Applying for a Post-graduate Work Permit

The post-graduate work permit is a relatively new program in Canada that would allow international students to be able to obtain an Open Work Permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, with no restrictions on the type of employment and no requirement for a job offer.

In addition, the duration of the work permit has been extended to three years across the country. Previously, the program only allowed international students to work for one or two years, depending on location.

As nothing is ever really straightforward when applying to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you should consult with a legal immigration representative to determine the best way to go about achieving your goals.

Impact of Length of Program of Study in Canada and the Length of the work permit

A Post-Graduation Work Permit cannot be valid longer than the official length of your program of study in Canada. For example, students graduating from a four-year degree program might be eligible for a three-year year work permit. Students graduating from an eight-month certificate program would only be eligible for a work permit of eight months.

The duration of study will have an impact on the duration of your post-graduate work permit.

If the official length of your program of study is:

• less than eight months
  • you are not eligible for this program

• less than two years but more than eight months
  • you may get a work permit for a period no longer than the length of your program of study (for example, if you studied for nine months, a work permit may be issued for a period of nine months)

• two years or more
  • a work permit may be issued for three years

You are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program if you:

• Study in a program that is less than eight months long
• participate in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD)
• participate in a Government of Canada Awards Program funded by DFATD
• receive funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
• participate in the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada-Chile
• participate in the Canada-China Scholars Exchanges Program
• participate in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program
• participate in a distance learning program either from abroad or from within Canada or
• have previously been issued a Post-Graduation Work Permit following any other program of study.

We can Help You!

We have dealt with hundreds of immigration cases. We have helped our clients in their difficult situations and have guided them to draft a more effective application. We can help you draft your application and arrange the required documents. A well-planned and complete application will increase your likelihood of acceptance and will save you from hassle.