You aren’t eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if any of the following apply:

1. Expired Study Permit: Your study permit expired more than 180 days before you applied for the PGWP.
2. Previously Received a PGWP: You’ve already been issued a PGWP in the past.
3. Language or General Studies: You studied English or French as a second language or took general interest or self-improvement courses.
4. Government of Canada Programs: You participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) or received GAC funding, such as the Equal Opportunity Scholarship (Canada–Chile) or participated in programs like the Canada–China Scholars’ Exchanges Program or Organization of American States Fellowships Program.
5. Distance Learning: You completed the major part of your study program through distance learning, such as online courses or correspondence.
6. Non-Eligible Programs/Institutions: You completed a study program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, or at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is not eligible for the PGWP, including those delivered through public-private partnerships (unless covered under specific exceptions).

There are also exceptions for some programs offered under curriculum licensing agreements within or between provinces.

If you’re not eligible for a PGWP, you may still qualify for another type of work permit.

The amount of your online studies that counts toward a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) depends on when and where you studied.

If you studied online at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution (DLI) from outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022, all of that time will count toward the length of your PGWP. However, starting September 1, 2022, new policies apply.

Time spent studying outside Canada after December 31, 2023, won’t count toward your PGWP, and at least 50% of your program must be completed in class in Canada starting September 1, 2024.

Until August 31, 2024, you can still complete up to 50% of your program online or in class in Canada.

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is generally valid based on the length and type of the student’s academic program, with additional consideration for the expiry date of their passport. The specific eligibility and length rules are as follows:

1. Master’s Degree Programs (Effective February 15, 2024):
   • Programs less than 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec): Not eligible for a PGWP.
   • Programs at least 8 months but less than 2 years: Eligible for a 3-year PGWP, provided all other eligibility criteria are met. This applies only to master’s degrees and excludes certificate or diploma programs.
2. All Other Programs:
   • Programs less than 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec): Not eligible for a PGWP.
   • Programs at least 8 months but less than 2 years: PGWP may be issued for a duration equal to the length of the program (e.g., a 9-month program could result in a 9-month PGWP).
   • Programs 2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for up to 3 years.
3. Multiple Programs:
   • You may be eligible for a PGWP that combines the length of multiple eligible programs, each at least 8 months long.

Note that students can only apply for one PGWP in their lifetime.

If your passport expires before your full PGWP eligibility ends, your PGWP will only be issued until your passport’s expiration date.

However, you will be informed if you need to extend your PGWP to receive the full validity period you’re entitled to. Normally, you can only apply to extend a PGWP if you are specifically instructed to do so, and in such cases, the extension application must be submitted on paper.

To avoid such unnecessary hassles, it’s advisable to ensure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your PGWP eligibility before applying. This can help you avoid the inconvenience of needing to extend your work permit later on.

The processing times for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application can vary based on the applicant’s location and the visa office processing the request. On average, processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Factors such as the completeness of your application, potential requests for additional documents, and seasonal variations in application volumes can influence the timeline.

At Cantrust Visa, we can help expedite the process by ensuring that your PGWP application is complete and accurate from the start. Our experienced team handles all the paperwork, reducing the risk of delays caused by incomplete submissions or errors. We also provide regular updates at every stage, so you can focus on preparing for your career in Canada while we manage the administrative process.