Canada Post Study Work Visa 2023 – Eligibility & Categories

Canada Post Study Work Visa, Canada is experiencing significant economic growth, which makes it an attractive destination for countless immigrants. The opportunity to obtain Canadian citizenship is highly sought after due to the country’s exceptional income potential and abundance of excellent job prospects. Additionally, Canada boasts an effective government, a secure environment, and a rich cultural heritage. The purpose of this article is to provide an extensive guide on Canada Post Study Work Visa, including information on the different categories available and the application process.

Canada ranks prominently among the countries that welcome immigrant workers, providing them with the opportunity to apply for a permanent residency (PR) visa. After maintaining the PR status for a period of three years, individuals have the option to pursue Canadian citizenship.

Individuals who are seeking employment opportunities in Canada have the option to obtain a Canadian Work Permit for a specified period of time. To secure a job contract from a Canadian employer, immigrants should reach out to the immigration offices and initiate the application process for a suitable work visa.

In order to hire skilled foreign workers for positions that cannot be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents (PR card holders), employers in Canada are required to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). While there are several private agencies that offer comprehensive services to facilitate the acquisition of a Canadian work permit, it is essential to diligently research and select a trustworthy organization.

Canada Post Study Work Visa 2023 – Eligibility

Canada Work Permit Visa:

Canada presents remarkable opportunities for foreign workers, extending invitations to around 300,000 individuals annually to apply for work permits. With a work permit, you gain the following benefits:

• Work in Canada without any restrictions and remain employed with the company mentioned in your application
• Invite your spouse and family under the Dependent Visa category.
• Earn a living in Canadian dollars.
• Travel freely across the nation.
• Apply for a PR visa after a stipulated period and enjoy a wider range of benefits.
• Enjoy one of the best work cultures in the world.

Who can apply for the Canada Work Permit?

To obtain a work permit in Canada, it is necessary to provide proof of employment. Typically, this entails submitting your employer’s job offer letter or a similar document. It is important to note that all applications must be written in English. The work permit serves as an ideal option for international students studying at Canadian universities, temporary workers visiting for short-term assignments or on-site projects at Canadian companies, as well as individuals traveling for business purposes.

Eligibility Criteria

Here are some of the general eligibility guidelines:

Commit to leaving the country once your permit expires –

You should provide relevant documents as a guarantee such as an airplane ticket, etc.

Provide proof of funds –

As part of the requirements for staying in the country, you will need to demonstrate your financial capacity to sustain your stay in Canada. Your financial status should be able to adequately cover expenses such as accommodations, daily living costs, and healthcare expenses for both you and your family.

Clean criminal record –

It is mandatory to have a clean background and to show that you pose no threat to the country.

Positive Medical records –

You might be required to take medical tests and clear them to obtain a work permit.

Guarantee to work legally –

It is mandatory to declare that you have no intentions of involving yourself in any activities that are deemed illegal by the government. There are specific work sectors that are considered illegal, and it is crucial to affirm your commitment to abide by the law and refrain from participating in such activities.

Declare all necessary documents –

The immigration officers may demand to see all of your official documents, and you are expected to cooperate.

Documents Required

Below is a list of documents required for securing a work permit in Canada:

• Passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of arriving in Canada.
• Two recent passport-size photographs. It is advisable to have a formal photograph taken against a solid background.
• All certificates relating to educational qualifications.
• Proof of work experiences and other vocational training certificates if applicable.
• Documents stating sufficient financial means to sustain your stay in the country.
• Medical reports acquired from registered medical establishments.
• Receipt of the payment of applicable charges.

It is crucial to provide assurance to immigration officers that you will strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of the country, and that you have intentions to return to your home country upon the expiration of your permit. In the past, permits have been rejected when officials discovered that applicants had different intentions. The decision and judgment of the visa interviewer are final and definitive, so it is important to make your utmost effort to convince them of your sincerity and commitment.

Categories of Work Permits: 

Let us understand the various types of work permits for foreigners. There are two broad divisions:

Open Work Permit 

An Open Work Permit grants you the flexibility to work for any employer within the country, and you are not required to mention a specific job offer during the application process. Since it is not tied to a particular job type or position, there is no need to provide a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or any documents from an employer.

With an Open Work Permit, you have the freedom to switch jobs within the country, as long as the work you engage in remains legal. However, it is important to note that any involvement in illegal activities can lead to deportation or being banned from re-entering Canada.

Employer Specific Work Permit

As the name implies, a specific employer is associated with this type of work permit. Typically, this is applicable when you have obtained a job in Canada either while residing in your home country or while studying at a Canadian institution. Students often need to transition from a Canada Post Study Work Visa or apply for a new permit altogether. With this type of work permit, it is required to remain employed under the designated employer for the duration of your stay in the country.

Difference between an Open Work Permit and an Employer-Specific Work Permit

An Employer-specific work permit clearly states the employer with whom you will be working, and it is the designated employer who provides all the necessary details related to the work permit. They will provide the specific information regarding your employment, including job responsibilities, duration, and other relevant details.

However, in the case of an Open Work Permit, certain other conditions and factors are mentioned, which may include:

• Nature of work and the job roles
• The specific places you can work at
• The duration you can work for

You may apply for an Open Work Permit in case you hold the following visas:

• Post-graduate Work Permit
• World Youth Program Permit
• Temporary Work Permit for Spouses
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Spousal Permit
• Regular Open Work Permit
• Bridging Open Work Permit

What can you Do if your Passport Expires before your PGWP?

Ideally, the duration of your post-study work permit (PQWP) is based on the duration of your course at an accredited Canadian university. However, if your passport expires before your PGWP, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issue a new post-graduation work permit that matches the expiry date of your passport.

The process of getting a New PGWP

• Fill in the application form to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada at least 30 days before your current work permit expires.
• Apply for your new passport before you apply for a new PGWP.
• You can apply for a work permit from Canada and outside Canada.
• In either case, you will need to pay the work permit fees of $150 and the open work permit holder fee $100.

It is important to note that your work permit does not serve as a travel document. When applying for a new post-graduation work permit (PGWP), you must ensure that you possess a valid temporary resident visa if your passport is from a country that requires a visa, or an electronic travel authorization if your passport is from a country exempt from visa requirements. These additional travel documents are necessary to accompany your work permit when traveling to Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for PGWP 

To be eligible for a PGWP in Canada,

• You must have completed at least eight months of study.
• You should apply for the permit after 180 days of completing the degree.
• You must possess proof of your degree or diploma (educational transcripts )
• You must have a valid student visa when you apply for the PGWP

Inside Canada Graduates

If you have successfully completed your studies in Canada, you are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you meet the following criteria:

• Your study permit has been valid within the last 180 days
• You have a valid visitor record
• You have already submitted an application to extend your study permit before its validity ended, and you haven’t received any response on your application.
• You submitted an application for a status change, and no decision has been made on that.
• you completed a study program from a designated learning institution
• you were on a full-time student visa in Canada during each semester of your study program
• you graduated from one of the following institutions:

• A public post-secondary institution, such as a college, technical institution, university or Community College (in Quebec)
• A Quebec-based private post-secondary institution that follows the same rules as public institutions
• A Quebec-based private or public secondary or post-secondary institution that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer
• A recognized Canadian institution is authorized to provide degrees under provincial law.

Outside Canada Graduates

While it is possible to engage in online studies from outside Canada without a study permit, it is important to note that in order to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must have been approved for a study permit. Having a study permit is a requirement for eligibility when applying for a PGWP.

You can apply for a PGWP if

• you were enrolled in a program that was ongoing in till March in each session.
• if your program has started or is about to start between spring of the current year and summer of the following year
• you already have a study permit or you have been approved for a study permit
• you applied for a study permit before starting your study program
• finished a study program at a designated learning institute

Special cases

If you belong to any of the below-mentioned groups, you may be eligible for a PGWP

Accelerated programs

If you complete your study program in a shorter duration than the regular length of the program, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that is valid for the entire duration of the program. For example, if you finish a 1-year program in 9 months, you may be eligible for a PGWP that is valid for 1 year. This allows you to work in Canada for the same duration as your completed program.

From Inside Canada

If your courses were transitioned to online delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but you continued your studies online, the duration of your studies still qualifies you for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, it is strongly recommended that you attend on-campus classes when they are available and offered. While online studies are considered eligible for the PGWP, taking advantage of in-person learning opportunities can enhance your overall academic experience.

Taking Leave from your Studies 

You might not be eligible for a PGWP

• take leave from your studies without approval
• you violate the conditions of your study permit by taking this leave

In certain situations, you may be allowed to take an authorized leave of up to 150 days from your study program and still fulfill the conditions of your study permit. If your leave is officially authorized, you may still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) based on the duration of your completed program, even with the authorized leave taken into account. Meeting the necessary criteria and obtaining the required authorization for your leave increases your chances of being eligible for a PGWP.

What is Considered an Authorized Leave?

In certain instances, it is possible to take a leave of up to 150 days and still maintain your status as a regular student in your program. However, in such cases, it is crucial to provide evidence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada that your leave has been officially authorized. By demonstrating that your leave is authorized, you can ensure that you meet the necessary requirements to maintain your status and potentially remain eligible for benefits like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

The criteria based on which your leave is authorized are

• your institution has authorized your leave from your study program due to a medical condition, family emergency, death or sickness of a family member
• your institution has been permanently shut down due to a strike
• you changed your institution
• your institution has postponed the start date of your program

If you find yourself in such a situation, it is important to resume your studies in the subsequent semester, even if the classes commence before the 150-day period has elapsed. Additionally, you will be required to submit an updated letter of acceptance from your educational institution. This ensures that you maintain your student status and meet the necessary requirements for your study permit.

Working During an Authorized Leave 

You cannot work during an authorized leave from your study program even if you have a study permit to work in Canada.

1. Transfers between schools

Among DLIs 

If you have transferred from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another DLI in Canada, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as long as you have completed a minimum of eight months of study. Meeting this requirement allows you to potentially qualify for a PGWP based on your completed study duration.

From a non-DLI to a DLI

In the scenario where you have transferred from a non-Designated Learning Institution (non-DLI) to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, only the duration of your study at the DLI will count towards your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). You must have completed a minimum of eight months of study at the DLI in order to be considered eligible for a PGWP based on that duration of study.

2. Canadian study programs with an overseas component

If your study program includes an overseas component, you can be eligible to receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as long as you earn credits for that component from a Canadian institution. The validity of your PGWP will align with the duration of your study program, encompassing both the Canadian and overseas components. This allows you to work in Canada for a period equivalent to the length of your complete study program.

3. Flight school graduates

To be eligible for a PGWP, flight school graduates must have

• Finished a flight training program from a DLI or have a licence
• Can expect a trainer’s rating a job offer as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training center

4. Graduates of specific Quebec schools

The graduates of certain Quebec schools pursuing occupational training must meet the following conditions

• you must have graduated from a public secondary school, private secondary school, and private post-secondary school
• your degrees, diploma and certificates must be issued by the Québec Government.

Institutions 

From public or private secondary institution

• DEP- diploma in vocational studies
• ASP- attestation of vocational specialization

From private post-secondary institution

• DEC- diploma in college studies
• AEC- attestation of college studies

Duration of your program

You must have completed a full-time program in DEC or AEC. It should be for at least 8 months.

Supporting documents

To apply for a PGWP, you will need

• An official letter from the institution confirming the duration of your program and the program code. Apart from this, you can either provide
• A valid document that confirms that you finished your program
• A transcript from a Quebec institution board or a well-known private institution

Apply for a study permit

Online

When applying for a Canada Post Study Work Visa, whether you are inside or outside of Canada, the application process must be completed online. The documents you will need to provide while applying for a study permit are as follows:

• A letter of acceptance from the DLI you’ll be studying at
• Proof of acceptance

As part of your study permit application, you must include a letter of acceptance from your educational institution, which serves as proof of your admission. It is necessary to include either the original or a digital copy of your acceptance letter along with your study permit application.

Identity proof

You must have a valid passport and two- passport size photographs. Your date of birth must be written on the back of each photograph.

Proof of financial support 

Before moving to Canada, you have to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family member accompanying you.

You can prove your finances by showing relevant proof 

• proof of a Canadian bank account under your name if you have transferred funds to Canada
• proof that you have taken an education loan from a bank
• proof that you have paid your tuition and accommodation fees
• a letter from the person or the institution providing you funds
• in case you are awarded a scholarship from a Canadian university, you need to provide valid documentation proving the same

Letter of explanation

A letter of explanation is a valuable tool to provide the visa officer with insights into your personal background and future aspirations. It helps the officer gain a better understanding of your unique circumstances, motivations, and goals. Composing a well-written letter of explanation can significantly contribute to conveying your intentions and demonstrating your commitment to complying with the immigration regulations.

In this letter, you will have to justify:

• your reason for choosing Canada as your study destination and
• your understanding of the responsibilities as an international student

This letter should be included in your study permit application, even if you don’t need a study permit for your program.

Quebec Acceptance Certificate

If you plan to pursue studies in Quebec for a duration exceeding six months, it is necessary to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) provided by the Government of Quebec. The CAQ serves as an official document that demonstrates your eligibility to study in Quebec and is a prerequisite for obtaining a study permit for studying in the province.

Custodian declaration (if you are a minor)

If a student is under the age of majority and requires a custodian in Canada, it is mandatory to provide a Custodianship Declaration. The declaration comprises two pages that need to be signed by a notary and included as part of your study permit application. This document confirms the arrangement of a legal custodian who will be responsible for the student’s well-being and care while studying in Canada.

In the Custodianship Declaration, the first page must be signed by the designated custodian in Canada, while the second page must be signed by the minor’s parents in their home country. This two-page document ensures that both the custodian and the parents acknowledge and accept their respective roles and responsibilities regarding the care and well-being of the minor student during their stay in Canada.

At the airport

Ideally, it is recommended to apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada. However, based on the updated rules of the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there may be circumstances where you are eligible to apply for a study permit at the airport if you meet the following criteria:

• A U.S. citizen
• lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Greenland natives
• Natives of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

If you come under any of the categories mentioned above, you must have all the relevant documents needed to apply for a study permit when you show up at the border.

Extending your Stay in Canada 

If your study permit is about to expire, you can opt for one of the following options to stay longer in Canada.

• Apply for the extension of your study permit
• Apply for a PGWP if you have completed your study program
• Apply to change your status as a visitor.

What Can You Do If Your Study Permit Has Expired?

If you neglect to apply for an extension of your study permit before it reaches its expiration date, you will no longer be permitted to continue your studies as a Canadian student until you apply to restore your status. It is crucial to apply for the extension in a timely manner to ensure continuity of your studies and maintain your legal status in Canada.

How to Restore Your Status as a Canadian Student?

If you wish to continue studying in Canada, you must

• apply for a new study permit
• apply to restore your temporary residence status in Canada
• pay your fees

Visitor Applying for a Study Permit in Canada

If you are currently a visitor in Canada and wish to apply for a study permit, you can be eligible to do so by following the necessary steps to apply from outside of Canada. Despite being in Canada as a visitor, you can still pursue the study permit application process, provided you adhere to the application procedures designed for applicants applying from outside of the country.

Working as a Student 

As per the IRCC updates, to work in Canada as a student you must be

• a full-time student
• enrolled in a DLI
• meet all on-campus and off-campus work eligibility requirements.

Post study Work Visas for Students in Canada:

When you reach the final semester of your study program, it becomes crucial to make a decision regarding your plans to work and continue living in Canada after graduation. If you intend to work in Canada following the completion of your studies, you will need to convert your student visa to a work visa. This conversion is necessary to legally work in Canada and pursue your career opportunities beyond your academic endeavors.

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) enables you to stay and work in Canada after successfully completing a degree, diploma, or certificate program from a Canadian university for a minimum duration of eight months. The validity of the PGWP can be extended for up to three years. With a PGWP, you have the freedom to work in any field and with any employer in Canada, providing you with diverse employment opportunities.

Graduates use this time to understand the scope of employment, prepare for interviews, and gain general insight into the work culture.

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) serves as a crucial initial step towards attaining a more permanent status of residency in Canada, such as a Permanent Resident (PR) visa or Canadian citizenship. Without a PGWP, individuals may be required to return to their home country once their student visa expires. Transitioning from a student visa to a work visa can be a more complex process compared to obtaining a PGWP, highlighting the importance of securing a PGWP to continue residing and working in Canada.

How to Obtain a Letter of Completion for a PGWP? 

Before applying for a Canada Post Study Work Visa To obtain a letter of completion from your university, indicating the successful completion of your program of study, the process may vary from one university to another. Some universities require you to submit a request for the letter via email, while others automatically provide the letter once your program is finished. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and procedures set by your university for obtaining the letter of completion.

Working while Applying for PGWP

You are allowed to work full-time while submitting your application for a PGWP if

• you have a valid study permit while applying
• you have completed your study program
• eligible to work off-campus without a permit
• you did not work off-campus for more than 20 hours a week during your studies

What happens 180 days after your Letter of Completion becomes Available?

A letter of completion serves as evidence that you have successfully completed your study program. It is important to note that your study permit remains valid for 180 days after receiving the letter of completion. Therefore, if you wish to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), it is crucial to submit your application within 180 days of the letter of completion becoming available to you. Applying within this timeframe is essential to ensure eligibility for the PGWP based on your completed program of study.

Your study permit must have been valid within this time period. If you fail to apply for the PGWP within 180 days, you must

• Change your status to a visitor and apply from Canada via the visa office that caters to your country of citizenship.
• Leave Canada and apply for a PGWP from outside Canada.

How Can dependents get a PGWP in Canada? 

Dependents can only obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada after they have arrived in the country. If you are a resident in Canada who is 18 years or older, you have the opportunity to sponsor your family members, including parents, spouse, and children. This sponsorship option allows your family members to join you in Canada and potentially apply for their own work permits or other appropriate immigration status.

Which Visa is Required for Dependents?

The Canada Dependent Visa enables you to bring your dependents to Canada. Once they arrive in the country and obtain the necessary permits, they can engage in full-time work and study. You can sponsor the following dependents under the Canada Dependent Visa:

• Spouse or common-law partner
• Dependent children below the age of 21
• Dependent parents or grandparents
• Your blood relations and family relatives

How Can Candidates with Work Experience Apply for a PR in Canada?

The option by which experienced professionals can apply for a PR in Canada is given below

Express Entry Program

Through the Express Entry Program candidates are evaluated based on a point scale. It consists of three categories

Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

To be eligible for this program, you need to meet certain minimum requirements, including skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education. If you meet these requirements, your application is evaluated based on specific selection factors, such as:

Education

2. Age

3. English or French language skills

4. Work experience

5. Whether you have a valid job offer or not

6. Adaptability

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The eligibility criteria for this program include

1. meeting the language levels for each ability- listening, speaking, reading and writing.

2. having minimum 2 years of experience in a trade before within the 5 years before you apply

3. meet the job requirements for that skilled trade

4. have a valid full-time job offer and qualification certificate in that skilled trade furnished by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The minimum requirements for this program are:

1. meeting the language requirements required for your job in each ability- listening, speaking, reading and writing.

2. have minimum 1-year skilled work experience in Canada.

3. you have gained your work experience by working in Canada on the temporary resident status and were authorization to work

Ways to Get a More Permanent Work Visa After Studying in Canada

There are various programs and systems implemented by the Canadian government that you should consider while planning to apply for a visa.

You must clearly understand the following terms before going through the government programs:

Canada Language Benchmark (CLB)

To reside and work in Canada, it is essential to demonstrate your language proficiency in either English or French. The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) serve as the country’s standard for recognizing and evaluating language skills in these official languages. By undergoing assessments based on the CLB, you can provide evidence of your language proficiency and meet the language requirements necessary for living and working in Canada.

National Occupation Code (NOC

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) comprises a comprehensive list of occupations in the Canadian labor market, categorizing jobs based on skill type and required skill level. The list includes several main groups of jobs, which are as follows:

• Skill Type Zero – management jobs
• Skill Level A – jobs requiring a degree from a university.
• Skill Type B – technical jobs usually requiring a diploma or apprentice training.
• Skill Type C – Jobs for high-school graduates or people with job-specific training.
• Skill Type D – Jobs for laborers who will be trained on joining.

You can refer to the following programs offered by the Canadian government for immigrant workers seeking visas:

Name Of Program	Language Skills	Work Experience	Duration Of Work Experience	Job Offer	Education
Atlantic Immigration Pilot	CLB 4	Not Required	Not Required	Required	Two Year Graduate Program from An Institute In Atlantic Canada
Canadian Experience Class	CLB In Case of NOC 0 Or A.   CLB 5 In Case of NOC B	Experience In NOC 0, A Or B From Canada	12 Months	Not Required	Not Required
Federal Skilled Trades Program	CLB 5 (Listening/Speaking)   CLB 4 (Reading/Writing)	Experience In NOC B	2 Years in The Last 5 Years	Required	Not Required
Federal Skilled Workers Program	CLB 7	Experience In NOC 0, A, B	1 Year Continuous	Not Required	Secondary Education Required
Provincial Nominee Program	Strong English/French Skills Varying by Provinces	May Include Experience in One of The NOC Levels	Province Specific	Province Specific	Province Specific
Rural Northern Immigration Pilot	CLB 6 – NOC A   CLB 5 – NOC B CLB 4 – NOC C OR D	Required	Not Required	Required	Variable.

To summarize, living in Canada provides ample opportunities for significant personal and professional development. Obtaining a Canadian visa after completing your studies is relatively straightforward, thanks to the various channels and assistance provided by the country’s immigration department. For comprehensive information regarding studying in Canada, you can refer to the following resources Canserves.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my post-graduate work permit in Canad

I apologize for the incorrect information provided. You cannot extend your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. The validity of your PGWP is determined by the duration of your program. For instance, if your program lasts for one year, you will receive a one-year PGWP. The maximum validity of a PGWP is three years.

Who is eligible for PGWP extension?

Students who complete their study program in a shorter duration than the actual length of the program may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that is valid for the entire duration of the program.

How many years is a post-study visa in Canada?