 1, 2, and 3 are available to Canadian DLI graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees. The applicant’s years and course determine this. The government recruits post-grads and offers international students coveted jobs.
The Federal Student Work Experience Project informs Canadian students about government-sponsored jobs. Through the Research Affiliate Program, you may work with government agencies as a research assistant in your field. Some of the firms that actively hire postgraduates in engineering and management are Golder Associates, WPS Global Inc., Amazon, Deloitte, and IBM Canada Ltd, among others.
Canada has a brimming employment market, bringing employment opportunities post-graduation. To work in Canada, people must first apply for a post-graduation work visa or PGWV. To continue, you can follow our guide above when applying for this specific visa in the country. We hope this article gave you all the information you need to secure a Canadian PGWV.
Hopefully, this article on how to get a post-graduation work visa in Canada was informative and helpful. Please also check the Canada Page and Open Courses for International Students to learn more details about studying in the country!
