A Complete Guide to Choosing a Canadian School and Program for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
Choose The Right School and Program to Ensure your Eligibility for a PGWP
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right school and program to ensure your eligibility for a PGWP.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
It can be valid for up to three years and is a key factor in qualifying for many permanent residence (PR) streams, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.
Why PGWP Eligibility Matters When Choosing a School
To be eligible:
- You must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) recognized by the Canadian government.
- Your program must meet specific criteria related to duration, level of study, field of study, and language proficiency.
Failing to meet these conditions can result in ineligibility for a PGWP—making your investment in education less beneficial from an immigration standpoint.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right School and Program
1. Confirm the Institution is a DLI
A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Here’s how to verify DLI status:
- Visit the official IRCC Designated Learning Institutions list.
- Choose your province or territory from the drop-down menu.
- Search for your intended school in the provided list. Make sure it has a DLI number and offers PGWP-eligible programs.
Note: All primary and secondary schools are automatically considered DLIs, but these do not qualify for PGWPs.
2. Ensure the Program is PGWP-Eligible
Even if the school is a DLI, not all its programs may qualify for PGWP. To ensure eligibility:
- Program Duration: It must be at least 8 months long.
- Program Type: Academic, vocational, or professional training leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate.
- Graduation Level: Only certain degrees from private institutions qualify.
- Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level in English or French.
- Field of Study (for some levels): Must align with in-demand occupations.
PGWP Eligibility Criteria by Level of Study
| Level of Study | Language Requirement | Field of Study Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four areas | Not required |
| Other University Programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four areas | Must be in an eligible field |
| College/Non-University Programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all four areas | Must be in an eligible field |
How to Check if Your Program Matches the Field of Study Requirement
Programs in Canada are classified using the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. To identify if your program is eligible:
- Visit Statistics Canada's CIP directory.
- Use the search bar to find the 6-digit CIP code that best matches your program.
- Review the official description, example programs, and exceptions.
- Cross-reference the CIP code with IRCC’s list of PGWP-eligible fields.
Recent Policy Update: Master’s Graduates Get PGWPs Up to 3 Years
Effective February 15, 2024, graduates of Master’s programs that are at least 8 months long (or 900 hours in Quebec) are now eligible for a full 3-year PGWP, even if the program itself is shorter than 2 years. This is a significant change that can greatly benefit those in advanced academic programs.
Additional Conditions You Must Meet to Qualify for a PGWP
- Maintain Full-Time Status throughout your academic sessions.
- Graduate from an eligible institution that issues degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
- Provide supporting documents, including your transcript and official graduation letter, when applying for the PGWP.
- Remain admissible to Canada—your application may be denied if you’ve developed a criminal record, a serious medical issue, or violated the conditions of your stay.
What If You Already Have a PGWP?
However, if you completed multiple eligible programs before applying for your first PGWP, the duration of your permit may be based on the combined length of your studies.
Types of Institutions That Qualify for PGWP
- Public post-secondary institutions (e.g., universities, colleges, trade schools).
- Private institutions in Quebec that follow the same rules as public ones.
- Private Quebec institutions offering 900+ hour programs leading to a DEP or ASP.
- Degree-granting private institutions authorized under provincial law (only for degree programs).
Final Tips for a Successful PGWP Journey
- Do thorough research on the institution and program before applying.
- Speak with admissions or an immigration advisor if you’re unsure about eligibility.
- Ensure your documents are in order before graduation.
- Stay informed about IRCC updates and immigration policy changes.
- Remain in good standing legally and academically throughout your stay in Canada.
Conclusion
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