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Post Graduate Work Permit Processing Time (PGWP)

V

Voong

Star Member
Jan 18, 2016
69
7
Hi everybody,

I am going to graduate end of this year, need you guys advise on PGWP. according to cic website, they stated that "you're not eligible to apply work permit if you studied for more than eight months but not continuously (for example, you took a semester off); " i did took one semester off last year, do you guys think it will effect cic decision on my work permit?
 
Y

yuyu

Hero Member
Aug 25, 2012
281
100
Hi everyone, I just wanna share my experience with you all on flag poling as I have benefitted from the community here. Information comes from my own experience, my friends' and from reading other posts extensively. This is just me sharing it.

I come from a visa-exempt country to both US and Canada however, afaik you do not need US visa if u are just flagpoling. Not sure about the TRV to get into Canada but you do need a valid study permit.

Me: I have a permanent job offer that begins somewhere in June. did bachelors plus masters

1. It is legal to flagpole ( if u are a visa exempt foreigner as mentioned on CIC website who is able to apply for work permit at a PoE) however CBSA officers are not trained very well to do CIC's job and you can only flagpole from Tuesday, Wed, Thurs as per new rules. Most places (including school's immigration consultant) will recommend you not to flagpole and apply online instead.

2. While legally speaking, CIC says we are allowed to work once we applied for PGWP, there are some (not all) companies that are not willing to let you work until you get your status because they dont wanna risk (you can try explaining to them R186, but not sure how many of them will really take it) . Some companies don't really care so long your SIN is still valid. For me, I have had an interview dropped me once I told them I will be applying for a work authorization that lasts for three years since they asked. (Don't volunteer info about your status unless you are asked and if u do, then its up to them to drop u from the job interview i guess).

It is recommended to go really early. (Queenston starts from 8 am i believe, not sure about niagara falls)

Documents you need are: Your passport, your study permit and your OFFICIAL transcripts / letter of completion. ( i brought bank statements just in case and the PGWPP relevant webpages just in case i need to argue with them on anything)

1. I arrived first at Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (you need a car to go there) at 6.40 pm. Was turned down by officer citing they have too much work now to process such claims. He told me to come tomorrow morning at 8am

2. Friend then drove me to Niaraga falls. Note: with niagara falls, u can really take a bus and walk there if u dont have a car. Greyhound from Toronto to Niagara Falls is $15++ one way. Take the bus to the casino and walk to the bridge).
The border officers weren't too happy when I mentioned flagpoling and say "we'll squeeze u in if we can". Obviously, processing PGWP at border isnt their top priority job and they may perhaps be pressured since they have to do everything for you in a matter of hours.


3. I submitted my passports (both the expired and the new one (i renewed just so i can get 3 years PGWP in one-go instead of having to renew in future) ), my transcripts and letter of completion. I waited for an hour (i was probably there for two hours and tbh it doesnt seem that busy) . I would say CBSA officers may not be extremely familiar with PGWP and they can take long time, so before you leave please make sure (double check, triple check) that your name, your travel doc and everything is CORRECT and your work permit should be open with unrestricted employment.

4. The questions were basic, like what permit are u applying for, is it open or employer specific etc, how long have u been in canada and so on.
after all the processing was done, i was given my work permit. When I left , I had thought they forgot to give me back my study permit but my friend told me its normal as they can only give you one official status in canada and since u have your work permit now they wouldnt give you your study permit back.

I read up quite abit on PGWP and I think mcgill uni's guide is quite comprehensive:

https://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/work/post-graduation-work-permit

Again, I personally dont recommend flagpoling but I had a job offer waiting and I wasn't very confident the processing time can be in 2 or 3 weeks if I had applied online. It is legal under the laws to do so at a Port of Entry but not sure why they are very unhappy to process it. Go early in the morning if u must on Tues/Weds/Thurs and be nice and courteous to officer.

Next steps would be for you to renew your SIN once you get your PGWP which is straightforward.
If you have questions and I see it, i will try my best to answer.
 
Last edited:
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A

andy_2016

Star Member
Jun 24, 2016
74
23
yuyu said:
Hi everyone, I just wanna share my experience with you all on flag poling as I have benefitted from the community here. Information comes from my own experience, my friends' and from reading other posts extensively. This is just me sharing it.

I come from a visa-exempt country to both US and Canada however, afaik you do not need US visa if u are just flagpoling. Not sure about the TRV to get into Canada but you do need a valid study permit.

Me: I have a permanent job offer that begins somewhere in June. did bachelors plus masters

1. It is legal to flagpole ( if u are a visa exempt foreigner as mentioned on CIC website who is able to apply for work permit at a PoE) however CBSA officers are not trained very well to do CIC's job and you can only flagpole from Tuesday, Wed, Thurs as per new rules. Most places (including school's immigration consultant) will recommend you not to flagpole and apply online instead.

2. While legally speaking, CIC says we are allowed to work once we applied for PGWP, there are some (not all) companies that are not willing to let you work until you get your status because they dont wanna risk (you can try explaining to them R186, but not sure how many of them will really take it) . Some companies don't really care so long your SIN is still valid. For me, I have had an interview dropped me once I told them I will be applying for a work authorization that lasts for three years since they asked. (Don't volunteer info about your status unless you are asked and if u do, then its up to them to drop u from the job interview i guess).

It is recommended to go really early. (Queenston starts from 8 am i believe, not sure about niagara falls)

Documents you need are: Your passport, your study permit and your OFFICIAL transcripts / letter of completion. ( i brought bank statements just in case and the PGWPP relevant webpages just in case i need to argue with them on anything)

1. I arrived first at Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (you need a car to go there) at 6.40 pm. Was turned down by officer citing they have too much work now to process such claims. He told me to come tomorrow morning at 8am

2. Friend then drove me to Niaraga falls. Note: with niagara falls, u can really take a bus and walk there if u dont have a car. Greyhound from Toronto to Niagara Falls is $15++ one way. Take the bus to the casino and walk to the bridge).
The border officers weren't too happy when I mentioned flagpoling and say "we'll squeeze u in if we can". Obviously, processing PGWP at border isnt their top priority job and they may perhaps be pressured since they have to do everything for you in a matter of hours.


3. I submitted my passports (both the expired and the new one (i renewed just so i can get 3 years PGWP in one-go instead of having to renew in future) ), my transcripts and letter of completion. I waited for an hour (i was probably there for two hours and tbh it doesnt seem that busy) . I would say CBSA officers may not be extremely familiar with PGWP and they can take long time, so before you leave please make sure (double check, triple check) that your name, your travel doc and everything is CORRECT and your work permit should be open with unrestricted employment.

4. The questions were basic, like what permit are u applying for, is it open or employer specific etc, how long have u been in canada and so on.
after all the processing was done, i was given my work permit. When I left , I had thought they forgot to give me back my study permit but my friend told me its normal as they can only give you one official status in canada and since u have your work permit now they wouldnt give you your study permit back.

I read up quite abit on PGWP and I think mcgill uni's guide is quite comprehensive:

https://www.mcgill.ca/internationalstudents/work/post-graduation-work-permit

Again, I personally dont recommend flagpoling but I had a job offer waiting and I wasn't very confident the processing time can be in 2 or 3 weeks if I had applied online. It is legal under the laws to do so at a Port of Entry but not sure why they are very unhappy to process it. Go early in the morning if u must on Tues/Weds/Thurs and be nice and courteous to officer.

Next steps would be for you to renew your SIN once you get your PGWP which is straightforward.
If you have questions and I see it, i will try my best to answer.
Click to expand...
Congratulations. Thanks for sharing this.. good experience shared.
 
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