Dreaming of studying in Canada? Well, here’s some fantastic news for you! Canada offers an exciting opportunity for international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. In this article, we will explore ten essential facts about Canada’s PGWP that every international student should know. For all those who are looking to study in Canada the following points will uncover the benefits of this remarkable pathway to launch your career in Canada!

1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the PGWP, international students must have completed a full-time program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada. The program should be at least eight months in duration, leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate. Meeting these criteria is the first step towards unlocking the benefits of the PGWP. 
2. Duration of the Permit: The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada for a period equal to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years. This provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can enhance career prospects and open doors to permanent residency options. 
3. Open Work Permit: The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning graduates can work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation. This flexibility allows international students to explore various industries, gain practical skills, and contribute to the Canadian workforce. 
4. No Job Offer Required: Unlike other work permits, the PGWP does not require a job offer at the time of application. This gives graduates the freedom to search for suitable employment opportunities based on their career aspirations and personal interests. 
5. Post-Graduation Work Permit Application: International students have 180 days from the date of their program completion to apply for the PGWP. It is essential to ensure that all necessary documents are prepared and submitted within this timeframe to take advantage of this valuable work opportunity. 
6. Bridging Work Permit: If an international student’s study permit is set to expire before they receive a decision on their PGWP application, they can apply for a Bridging Work Permit. This permit allows them to continue working legally in Canada until a decision is made on their PGWP application. 
7. Work Experience for Permanent Residency: One of the significant benefits of the PGWP is that it provides international students with Canadian work experience. This experience can enhance their eligibility for permanent residency programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 
8. Spousal Work Permit: The PGWP also extends benefits to the spouse or common-law partner of international students. The spouse may be eligible to obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada during the duration of the PGWP. 
9. Impact of COVID-19:  In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has introduced measures to support international students. Temporary rules have been implemented to ensure that online study completed outside of Canada is counted towards PGWP eligibility. 
10. Changing Employers and Extending Work Permit: During the validity of the PGWP, international graduates have the flexibility to change employers without requiring a new work permit. If they wish to extend their work permit beyond the duration of the PGWP, they can explore other immigration pathways, such as employer-sponsored programs or provincial nominations.