Canadian Immigration News

How Is the IRCC Reducing Processing Time for Post-Graduation Work Permit Applicants?

1.75 minute read
"Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have reduced the processing times for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) by almost 1/3rd. The figures released by the IRCC show that the PGWP applicants in the last 1 year had to wait for only 6 weeks to get their temporary work permit."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Sep 23, 2021
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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have reduced the processing times for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) by almost 1/3rd. The figures released by the IRCC show that the PGWP applicants in the last 1 year had to wait for only 6 weeks to get their temporary work permit. The average processing time for a PGWP in the preceding year was at least 17 weeks. 


What Is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

International students who have recently graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) are eligible for a PGWP. A PGWP is an open work permit that allows recent international graduates to obtain Canadian work experience and become eligible for Canadian permanent residence.

International students must apply for a PGWP within 90 days of graduation. A PGWP is only issued for 3 years.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a PGWP?

You will be required to meet the following requirements to be eligible for a PGWP:

  • Complete a study program that lasted at least 8 months as a full-time student in Canada
  • Graduate from a public or private post-secondary institution or a private institution authorized to confer degrees to international students by the provincial or territorial government
  • Apply for a work permit within 90 days of graduation
  • Be eligible to obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate for the completion of your study program
  • Have a valid Study Permit 

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Canadian government has issued certain temporary public policies to support PGWP holders.

What Temporary Changes Have Been Made to the PGWP During the Pandemic?

Recently, the Canadian government made certain changes to the PGWP. Now, international students who completed 100% of their study program can apply for a PGWP, provided their study program was in progress since March 2020 or began between Spring-Fall 2021.

Since the pandemic forced many foreign workers to work part-time due to restrictions, this change in status will no longer impact their eligibility for a PGWP.

One of the most important changes made is that PGWP holders whose work permit expired on or after January 30, 2020 or is soon expiring can apply to extend their PGWP for 18 months.

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