Post-secondary study programs can also be a pathway to Permanent Residency. This is where the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) plays a key role.
For eligible schools, students can automatically obtain open work permits upon completion of their program of study. The PGWP is valid for 1, 2 or 3 years, depending on the length of your study program. For 1 year programs, the PGWP is 1 year. For 2 year programs, the PGWP is 3 years.
With an open work permit, immigration hopefuls can acquire the 12 months of skilled work experience needed to apply for most economic immigration streams. Also, having study and work experience in Canada improves the Express Entry CRS score. Not to mention, you are way more likely to get a continuing job offer once you start working.
Step 1
Acceptance to a PGWP
Eligible Program
Step 2
Graduate from a
Program of Study
Step 3
Apply for a Post Graduate
Work Permit
Step 4
Gain 12 Months Skilled
Work Experience
Step 5
Choose an
Immigration Stream
Step 6
Apply for
Permanent Residence (PR)
Eligible Schools and Programs for the PGWP
Public Institutions
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Camosun College
- Capilano University
- College of New Caledonia
- College of the Rockies
- Douglas College
- Emily Carr University of Art and Design
- Justice Institute of British Columbia
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Langara College
- Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
- North Island College
- Northern Lights College
- Northwest Community College
- Okanagan College
- Royal Roads University
- Selkirk College
- Simon Fraser University
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of the Fraser Valley
- University of Victoria
- Vancouver Community College
- Vancouver Island University
