Guaranteed Work Permit After Master’s in Canada: Everything You Need to Know

Is it guaranteed that you will receive a work permit after completing a Master’s degree in Canada?

Yes, if you study full time and there are no unscheduled breaks in your study. However, it also heavily depends on the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Let us break down the requirements and the general process.

Requirements for a Guaranteed PGWP

To secure a guarantee on your work permit, you must meet several key requirements:

Full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You have to attend a public institute that is eligible for the PGWP program. No unscheduled breaks in your study: Continuous enrollment is crucial to avoid jeopardizing your eligibility. Study criteria: You must graduate from your program and have studied a certain number of qualifying hours.

General Guidance on Getting a PGWP

While the path to obtaining a work permit is generally straightforward, it is important to know that there are many steps you need to take:

Qualifying study hours: You need to complete a specific number of qualifying study hours to be eligible for the PGWP. Graduation requirement: You must graduate from your program on time. Age limitation: There may be age restrictions; some programs do not accept students or graduates who are over the age of 30. STEM field requirement (optional): For some pathways, your course must be in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field, though this is not always a requirement.

Stay in Canada After Graduation

Once you have your PGWP, you can stay in Canada to work. However, if you plan to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after your work permit ends, there are additional criteria that you must meet:

Qualifying work experience: It is not enough to simply work in any job; you must have had qualifying work experience after you graduated. Academic standing: Maintain a minimum GPA as required by your program. Proper documentation: Ensure that you file all necessary paperwork on time.

Can I Still Get a Work Permit if My Program is Not in STEM?

While some programs in non-STEM fields may not qualify for the PGWP, it is still possible to obtain a work permit after graduation. However, you may need to check the Canada Immigration website to verify if your program qualifies for the PGWP.

Conclusion: Simplified Guide to Immigrating to Canada in 2023

The process of immigrating to Canada can be complex, but acquiring a work permit following a Master’s degree is generally quite straightforward. Ensure that you study fully, adhere to the eligibility criteria, and maintain academic integrity to guarantee your work permit. Always check the official Canada Immigration website for any updates and specific program requirements.