Post-graduation work permit - How many years can I get?

[on_edge]

Hi everyone, I am in a very awkward situation right now.
I came to Canada three year ago.

In the first two years, I completed a 2-year degree program. ----- I finished in 04/2010 and obtained my degree 11/2010.
In the third year, I completed a 10-month certificate program. ----- I started in 09/2010 and will get the certificate in 11/2011.
I have found a full-time job (not a skilled worker) with my certificate will start in July.
Technically, I have studied three years consecutively in Canada.

My question is: if I apply for the post-graduation work permit, am I eligible for a ten-month work permit only or a 3-year work permit?
If I can only get a ten-month work permit, how much chance do I have to extend that work permit after ten months?

Many thanks!!

 

[Leon]

I recall having read somewhere that they will not punish you for adding a 1 year degree to a 2 year degree so you should be able to get a 3 year work permit. When you apply, write something to explain your situation.

 

[on_edge]

Thank you so much for your reply, Leon!
I have been depressed all these days.

May I ask that in the worst scenario, if i am granted a work permit for 10 months only, how much chance do I have to extend it after 10 months?
(I am not in the skilled worker category, btw)

Many thanks again!

 

[Leon]

It depends on if your employer can get an LMO for you.

You would be doing a skilled job? If you get the employer to sponsor you under PNP, you may have your nomination in a few months. With a PNP nomination, you don't need an LMO to get a new work permit.

 

[ae03yy]

Leon:
Are you certain that holding 2 different types of studies, in this case 1yr Certificate and 2yr post-education diploma, could allow an int'l student to obtain a 3yrs PGWP?

If not, given that on_edge first completed a 2-year "degree" program and right now is completed a 10-month certificate program can he get at least a 10 mths PGWP?

 

[jes_ON]

Leon:
Are you certain that holding 2 different types of studies, in this case 1yr Certificate and 2yr post-education diploma, could allow an int'l student to obtain a 3yrs PGWP?

It should. See p. 29 of the OP 12:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op12-eng.pdf

Exception: Students holding a one-year graduate degree from a provincially accredited post-secondary
educational institution in Canada (pursued full-time) after having obtained, within the prior two years, a
degree or diploma from an accredited post-secondary educational/training institution will qualify for a
three year work permit. This exception also applies to students who have left Canada temporarily
between the graduations.

 

[on_edge]

Thank you for all the replies! I am really grateful.

Hi jes_ON,

What you quoted above is actually the reversed version of my situation.
I had my graduate degree first (a 2-year degree program), then I had this certificate. (a 10-month certificate program)

I believe I can still have a 10-month PGWP; however, I am aiming for the 3-year one.
[I was eligible for a 3-year PGWP after I studied for two years; now I studied for one more year but I can only get a 10-month one?]

Also, although my length of studies is 3 years, how shall I explain this awkward situation of stepping down?
Many thanks, everyone again!

 

[ae03yy]

On_edge:

I think she quoted the appropriate info for you and as said initially by Leon you can get 3yr PGWP.

From what she quoted i read that if as a full time student you got a 1yr graduate degree after receiving a 2yr degree/diploma from accredited post-sec institution, you are entitled to 3yrs WP. So, go ahead an apply but just to be safe as Leon said write them a brief explanatory note in which you can even quote this:

Students holding a one-year graduate degree from a provincially accredited post-secondary
educational institution in Canada (pursued full-time) after having obtained, within the prior two years, a degree or diploma from an accredited post-secondary educational/training institution will qualify for a three year work permit. This exception also applies to students who have left Canada temporarily between the graduations. (Retrieved from OP 12, page 29)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op12-eng.pdf

 

[liabeecee]

Hi everyone, I am in a very awkward situation right now.
I came to Canada three year ago.

In the first two years, I completed a 2-year degree program. ----- I finished in 04/2010 and obtained my degree 11/2010.
In the third year, I completed a 10-month certificate program. ----- I started in 09/2010 and will get the certificate in 11/2011.
I have found a full-time job (not a skilled worker) with my certificate will start in July.
Technically, I have studied three years consecutively in Canada.

My question is: if I apply for the post-graduation work permit, am I eligible for a ten-month work permit only or a 3-year work permit?
If I can only get a ten-month work permit, how much chance do I have to extend that work permit after ten months?

Many thanks!!

Hi on_edge,

How many years of the PGWP did you eventually get?

 

[Aditya92]

Hello,
I would like to know if I study a 1 year full time course, how much working visa/ permit for how many years will I be able to work if working as skilled labour.
Plus renewal of working visa will be for how many or maximum years....

 

[scylla]

Hello,
I would like to know if I study a 1 year full time course, how much working visa/ permit for how many years will I be able to work if working as skilled labour.
Plus renewal of working visa will be for how many or maximum years....

You'll get a 1 year work permit. There is no guarantee you'll be able to extend it.