June 27, 2017 – The Canadian federal government has cut the processing time for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications by almost a third, new figures tudyhow.
Graduates applying in the last 12 months had to wait an average six weeks for their permits, compared to 17 weeks in the preceding year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada numbers show.
The PGWP offers graduates a pathway to the experience needed to apply for Canadian permanent residency via Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Under the program, graduates are given a temporary work permit matching the length of their studies in Canada, up to a maximum of three years. They must apply within 90 days of graduating.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program: Requirements
- Studied full time in Canada in a program of at least 8 months duration
- Graduated from a public post-secondary institution, a private post-secondary institution, or a private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees
- Submit an application for a work permit within 90 days after receiving written confirmation of completing a study program
- Received notification of eligibility to obtain a degree, diploma or certificate
- Possess a valid Canada study visa or Canada study permit
The reduction in processing time is further evidence of the federal government’s focus on attracting talented foreign graduates from Canadian universities to stay in the country when they finish school.
This process begins by drawing more international students to Canadian universities in the first place, a process helped by Donald Trump’s presidency in the U.S., which is forcing prospective students to consider other options beyond the USA.
America has traditionally dominated the market for foreign students, but fears over what Trump’s presidency could mean for life in the country as an immigrant means many are now looking north of the border at what Canadian schools have to offer.
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The perceptions of Canada and the U.S. could not be more different in the international community. While Trump attempts an immigration crackdown, Canada recently launched its Global Talent Stream in the latest in a series of immigration tweaks to help satisfy economic needs.
One of those tweaks will make it easier for international students to begin their working lives in Canada once they graduate.
The carrot of being given a pathway to permanent residence after graduation gives Canada an overwhelmingly strong case for drawing away some of the more than a million international students attending U.S. schools in 2016.
Many have Canada’s schools reported a surge in interest from America and abroad from the moment Trump was elected in November 2016.
That interest has translated into hard applications for some of the country’s biggest schools, including the University of Toronto and McGill in Montreal.
International students pay up to two or three times the tuition fees of Canadian students, making them key contributors to the budgets of the top universities across the country.
One estimate suggested the U.S. international student population is worth $32 billion a year to its economy.
International Graduates Under Express Entry
Changes made to Canada’s Express Entry System mean international students completing recognized degrees and diplomas in Canada are now specifically awarded points for the first time.
Students completing a three-year post secondary, master’s, professional degree or doctorate will get 30 extra points, while those who complete a post secondary diploma of at least one year duration score 15 points. No points are awarded for a high school certificate obtained in Canada.
Points Awarded for Canadian Education Under Express Entry
| Education Level | Number of Points |
| High school | 0 |
| One or two-year post secondary | 15 |
| Three-year post secondary, master’s, professional degree or doctorate |
30 |
In order to score Canadian education points, the candidate must have:
- Studied in Canada at a Canadian educational institution.
- Been enrolled in full-time study or training for at least eight months.
- Been physically present in Canada for at least eight months.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
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