The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from most Canadian public post-secondary institutions to stay and work in Canada upon graduation.  As someone who remembers the frustration of international students who had to leave Canada upon graduating even though they would have jumped at the opportunity to stay, work, and pay taxes in Canada, it is certainly a welcome program.

The permits are open work permits. There is no requirement for a job offer prior to applying. There is no restriction on the type of work that can be performed.

If you complete a program of study that is two or more years, you can apply for a three-year work permit. If your program of study is between eight months and two years, then you will be eligible for a work permit lasting for a period equal to the duration of your studies.

The application for the PGWPP must be submitted within 90 days of formal written notification that you have met the requirements for graduation.

Combining Programs

One question that frequently arises is what would happen if a student obtains a second one-year diploma after having already completed a one-year diploma prior to that?

Pursuant to a recent CIC bulletin, it appears that the length of the two degrees may be combined to obtain a three-year work permit. The bulletin uses the example of a student who obtains a one-year diploma program in Canada, and then completes a one-year MBA. Previously, the student would seemingly have only been eligible for a one-year student visa. Today’s bulletin however clarifies that a three-year work permit would be issued.

Implication of Doing a Victory Lap

A second clarification is that a student in the last session of a program of study needs only take two additional classes in order to be eligible for the program.

For those that are doing what is known as a “victory lap”, or who have to take one or two courses to get their degree, this is certainly a welcome change.