Selection of Canadian School and Program: Post-Graduation Work Permit Requirements

Canada is the first choice for most international students, offering impeccable education, culture, and a strong post-graduate settling record. The only one-of-its-kind major push factor, if at all, is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) with which the graduates are enabled to find jobs and get Canadian job experience on the day of their graduation, without which this concession does not work practically for all study streams and institutions. The right one is thus a priority-one option to take.

This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of choosing the right Canadian school and program to be eligible for the PGWP.

Getting Familiar with the PGWP

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit is a work permit that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides to international students who have graduated from an eligible study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to work in Canada.

You can renew the permit within three years, as long as you hold a program of specific duration.

Why Is the PGWP Important?

The PGWP is full of advantages:

• It allows you to acquire Canadian work experience
• It will make you eligible for permanent residence streams such as the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
• It offers you a stepping stone to Canadian study and work life

However, to qualify for this, you should carefully choose your school and program.

1. Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

What is a DLI?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a provincially or territorially designated school to which international students may be accepted.

Note: Not all DLIs are PGWP eligible. Private schools are some that are DLIs but not PGWP-qualifying.

How do you determine if a school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

You can check if a school is a Designated Learning Institution (Designated Learning Institution (DLI) by visiting the government’s IRCC website and searching by province or city. Ensure the school shows “Offers PGWP-eligible programs” in the status column.

2. The Program Should Be PGWP-eligible

Are All Programs under a DLI PGWP-eligible?

No. A DLI is a school, yet PGWP does not always cover courses under it. To qualify and become eligible:

• It should be at least 8 months in duration
• It should be for a degree, diploma, or certificate
• It should be on-campus and full-time (in most cases)
• The school should be public, or private in the case of the above

3. Select Public Schools or Accredited Universities

Is a Public College More Suitable for PGWP?

Apart from sporadic cases, public post-secondary schools, such as universities, colleges, and technical institutes, generally offer PGWP-eligible programs.

Examples:

• Universities (University of Toronto, University of British Columbia)
• Community colleges (Humber College, George Brown College)

Private schools are riskier since:

• Most fail the requirements for PGWP
• Private school PGWP rules keep changing

4. Pick a Program for Your Purposes

Does the Type of Program Matter for PGWP?

Yes, any program will undoubtedly grant a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Still, your career aspirations and PR plan must be well-defined and implemented.

If you intend to make a future permanent residence application:

• Select an education program to fill the hard Canadian work
• Internship or co-op programs would be ideal since you’ll gain work experience as part of your PR application

5. Guaranteed Delivery Status

Are Distance or Online Programs Eligible?

Typically, no. Programs done entirely online are not eligible for PGWP.

COVID-19 policies were temporarily exempted, but such policies are under review. It is always best to check with the college and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC) for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will My Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Be Valid?

Answer:

• If your study program is 8 months or longer but no more than 2 years: PGWP duration = same as program duration
• If your study program is longer than 2 years, PGWP duration = up to 3 years
• If you have more than one program, the total duration must be at least 8 months and also meet other specific conditions.

What If I Choose the Wrong School or Program?

Answer: If your program or school is not PGWP-eligible, you will not be permitted to work full-time after graduation and will not qualify for Canadian permanent residence programs requiring Canadian work experience. That may make the difference between a great and an okay life.

The Right Choice: Some Advice

Talk to an Academic Advisor

Before applying, call the school’s international office and ask whether the program you are applying for is PGWP-eligible.

Read the Fine Print

Scroll down to the bottom of the school website for:

• Mode of delivery
• Accreditation
• Credential length and type of credential granted
• Availability for co-op or internship

Double-check with IRCC

Things do occur, and policies do as well. Verify everything that a school or program says it offers with IRCC’s most recent guidelines.

Technicality alone is not the only factor that determines the right school and program in Canada. It matters because it will decide your eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, which can be the beginning of getting and holding employment in Canada.

Eligibility depends on:

• Choosing a Designated Learning Institution that has PGWP-eligible programs
• Selecting a minimum 8-month-duration program
• Choosing public colleges or universities
• Steering clear of fully online programs
• Your chosen study program should assist you in your career and immigration purposes

By making clever choices, you will ensure your success in school and the profession that will become yours in Canada.