The government of Canada has simplified the process of applying a work permit visa for international students who want to live and work in Canada. As of February 21, 2020, international graduates who have completed their studies in Canadian institutions now have more time to apply for a Post-Study Work Permit Visa. International students can now apply for the visa even from outside Canada, and re-enter the country to work full-time. Meaning, students need not require to have a Canada Study Visa permit while their application is processing.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows eligible international students who have studied in Canada for at least eight months to work in Canada for three years. The Canadian government grants the PGWP to attract and retain international students who are willing to be a part of Canada’s growing workforce. The program provides an open work permit to students who want to work for any Canada-based employer. The work experience gained in Canada counts at the time of applying for a permanent residency visa via express entry route.

Extends the time of Application

As per the announcement made on 14 February, students now have 180-days to apply for the work permit visa. Earlier, students used to have only 90 days to do the same. The 180-day period begins once the student has completed his/her study program and your school issues a degree/diploma/certificate for the same.

Additionally, the eligibility requirements have also been relaxed in the following ways:

• Possessing of a valid study permit is no longer required, provided their permit is valid during the 180-day period.
• Students are now eligible to apply for the PGWP visa from outside Canada or from their home country.
• In case, your study permit expires before you obtain your marks or results, then you may:
  • apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer, or
  • leave Canada and apply for your PGWP

“This is huge news for international graduates who are applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Doubling the amount of time, they have to apply and allowing them to do so beyond the expiration date on their study visa will make a world of a difference for students who want to stay and gain valuable Canadian work experience.” David Cohen, senior partner at the Campbell Cohen Canadian Immigration Law Firm.

Post-Graduate Work Permit and Canada Immigration

The PGWP plays a pivotal role for the government of Canada to attract skilled international graduates who like to live permanently in Canada and fuel the country’s economy. Having the work permit visa also benefits the international students in numerous ways as they not only gain Canadian work experience, but also gain the ability to boost their CRS points instantly when applying for the Canada PR Visa under the Canadian Experience Class category under the Express Entry System.

As per a report published by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), revealed that 70% o international students in Canada admitted that they are willing to settle in the country permanently after completing their studies.

Canada is the one of the most popular study destinations in the world, mainly because of its relaxed immigration, affordability, and post-study work permit policies. Canada is also one of the largest economies in the world, so opportunities are boundless for international graduates. As a student, you can easily network with recruiters, employers, and professionals in your field. Whether you are studying or just completed your graduation, you can gain work experience in Canada, which you can help you immigrate to Canada permanently.