Introduction

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program offers international students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada, which can be a stepping stone towards permanent residency. However, not all international students are eligible for a PGWP. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established strict eligibility criteria. This article aims to highlight the various factors that can make a person ineligible for a PGWP.

PGWP Ineligibility for Not Meeting Essential Criteria

To be eligible for a PGWP, applicants must meet the following essential criteria:

1. One-time Eligibility: An individual can only receive one PGWP in their lifetime.
2. Valid Temporary Status: Applicants must have valid temporary status or have left Canada at the time of PGWP application.
3. Graduation from Eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Graduates must have completed their studies at an eligible DLI. Check your school and program’s eligibility for PGWP here.
4. Program Duration: Completion of an 8-month or longer program in Canada leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate is required.
5. Full-Time Student Status: Students must maintain full-time student status during each academic session, with exceptions for legitimate leaves or the final academic session.
6. Required Documents: Applicants must provide a transcript and an official letter from the DLI confirming program completion.
7. Timely Application: The PGWP application must be submitted within 180 days of meeting program requirements.
8. Study Permit Status: At the time of application, the applicant must hold a valid study permit, have previously held a study permit, or had authorization to study in Canada without a study permit.
9. Admissibility: The applicant must be admissible to Canada.

Failure to meet these criteria can render a person ineligible for a PGWP.

Institutional and Program-Based Ineligibility

Consider the following factors related to the choice of institution and program:

1. Private Career Colleges: Graduates from programs delivered by private career colleges under a curriculum licensing agreement with a public PGWP-eligible institution in another province are ineligible.
2. Language and General Interest Courses: Completion of courses such as English or French as a second language, general interest, or self-improvement courses results in ineligibility.
3. Non-Canadian Institutions: Programs conducted by non-Canadian institutions in Canada, regardless of the student’s stay duration, do not qualify for PGWP.
4. Distance Learning: Graduates who completed most of their program credits via distance learning or online are not eligible.
5. Flight School Graduates: Specific criteria apply for flight school graduates, including obtaining a Canadian commercial pilot’s license or instructor’s rating with an offer of employment as a flight instructor from a DLI flight training center in Canada.

Government Funding and Prior PGWP Issuance

Ineligibility factors related to government funding and prior PGWP issuance include:

1. Government Scholarships and Programs: Beneficiaries of specific government funding programs, including Global Affairs Canada scholarships, may be ineligible.
2. Prior PGWP Issuance: A PGWP is a one-time opportunity, and individuals who have previously been issued a PGWP cannot re-apply.

Compliance and Transitional Measures

Be aware of these compliance and transitional measures:

1. Study Permit Compliance: Non-compliance with study permit conditions, such as unauthorized leaves or failure to maintain full-time status, can lead to ineligibility.
2. Potential Six-Month Ban: Failure to meet study permit conditions may result in a six-month ban on applying for a PGWP.
3. Transitional Measures: Graduates from programs delivered by private career colleges under a curriculum licensing agreement with a public PGWP-eligible institution in another province may receive transitional measures if they meet specific criteria.

Eligibility Criteria Specific to Quebec Vocational and Professional Training Graduates

In Quebec, eligibility criteria are specific for vocational and professional training graduates:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be 18 years or older and have completed a full-time vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Quebec, with a minimum of 900 hours (equivalent to 8 months).
2. Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs): Graduates from programs at public post-secondary institutions and private post-secondary institutions in Quebec, operating under similar rules as public institutions, are eligible.
3. DLIs Loss of Designation: If a DLI loses its designation status before a student completes their program, eligibility for a PGWP remains intact if all other requirements are met.

Let Us Help!

Understanding the complex landscape of PGWP eligibility is essential. Professional consultation can provide guidance in navigating the eligibility criteria. For further assistance or if you are facing complexities, you can fill out the provided form.

Table: Ineligible Programs for Government Scholarships and Funding

Program Name
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Funding
Government of Canada Awards Program funded by GAC
Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada–Chile
Canada–China Scholars’ Exchange Program
Organization of American States Fellowships Program
Completion of program credits by distance learning
Program delivered by non-Canadian institution in Canada

Table: PGWP Eligibility Criteria for Quebec Vocational and Professional Training Graduates

Eligibility Criteria
Age: 18 years or older
Completed full-time vocational or professional training program
Minimum of 900 hours (equivalent to 8 months)
Submission of official program duration and documents

For specific details on PGWP eligibility and to explore school and program eligibility, please visit the official IRCC website.