Canada is home to some of the world’s best education options. In addition, Canada is considered one of the easiest countries to get permanent residence for international students. International students who complete post-secondary education in Canada have many opportunities to extend their stay and ultimately transition to permanent residence.
Our expert academic advisors at PRODIREKT have compiled this brief guide to help you realize the benefits of studying in Canada and why it is good to begin your studies now.
Benefits of Studying in Canada and PGWP
Discover why hundreds of PRODIREKT international students have chosen to study in Canada. From safe and welcoming campuses to quality of life, the reasons are many, but the most important one is an opportunity to work while studying and after you graduate. The Canadian work experience you gain through a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) can help you qualify for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry.
Canada is allowing online learning to count towards PGWP eligibility
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit issued to foreign students who have graduated from a designated learning institution. Usually, students must be physically present in Canada for their time in that country to count towards the length of their PGWP.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Canada has made it easier for international students to begin their academic journey. Should you wish to begin your program at a Canadian college or university, you will now be able to study online in your home country and still access the same benefits of being in Canada.
Canada is more affordable to study in than the likes of the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia, but beginning your program online can make studying in that country even more affordable for you.
This temporary PGWP policy enables you to save on student health insurance and living costs in Canada while you remain in your home country. Once you decide or are able to attend your classes in person, you will be legally eligible to work for any employer as soon as you arrive to Canada. Under the terms of most study permits, you can work for up to 20 hours per week during your program, and full-time during regularly scheduled breaks such as winter and summer breaks.
As the Verbalists Education & Language Network reported on January 7, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just confirmed a further extension of flexibility for international students studying outside of Canada. Those students will be allowed to count online study time from March 2020 to 31 August 2022 towards Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility. Moreover, international students will now be able to complete up to 100 per cent of studies (changed from 50%) with a Canadian institution online and still be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit.
This is a temporary policy that aims to provide even more flexibility to international students due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Why is Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) important
The PGWP allows you to gain work experience in Canada and can help you become eligible for a variety of federal and provincial immigration programs (which sometimes require that candidates have qualifying Canadian work experience to become eligible for a given program). The PGWP is valid for a period equivalent to the program of study you completed in Canada. Its duration can range from a minimum of 8 months to a maximum of 3 years.
If you take a qualifying program at a Canadian designated learning institution (i.e., a college or university) of at least two years in duration, you can apply for a full, three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The PGWP is important for international students that want to make their Canadian immigration applications more competitive. The combination of a Canadian education and Canadian work experience gained through the PGWP will enhance a student’s chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residence. While holding a PGWP, you can then go ahead and pursue a number of federal and provincial permanent residence avenues, such as: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec, and other federal programs.
Study Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)
The following are the steps you need to take if you wish to study in Canada and transition to permanent residence:
Select College & Program
PRODIREKT advisors can help you to find the right education program you want to pursue in Canada. We will evaluate your professional profile and present you with the programs and colleges that best fit your academic needs and budget.
Apply to College
Once you have decided which education program to apply for, we will help you submit your application to the college of your choice. Our long-standing relations with the most popular higher education institutions in Canada enable us to offer great promotions and scholarships, exclusive to our students.
Apply for Study Permit
Upon obtaining a letter of acceptance from the school, PRODIREKT will assist you in submitting an application to the Government of Canada for a study permit. We make this complex process easier and smoother.
Explore your immigration options
After completing your studies, together with our immigration law partners, we will guide you through your options of how to remain in Canada and gain more professional work experience and pursue permanent residence.
Tip: As an international student, admission to a popular course offered by a Canadian college/university may be subject to limited slots, so planning in high advance is a must.
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PRODIREKT can help you get started studying in Canada and take advantage of the current PGWP policy. Our dedicated experts will advise you on how to find the right program based on your needs, and help you apply to the school. Once you’ve been accepted into a Canadian school, we’ll also help you apply for a study permit.
PRODIREKT is a world-leading educational consultancy which focuses on the three top study destinations – US, UK and Canada. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Contact us and let’s get started!