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Cancelling study permit and getting PGWP

ceagull

Member
Aug 27, 2015
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Hi

Im currently finishing my first year as a PhD student in Quebec after finishing a masters program (1.5 years long) here in Quebec as well. For personal reasons, I think I should withdraw from my PhD program but still remain here in Quebec and start working. Could I still get a post graduate work permit (PGWP), considering that I already finished a graduate program here in QC (1.5 years master) and that I never applied for one before? What would be the steps to follow? Would the PGWP be for 1.5 years (my masters duration) or more (my masters duration + time spent as PhD)?

Thanks
 

ceagull

Member
Aug 27, 2015
18
1
How long is it since you graduated from your masters program?
I graduated from my masters in december 2016, and started my PhD program right away. I had to apply for a new CAQ and a study permit extension to do so, thats why I never had to apply for a PGWP before
 

scylla

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Hi

Im currently finishing my first year as a PhD student in Quebec after finishing a masters program (1.5 years long) here in Quebec as well. For personal reasons, I think I should withdraw from my PhD program but still remain here in Quebec and start working. Could I still get a post graduate work permit (PGWP), considering that I already finished a graduate program here in QC (1.5 years master) and that I never applied for one before? What would be the steps to follow? Would the PGWP be for 1.5 years (my masters duration) or more (my masters duration + time spent as PhD)?

Thanks
It's too late to obtain a PGWP for your previous studies. You had to apply within 90 days of finishing your Masters.
 

ceagull

Member
Aug 27, 2015
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In that case, should I apply for the PEQ as a QC graduate, get a CSQ, and in the meantime get an open work permit?
 

MTL2MTL

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Feb 21, 2017
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In that case, should I apply for the PEQ as a QC graduate, get a CSQ, and in the meantime get an open work permit?
Yes for the PEQ CSQ , but i don’t think you can apply for an open wp.

After you get your csq yoy can find an employer and apply for a closed wp.

Some have applied for open bridging wp (wih csq) and got it but not sure it works everytime.
 

ceagull

Member
Aug 27, 2015
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Yes for the PEQ CSQ , but i don’t think you can apply for an open wp.

After you get your csq yoy can find an employer and apply for a closed wp.

Some have applied for open bridging wp (wih csq) and got it but not sure it works everytime.
Thanks for your reply MTL2MTL

Since one of the conditions of the PEQ as a graduate is to not to be pursuing another study program, should I withdraw from my current program before applying? Consider that I still have a valid study permit and CAQ, maybe withdrawing would show them that I do not want to be studying anymore

Thanks again
 

srm057

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Just a technical question .. Have you received your Master's degree or you were automatically transferred to Ph.D. ? There are some program where you usually get Masters and Ph.D. degrees together. If this is the case and you will get your Masters degree once you leave your Ph.D then there is a chance to get PGWP.
 

ceagull

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Aug 27, 2015
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Just a technical question .. Have you received your Master's degree or you were automatically transferred to Ph.D. ? There are some program where you usually get Masters and Ph.D. degrees together. If this is the case and you will get your Masters degree once you leave your Ph.D then there is a chance to get PGWP.
Yes, I received my masters degree around february of this year. My PhD is an independent program.
 

srm057

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Yes, I received my masters degree around february of this year. My PhD is an independent program.
I am afraid you will have to take a different route now.
 

srm057

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Could I get a CSQ, apply for PR, and in the meantime apply for an open work permit? After all, according to CIC open work permit applications can be done by:

"Permanent residence applicants who have applied to an office in Canada"

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=177&top=17

I went through the same situation after getting my CSQ and PR in the process.There is no open WP for CSQ holders with PR in the process. You have to apply for a closed work permit with your employer.