International Students in Canada: New Path to Work Experience and Residency
International students in Canada can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completion of their studies, allowing them to gain valuable work experience. To qualify, students must meet specific criteria related to their institution, program, and duration of study.
PGWP-eligible programs must be full-time and at least eight months long, offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). DLIs are authorized by the Canadian government to accept international students and include public post-secondary colleges, universities, and authorized private institutions across Canada, such as those in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Students must confirm their program's eligibility using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system and cross-referencing with a dedicated webpage.
PGWPs are Open Work Permits (OWPs), enabling graduates to work for most employers in most industries in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The length of the PGWP depends on the level and length of the program studied. To check a school's DLI status, students should use the IRCC DLI List page. Maintaining full-time student status throughout each academic session and obtaining official graduation documents are also crucial for eligibility.
PGWPs can be crucial for international students seeking to build eligibility for Canadian permanent residence programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Students must complete studies in an academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least eight months at an eligible institution and be admissible to Canada at the time of application.
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