Graduation Season is slowly approaching, and I want to make sure you have all your T´s crossed and you are ready to apply for your Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Here are some tips (off the top of my head, and only if you applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024) to keep in mind.
1- Double-Check Your Passport Expiration Date
Since the length of your PWGP depends on the length of your studies and the expiration date of your passport, if your passport is expiring within the next 3 years, make sure you renew it right away.
You want to do everything in your power to ensure you get the full validity of your PGWP in your first application to avoid any need for re-applications in the future.
2- Language Test Results
Ensure your language test results are less than 2 years old, and that you have achieved the minimum CLB level required depending on your level of studies (CLB 7 if you graduated from a Bachelor’s, Master´s, PhD, or any other University program, and CLB 5 if you graduated from a college or non university program).
3- Gather All Your Supporting Documents
This includes not only your passport, language test, and school documents but also all other documents you may need to prove that you complied with the terms and conditions of your status as a student.
Did you take a leave? Was it under 150 days? Was it authorized? You need documents.
Did you work? You must prove you only worked the number of hours you were allowed to work, so gather your paystubs, bank statements, employer letters and anything else you can think of.
4- Fees
Keep in mind you will need to cover at least $255 in processing fees (which includes the work permit and the open work permit fees from IRCC). You may also need to consider biometrics ($75), upfront medical exams, and police certificates, if applicable.
5- Apply As Soon As Possible
Organize your documents, and make sure you apply as soon as possible. You can apply as soon as you have one of the following documents:
-Degree or Diploma
-Official letter from school confirming you have completed your studies
-Official transcript
-Copy of your transcript from your school´s website
Keep in mind that if you apply while your study permit is still valid you may** be eligible to continue working full-time while your PGWP application is being processed.
And last but not least:
6- Remember You Are Not Alone!
Do you have any questions? Not sure if you are eligible for a PWGP? Do you want to know how a change of status may affect your family? Reach out! There is plenty of help out there!
Find someone you connect with, someone you feel comfortable speaking to and reaching out. If that is me or Marichu, great! We can’t wait to hear from you. If you feel comfortable with another consultant, please! Call them, contact them! There are lots of great consultants out there eager to help.
Just PLEASE make sure you are getting help from a REGULATED Immigration Consultant or an Immigration Lawyer and protect yourself from scammers.
(**) There are some criteria you need to meet for this to apply. You can find all the information here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.