Passport Renewal, Approval and PGWP

[JAAK]

Hi,

I completed my degree requirements in December.
The Senate of my university, approved me for graduation TODAY.
The official graduation ceremony, where I will be receiving my degree is in MAY.
I renewed my passport a few days ago and it will take three months to be renewed.
My study permit is expiring in August.

My question is, the PGWP needs to be applied within 3 months upon receiving official graduation confirmation. I am afraid that my passport will not arrive by that time. Is there any way around this? Which is the real benchmark of the graduation date; the Senate approval TODAY or the official ceremony in MAY?

Thank you.

 

[seton]

The 3 months is from meeting the requirements to graduate, not exactly your graduation ceremony. You can apply with senate approval.

You must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements for completing your academic program.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad-who.asp

Note: this is different from the CEC PR class where the work experience is counted from your graduation date.

 

[JAAK]

But, if I want, can I apply after my graduation ceremony? Because I want to apply after my passport is renewed.

 

[jes_ON]

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

"The student must have completed and passed a full-time course of study or program lasting at least
eight months. Whether they received a “degree”, “diploma” or “certificate” is not an issue.

The work permit application should include evidence that the student has completed the program or
course of study. This may include a final transcript, letter from the institution or the formal notification
of graduation.

The application must be submitted within 90 days of formal written notification by the institution that they have met the requirements of the course of study or program. Students who have evidence of program completion may apply for the work permit before the formal notification. Calculation of the 90 days begins the day when the student’s final marks are issued or when formal written notification of program completion is received, whichever comes first."

 

[jes_ON]

I completed my degree requirements in December.
The Senate of my university, approved me for graduation TODAY.
The official graduation ceremony, where I will be receiving my degree is in MAY.
I renewed my passport a few days ago and it will take three months to be renewed.

With luck, you should get the new passport just in time to apply. If you're running out of time, call CIC and ask for instructions.

 

[JAAK]

But will they refuse me?

 

[jes_ON]

But will they refuse me?

??? For what?