When it comes to Post-Graduation Work Permit, online study is not eligible but since the pandemic, the condition has been changed. In the current scenario, International students are allowed to do their studies online from outside Canada and get their PGWP after completing the program. Due to the pandemic situation, Canada has extended the duration of online study for international students until August 31, 2022, up from December 31, 2021. According to the Canadian government website, the rule applies even if students are completing two study programs as long as programs were ongoing or started between March 2020 and summer 2022.
It is mandatory that study programs should be eligible with designated learning institutions and meet the key requirements of the PGWP. The minimum duration of the program may be eight months. After August 31, 2022, the duration you spend studying outside Canada and any time you spend studying before applying for a study permit will not count on the length of a PGWP.
When it comes to establishing PGWP eligibility and deciding how long your PGWP will be valid, the length of your study period is highly important. The PGWP validity should be matched with the length of your study program if your study program duration was more than 8 months but less than two years. In case it was longer than two years then PGWP might last up to three years.
The PGWP makes it easier to immigrate to Canada.
If you have Canadian work and study experience then it will help you with your immigration application. Only six out of ten overseas students (first-time study visa holders) work during or after their studies and become permanent citizens according to Statistics Canada report.
Express Entry, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are certain economic-class immigration pathways that place a high weight on Canadian work experience. Even, it is required in some programs.
PGWP can be used to work for any occupation, company, and employer in Canada because PGWP is an open work permit. It’s a one-time deal that can’t be extended or renewed. As per the studies, gaining work and academic experience in Canada help the immigrants to earn more money. All these reasons make PGWP a highly sought-after work permit and give new opportunities to immigrants in Canada.
