Applying for Post Graduate Work Permit from Outside Canada

[AmirAA]

Hi guys,

I defended my PhD in Feb 2014 and officially graduated from a university in Canada in May 2014. Right now, I am not in Canada (I am in US and planning to be back in October 2014). I wonder if I can apply for PGWP.

Based on the questionnaire on cic website, I am eligible for PGWP, but since I am in US, I have to fill the form for application made outside Canada. That form does not have the option of PGWP (for the workpermit type). I wonder how I should apply for PGWP.

I should mention that my study permit is still valid.

Thanks,

 

[janey05]

I recall a post by a South Korean national who tried applying for PGWP outside Canada and was rejected. Since that post, it was my understanding that you can only apply for the PGWP inland. I think it might be worth your time giving CIC a call!

 

[janey05]

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t139684.0.html

This is the link to the post I referred to above.

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/post-graduation-work-permit-application-t41099.0.html

is another link discussing how embassys and consulates abroad cannot process PGWPs.

Hope this helps!

 

[janey05]

http://www.uleth.ca/international/sites/international/files/Applying%20For%20a%20PGWP%20January%202012.pdf

If you look on Lethbridge's guide, you'll find contrary information that PGWP can only be applied within Canada. I really don't think a university's website is an authoritative source of information. The university I attended often contained out-dated information so this may be my personal bias toward university websites.

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

Maybe they updated it since I graduated many years ago. It says they recommend you to apply within Canada online instead of applying at the border. Actually, it says if you are from a visa exempt country, you can apply at the border. I am assuming this means that OP can apply at the border if he should return within the 90-day limit (at the same time, I would look for primary sources of the information as I do not completely trust that page LOL).

You may be completely right in that visa offices abroad accept PGWP applications and the individuals from links I have posted may have been misinformed. However, I think we'd be doing the OP a disservice by telling him he will be perfectly fine because UT Scarborough Campus' website says so. I really think this is something he should confirm directly with the CIC via phone as there appear to be contradicting information!

 

[janey05]

Hi,

1. Your link (University of Lethbridge) is actually applicable ONLY for those selecting an option of applying within Canada. It doesn't mean/say that you must apply within Canada.
2. If it was not possible to apply for PGWP outside Canada, the information would have been available on the CIC website with clear NO. Unfortunately no such information is available.
3. It's highly recommended to apply inside Canada, still its possible to apply from outside. Application IMM 1295E, Category: Open Work Permit, must apply within 90 days with a valid study permit & PP.

I hope we didn't scare OP or others with the above posts lol. This will be my last post as this has become a little counterproductive.

@ J5M, despite what this turned out to be, I am not trying to argue with you. This forum gave me answers to many of my immigration headaches in the past and just like the advices that helped me, I am merely trying to be prudent and careful with my posts. I didn't think the anecdotal stories of other members should be dismissed so quickly seeing the 90-day restriction makes re-applying impossible at times .

Good night!