Canada offers excellent opportunities for international students, and the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is a key pathway that allows students to stay and work in the country post-graduation.
This guide is specifically tailored for Pakistani students interested in pursuing higher education in Canada and exploring job opportunities after their studies.
The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work for any employer, anywhere in the country.
This permit is valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the study program completed.
For students from Pakistan, the PGWP offers a golden opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which is often crucial for transitioning into permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
To be eligible for a PGWP, Pakistani students must meet several criteria, including:
Students can apply for the PGWP either from within Canada or outside, such as from Pakistan. If applying from Pakistan, it’s crucial to have all the necessary documents, including:
If you plan to apply for the PGWP from Pakistan, you should also consider processing times at the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad, which might vary based on the volume of applications.
The processing time for the Post-Graduate Work Permit varies depending on where you apply from. On average, it takes between 80 to 180 days for applications submitted within Canada.
If you apply from Pakistan, additional time may be required for verification of documents.
Unfortunately, the PGWP is a one-time permit and cannot be extended.
However, once the PGWP expires, graduates can explore other options, including applying for permanent residency or securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) work permit, which allows further employment in Canada.
Yes, if you applied for the PGWP before your student permit expired, you are allowed to work full-time while waiting for your application to be processed.
For students returning to Pakistan after graduation, they will have to wait for their PGWP approval before beginning any employment in Canada.
One of the most significant benefits of obtaining a Post-Graduate Work Permit is that it helps in securing permanent residency. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are two pathways that highly value Canadian work experience.
Pakistani students who have completed their studies and obtained valuable work experience in Canada through a PGWP are strong candidates for both these programs.
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The PGWP is typically valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.
Yes, you can apply for the PGWP from outside of Canada, including from Pakistan. Ensure that you submit all necessary documents online through the IRCC portal.
Yes, the work experience you gain with a PGWP can significantly help in qualifying for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
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