Before the pandemic, international students could not continue their online studies outside of Canada and obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) once the program was completed. However, things have changed over time.
This policy was introduced as part of the pandemic response to ensure that international students affected by the virus were eligible for PGWP.
The Rule is Applicable even for the Students Taking Two Study Programs
Even if you were enrolled in more than one study program, you are still covered by the above criteria as long as the programs began between March 2020 and summer 2024.
Remember, study programs must have an appropriate Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet other PGWP requirements.
Also, a program might be as short as eight months. Furthermore, time spent studying online (outside of Canada) after August 31, 2022, as well as time spent before applying for the study permit, does not count toward the term of a PGWP.
The length of one’s study is equally crucial as PGWP eligibility. It is also necessary for determining the duration of your PGWP. For example, if your study term is more than eight months but shorter than two years, the validity of your PGWP corresponds to the length of the study program. If the term was longer than two years, the PGWP period could be up to three years.
FAQS
Can we work in Canada after finishing our studies without first applying for a work permit?
You must stop working once you have gotten your final marks. You can continue to work after finishing your studies if you have already applied for a work permit or are beginning a new study program.
When can I start working after applying for the PGWP?
You can start working full-time after applying for a PGWP if you had a valid study permit when you submitted your application (keep in mind that a study permit might be ruled invalid 90 days after the completion of studies). You have completed your study program.
How long do you have to study in Canada to obtain PGWP?
If your program lasted at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), you can apply for a 3-year PGWP even if your master’s degree was shorter than two years, as long as you complete all other eligibility requirements.
Can I work in Canada while I wait for the PGWP?
You can work full-time while waiting for a decision on your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application if all of the following conditions were met when you submitted your application: You had valid study permission. You have finished your program of study.
What are the new PGWP rules in Canada?
The Government of Canada made amendments to the post-graduate work permit program (PGWP) on February 15, 2024. Students who have finished a master’s degree program in less than two years are now eligible for a three-year PGWP, as long as they meet all other qualifying requirements.
What are the new restrictions for overseas students in Canada in 2024?
As of April 30, 2024, international students in Canada are no longer allowed to work more than 20 hours per week off campus while studying. According to Canadian government studies, eight out of ten overseas students currently work more than twenty hours per week.