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PGWP vs Regular Work Permit

Shang Dela Cerna

Star Member
Jun 30, 2019
96
36
Hello! I'm planning to study in Canada this year and I was reading some of the articles on http://www.cic.gc.ca/ on how to get a work permit once I finish my studies. I've read that some DLIs are eligible for PGWP while others aren't and the institution that I'm gonna be enrolled at isn't eligible.

Now my question is, what's the difference between a PGWP and just a work permit? What are the pros and cons of pgwp and a regular work permit? If the institution is not eligible for pgwp will it be more challenging to apply for a work permit? Lastly, which would you recommend between the two?

Thank you in advance.
 

VRock

Star Member
Jun 23, 2019
121
14
As far as I know, DLI enables you to obtain post grad work permit after completion of your desired course. Pgwp is comparatively easier to get I think. I don't know much about the general work permit. I would suggest you to go for a course from DLI for a secure future as they offer variety of courses and their quality of education is also impressive.

Good Luck!
 

Shang Dela Cerna

Star Member
Jun 30, 2019
96
36
As far as I know, DLI enables you to obtain post grad work permit after completion of your desired course. Pgwp is comparatively easier to get I think. I don't know much about the general work permit. I would suggest you to go for a course from DLI for a secure future as they offer variety of courses and their quality of education is also impressive.

Good Luck!
Thank you for that. However, not all DLIs are eligible for post grad work permit it says here:

Post-graduation work permit
You need to know if you are eligible to work after you graduate. Not all designated learning institutions make you eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Along with graduating from an eligible designated learning institution, you need to meet all other criteria to get a post-graduation work permit.

That is why I was wondering what if the institution is not eligible for pgwp even if it belongs to a DLI, but thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.
 

russ6970

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Sep 14, 2017
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My advice. Make it easier for yourself. Go to an eligible public institution. PGWP is much easier to get than a normal work permit. For a normal work permit your prospective employer has to get an LMIA. This is to prove no other Canadian or PR can do or wants the job and takes 4-6 months and is employer specific. PGWP is open so you can work for any employer.. Where are you planning to study?. If it is Quebec, they have slightly different rules for PGWP.
 

Shang Dela Cerna

Star Member
Jun 30, 2019
96
36
My advice. Make it easier for yourself. Go to an eligible public institution. PGWP is much easier to get than a normal work permit. For a normal work permit your prospective employer has to get an LMIA. This is to prove no other Canadian or PR can do or wants the job. Where are you planning to study?. If it is Quebec, they have slightly different rules for PGWP.
Possibly in Vancouver. As for the work permit there are actually two types:

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include:

  • the name of the employer you can work for
  • how long you can work
  • the location where you can work (if applicable)
I believe you are referring to the latter. I can apply for an open work permit but will the chances of it getting approved be lesser than getting PGWP, is what I'm concerned about. Thank you for your advice still.
 

russ6970

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Sep 14, 2017
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Oh yes I know the different types of Work permits, I have been giving advice for quite a while :). Unless you are in a specific job and meet specific criteria you are not going to get an open work permit. You just cannot choose one or the other. I think you should read the requirements more carefully. As I have said. Go to an eligible school listed here that has a YES in the last column for PGWP. If you don't you are just making your life harder, but that is totally your choice-

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html
 
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bongoman

VIP Member
Dec 3, 2014
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Its pretty much impossible to get a regular work permit after graduation as a foreigner.
PGWP is automatic if you go to an elligable school and follow the rules.
 

russ6970

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Take people's advice! We know more about the rules and chances than you. We are just trying to help you.
 

canuck_in_uk

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May 4, 2012
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Possibly in Vancouver. As for the work permit there are actually two types:

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include:

  • the name of the employer you can work for
  • how long you can work
  • the location where you can work (if applicable)
I believe you are referring to the latter. I can apply for an open work permit but will the chances of it getting approved be lesser than getting PGWP, is what I'm concerned about. Thank you for your advice still.
No, you can't just apply for an OWP. The government of Canada protects its labour market. This means that OWPs are only issued in very specific circumstances. You don't qualify.

Switch to a school that qualifies for a PGWP. Otherwise, you will have to leave Canada after finishing your course.
 

Shang Dela Cerna

Star Member
Jun 30, 2019
96
36
Take people's advice! We know more about the rules and chances than you. We are just trying to help you.
No need to be worked up about it. I'm just trying to get as much information as I can since studying and hopefully getting a PR in Canada isn't that easy. Don't get me wrong, all your replies and inputs are helpful and appreciated, I just need to know more is all. Thank you
 

Shang Dela Cerna

Star Member
Jun 30, 2019
96
36
No, you can't just apply for an OWP. The government of Canada protects its labour market. This means that OWPs are only issued in very specific circumstances. You don't qualify.

Switch to a school that qualifies for a PGWP. Otherwise, you will have to leave Canada after finishing your course.
Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated
 

russ6970

VIP Member
Sep 14, 2017
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No need to be worked up about it. I'm just trying to get as much information as I can since studying and hopefully getting a PR in Canada isn't that easy. Don't get me wrong, all your replies and inputs are helpful and appreciated, I just need to know more is all. Thank you
I think it is easier than you think, if you go the correct route. Get a course that is 2 years long and this will qualify you for a 3 year PGWP (if the college is eligible). Then get one years Canadian work experience. Then apply for PR with this work experience that gives you points. Going the other route you were talking about will not work. Hopefully you go down the route suggested. Good luck.
 
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Shang Dela Cerna

Star Member
Jun 30, 2019
96
36
I think it is easier than you think, if you go the correct route. Get a course that is 2 years long and this will qualify you for a 3 year PGWP (if the college is eligible). Then get one years Canadian work experience. Then apply for PR with this work experience that gives you points. Going the other route you were talking about will not work. Hopefully you go down the route suggested. Good luck.
Thank you. This means a lot.
 
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