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PGWP, Canadian Experience

Bruno V. S.

Star Member
Mar 27, 2015
56
0
Hi, guys!

Can you help me on this one?
I'm new here but I've been doing some heavy researches in the internet to know more about Canada immigration.
I've tried so hard to find answers to these questions, but no one seems to know for sure.
I'm from Brazil, 25 and I'm planning on studying Graphic Design in LaSalle College next year.
LaSalle College is a Designated Learning Institution and this program consists of 3 semesters, 15 weeks per semester for a total of 45 weeks.

#1 . Will I be able to get a PGWP as soon as I graduate? (I asked them about it and they say they do not guarantee. And it's the same answer I get from every College. One of them, Vancouver Film School told me that their students are getting no more than 4 months of PGWP and their Graphic Design program is one year. I'm just worried because I really want to get some work experience in Canada and maybe try to apply for PR. I keep myself wondering if I'll spend that lot of money and after 1 year studying I end up with my PGWP request been refused)

#2 . I'm very confused about the Canadian Experience system. To apply for Canadian Experience Class, you gotta have 1 year of work experience in Canada, right? So, to have 1 year of work experience, you need a job offer. And if you have a job offer, can't you just apply for FSW system? So what is exactly the point of the Canadian Experience system?

Thank you all!!! :D
 

J5M

Champion Member
May 15, 2014
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Hi,


Bruno V. S. said:
Hi, guys!

Can you help me on this one?
I'm new here but I've been doing some heavy researches in the internet to know more about Canada immigration.
I've tried so hard to find answers to these questions, but no one seems to know for sure.
I'm from Brazil, 25 and I'm planning on studying Graphic Design in LaSalle College next year.
LaSalle College is a Designated Learning Institution and this program consists of 3 semesters, 15 weeks per semester for a total of 45 weeks.

#1 . Will I be able to get a PGWP as soon as I graduate? (I asked them about it and they say they do not guarantee. And it's the same answer I get from every College. One of them, Vancouver Film School told me that their students are getting no more than 4 months of PGWP and their Graphic Design program is one year. I'm just worried because I really want to get some work experience in Canada and maybe try to apply for PR. I keep myself wondering if I'll spend that lot of money and after 1 year studying I end up with my PGWP request been refused)

#2 . I'm very confused about the Canadian Experience system. To apply for Canadian Experience Class, you gotta have 1 year of work experience in Canada, right? So, to have 1 year of work experience, you need a job offer. And if you have a job offer, can't you just apply for FSW system? So what is exactly the point of the Canadian Experience system?

Thank you all!!! :D

No one can assured you a PGWP. You can only apply for it provided you have fulfilled all requirement. Its on IO to issue/refuse.
 

fahad123

Hero Member
Sep 27, 2013
287
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4 months work permit ? I haven't heard anyone getting only 4 months PGWP.
You will definitely get 1 year PGWP if you complete your program without loosing your student status. Don't worry about getting PGWP.
Main thing is that Is one year PGWP enough for you to find skilled job in relevant field ? Wel in most cases its not.
 

shafique1

Newbie
Mar 28, 2015
2
0
Dear,
According to my little knowledge, you will get 3 year PGWP if you complete your minimum 2 years Degree,Diploma from recognized canadian institute.
Lets suppose If your course is 1 year and your visa is valid for 16 months than you will only get 4 months PGWP.
 

mead

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
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#1 . Will I be able to get a PGWP as soon as I graduate? (I asked them about it and they say they do not guarantee. And it's the same answer I get from every College. One of them, Vancouver Film School told me that their students are getting no more than 4 months of PGWP and their Graphic Design program is one year. I'm just worried because I really want to get some work experience in Canada and maybe try to apply for PR. I keep myself wondering if I'll spend that lot of money and after 1 year studying I end up with my PGWP request been refused)
no one can guarantee PGWP if u fulfill all the PGWP requirements then could expect PGWP. I have seen people getting 2 years/1 year work permit after 2 years masters degree so dont assume anything.

#2 . I'm very confused about the Canadian Experience system. To apply for Canadian Experience Class, you gotta have 1 year of work experience in Canada, right? So, to have 1 year of work experience, you need a job offer. And if you have a job offer, can't you just apply for FSW system? So what is exactly the point of the Canadian Experience system?
FSW is mostly for people out side canada but with express entry that difference has gone now. one who has experience in canada can qualify for both streams. u should read about express entry. Express entry has reduced the need for canadian education . there is no point on spending so much money on canadian education as it wont give u much leg up on the rest of the world while applying PR. best way now is work for few years in ur home country and then apply for PR directly under express entry no need to do canadian education.
 

Bruno V. S.

Star Member
Mar 27, 2015
56
0
J5M said:
Hi,



No one can assured you a PGWP. You can only apply for it provided you have fulfilled all requirement. Its on IO to issue/refuse.
Oh, that's sad.. Can you tell me if it is common to IO (is it Immigrant Officer?) refuses a PGWP in theses cases?
Maybe it's something to do with Graphic Design? It's Skill Level B, but I'm not sure if they are needing immigrants to fill these jobs atm. And I don't know any Graphic Designer who wants to immigrate to answer this question.

fahad123 said:
4 months work permit ? I haven't heard anyone getting only 4 months PGWP.
You will definitely get 1 year PGWP if you complete your program without loosing your student status. Don't worry about getting PGWP.
Main thing is that Is one year PGWP enough for you to find skilled job in relevant field ? Wel in most cases its not.
I hope you're right! I think 1 year would be enough! I already have experience in this field and I'll have enough time to improve my portfolio while I'm studying. I'm very positive about this.

shafique1 said:
Dear,
According to my little knowledge, you will get 3 year PGWP if you complete your minimum 2 years Degree,Diploma from recognized canadian institute.
Lets suppose If your course is 1 year and your visa is valid for 16 months than you will only get 4 months PGWP.
Don't know if I'm right but I believe that a PGWP cannot be valid for longer than the student’s study program. If you complete a 2 years degree program you will only be able to get a PGWP no longer than 2 years.
Sorry, I'm not sure if I understood quite well the second line. Is the Student Visa directly related to PGWP? So if I get a Student Visa valid for 16 months, it's sure that I'll only get a 4 months PGWP?

mead said:
#1 . Will I be able to get a PGWP as soon as I graduate? (I asked them about it and they say they do not guarantee. And it's the same answer I get from every College. One of them, Vancouver Film School told me that their students are getting no more than 4 months of PGWP and their Graphic Design program is one year. I'm just worried because I really want to get some work experience in Canada and maybe try to apply for PR. I keep myself wondering if I'll spend that lot of money and after 1 year studying I end up with my PGWP request been refused)
no one can guarantee PGWP if u fulfill all the PGWP requirements then could expect PGWP. I have seen people getting 2 years/1 year work permit after 2 years masters degree so dont assume anything.

#2 . I'm very confused about the Canadian Experience system. To apply for Canadian Experience Class, you gotta have 1 year of work experience in Canada, right? So, to have 1 year of work experience, you need a job offer. And if you have a job offer, can't you just apply for FSW system? So what is exactly the point of the Canadian Experience system?
FSW is mostly for people out side canada but with express entry that difference has gone now. one who has experience in canada can qualify for both streams. u should read about express entry. Express entry has reduced the need for canadian education . there is no point on spending so much money on canadian education as it wont give u much leg up on the rest of the world while applying PR. best way now is work for few years in ur home country and then apply for PR directly under express entry no need to do canadian education.
Thank you very much, now I can see the difference between these 2 systems.
I've been reading about the Express Entry. The reason why I want to go for a college is that without it I can only score no more than 600 from 1200. So if you are already in Canada and have studied there it's lot easier to make it. I'm planning on registering for the Express Entry now, but I'm not sure how it works to update profiles. I'm afraid that when I graduate and have a better score, something goes wrong because I'll already have a profile in Express Entry. Since it's a new system I think it's risky to register my profile before I go to Canada. I really want to make everything right, I don't want to lose this opportunity.

Another thing that I don't understand is the Graphic Design program duration. LaSalle College told me that it's one-year diploma: 3 semesters (1 semester for 15 weeks, 20 hours per week). The whole program has 900 hours.
It's a 1 year diploma but it consists of 3 semesters. Is it considered as a 1 year program or a 3 semesters program? I hope I can get a 18 months PGWP.

Thank you all for helping me.
 

copypaper

Star Member
Feb 9, 2015
57
2
Bruno V. S. said:
Don't know if I'm right but I believe that a PGWP cannot be valid for longer than the student's study program. If you complete a 2 years degree program you will only be able to get a PGWP no longer than 2 years.

I've been reading about the Express Entry. The reason why I want to go for a college is that without it I can only score no more than 600 from 1200. So if you are already in Canada and have studied there it's lot easier to make it
CIC's website has information on duration of programs and duration of ensuing PGWP. I can't post links but you can find it on there.

What do you think the relationship between the 600 point bonus and education is for EE? The 600 point bonus is from either a "qualifying" job offer (supported by an LMIA) or a Provincial Nomination. It is true that, in some provinces, if you attend school there and find work after you graduate, you may be eligible to apply for an "International Graduate" stream. The requirements vary by province.
 

Bruno V. S.

Star Member
Mar 27, 2015
56
0
copypaper said:
CIC's website has information on duration of programs and duration of ensuing PGWP. I can't post links but you can find it on there.

What do you think the relationship between the 600 point bonus and education is for EE? The 600 point bonus is from either a "qualifying" job offer (supported by an LMIA) or a Provincial Nomination. It is true that, in some provinces, if you attend school there and find work after you graduate, you may be eligible to apply for an "International Graduate" stream. The requirements vary by province.
You're right.
But what I should have said is:
If you are already in Canada and have studied there, it's a lot easier to get a job offer.
I believe it's very unlikely to get a job offer if you are outside Canada.
First of all, you would have to validate your diploma and prove that the program of study meets Canada's requirements for international students.
Secondly, you would have to find a company willing to offer you a job even if they have to wait for you getting the visa, all the required documents, etc.. You would have to be worth it. You would have to be much better than any Canadian in your field and there would must have a necessity of immigrants to fill the job. Put yourself in the employer's place. Why would you offer a job to someone that is outside your country and there's a lot of waiting and hitches in the process?
And finally, I've been told that most of the companies are not up to date with the immigration process and just don't want to take the risk. Even international students with PGWP are getting trouble to find a job. I was advised to not talk about anything regarding the PR aplication at the moment of an interview. It's better to talk about it when you have already shown that you are worth to the company.

I really don't want to lose this oportunity.
I believe it will get harder and harder to make it
I believe this is the moment to give it your best shot.

mead said:
#1 . Will I be able to get a PGWP as soon as I graduate? (I asked them about it and they say they do not guarantee. And it's the same answer I get from every College. One of them, Vancouver Film School told me that their students are getting no more than 4 months of PGWP and their Graphic Design program is one year. I'm just worried because I really want to get some work experience in Canada and maybe try to apply for PR. I keep myself wondering if I'll spend that lot of money and after 1 year studying I end up with my PGWP request been refused)
no one can guarantee PGWP if u fulfill all the PGWP requirements then could expect PGWP. I have seen people getting 2 years/1 year work permit after 2 years masters degree so dont assume anything.

#2 . I'm very confused about the Canadian Experience system. To apply for Canadian Experience Class, you gotta have 1 year of work experience in Canada, right? So, to have 1 year of work experience, you need a job offer. And if you have a job offer, can't you just apply for FSW system? So what is exactly the point of the Canadian Experience system?
FSW is mostly for people out side canada but with express entry that difference has gone now. one who has experience in canada can qualify for both streams. u should read about express entry. Express entry has reduced the need for canadian education . there is no point on spending so much money on canadian education as it wont give u much leg up on the rest of the world while applying PR. best way now is work for few years in ur home country and then apply for PR directly under express entry no need to do canadian education.
I'm so sorry, it made sense to me at the time but I've been thinking and I still don't understand the Canadian Experience Class.
It's still very confusing because there's no need of this system since you already have the FSW system. Even if you're in Canada and get a job offer, it's sure that you can apply for PR via FSW, isn't it?
I just want to be sure because I believe I won't get a PGWP longer than 1 year and CEC requires 1 year of work experience.
 

steyn007

Star Member
Mar 12, 2015
71
33
with the EE in effect ,u need a valid job offer supported by positive lmia for both fswp& cec to get the 600 points(not necessary to have a job offer for cec,but u will loose 600 points)
so its better to have 1year work experience in home country & apply directly for pr under EE.
i heard tat some agencies will support to get a job offer by giving 5/6laks.
unluckly i got my visa ;D..oterwise i will definetly try express entry from my home country
 

dental15

Hero Member
Oct 28, 2014
432
7
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If you are a rich person or your parents can support the international tuition and + cost of living in Canada, it's good way to experience different cultural & English environment. This means, you can learn English and respect other cultures. However, if you concern about your pr, it is better to work in your back home and applying FSW under EE. Of course, I am not saying that studying in Canada is a bad idea.
Studying in Canada would help your chance to learn English + adapting Canadian cultural issues. In some cases, people feel bad when they fail to get a pr after graduation in Canada. So, you should keep in mind... I suggest that try to apply FSW from your country unless you have a strong academic goal for Canadian education.
 

Bruno V. S.

Star Member
Mar 27, 2015
56
0
steyn007 said:
with the EE in effect ,u need a valid job offer supported by positive lmia for both fswp& cec to get the 600 points(not necessary to have a job offer for cec,but u will loose 600 points)
so its better to have 1year work experience in home country & apply directly for pr under EE.
i heard tat some agencies will support to get a job offer by giving 5/6laks.
unluckly i got my visa ;D..oterwise i will definetly try express entry from my home country
Can you tell me more about those agencies? And what is laks?
Do you need 1 year of work experience to register in Express Entry?

dental15 said:
If you are a rich person or your parents can support the international tuition and + cost of living in Canada, it's good way to experience different cultural & English environment. This means, you can learn English and respect other cultures. However, if you concern about your pr, it is better to work in your back home and applying FSW under EE. Of course, I am not saying that studying in Canada is a bad idea.
Studying in Canada would help your chance to learn English + adapting Canadian cultural issues. In some cases, people feel bad when they fail to get a pr after graduation in Canada. So, you should keep in mind... I suggest that try to apply FSW from your country unless you have a strong academic goal for Canadian education.
Thanks, man!
I believe it's not just improving your English and experiencing the Canada culture. I'm also thinking about studying in Canada because I believe someone who has a PGWP has a lot more chances to get a job offer than someone that is outside Canada. This guy who has a PGWP can look for a job and accept interviews. If he gets the job, he can update his profile in Express Entry and be invited to apply for PR or he can ask his employer to be his sponsor so he can apply to PR. Canadian education can provide me more experience and a PGWP that can get me a job.
And while you are studying you can work 20 hours per week and 40 hours per week while you are on vacations. This can help me afford the costs of living and the college tuition.
 

karankullar

Hero Member
Jul 11, 2012
238
20
Surrey, BC
Bruno V. S. said:
Hi, guys!

Can you help me on this one?
I'm new here but I've been doing some heavy researches in the internet to know more about Canada immigration.
I've tried so hard to find answers to these questions, but no one seems to know for sure.
I'm from Brazil, 25 and I'm planning on studying Graphic Design in LaSalle College next year.
LaSalle College is a Designated Learning Institution and this program consists of 3 semesters, 15 weeks per semester for a total of 45 weeks.

#1 . Will I be able to get a PGWP as soon as I graduate? (I asked them about it and they say they do not guarantee. And it's the same answer I get from every College. One of them, Vancouver Film School told me that their students are getting no more than 4 months of PGWP and their Graphic Design program is one year. I'm just worried because I really want to get some work experience in Canada and maybe try to apply for PR. I keep myself wondering if I'll spend that lot of money and after 1 year studying I end up with my PGWP request been refused)

#2 . I'm very confused about the Canadian Experience system. To apply for Canadian Experience Class, you gotta have 1 year of work experience in Canada, right? So, to have 1 year of work experience, you need a job offer. And if you have a job offer, can't you just apply for FSW system? So what is exactly the point of the Canadian Experience system?

Thank you all!!! :D
My friend, you are complicating a fairly simple situation. I have read the replies and they have very useful information but what you're experiencing right now is information overload. Take is one step at a time. Go to the following link and understand: All that is stated there is the entire truth and nobody can tell you anything better on this forum. The link (take out the spaces): http://www.cic .gc .ca/english /study /work-postgrad- who.asp

But in general, your study time is long enough to get you a work permit of at least one year and if you're lucky, perhaps a little longer too. It says right on the website. Trust me CIC is not there to mess you up. They are fairly reasonable giving out PGWPs.

Now the question is if the institute that you end up choosing is eligible for a PGWP or not. They used to have a list of institutes but I couldn't find it anymore. I have a friend who graduated from Vancouver film school and I think he got a two year work permit. I will call him and get back to you on that. Also, if you combine two 1 year long certificates and end up studying for 2 years in total, the PGWP will most likely be 3 years. That's what I did and it worked. Hope this is helpful.

P.S. It never hurts to have a plan B and don't try to rush to PR. If it takes 2 years of study, then put in the time for a longer program and be sure to have a long PGWP. DO NOT try to cut it close with work permit expiring and PR applications because it is stressful as hell. Also, choose something that has a future because the job market for your field is very competitive in Canada. Just a friendly advise.
 

Bruno V. S.

Star Member
Mar 27, 2015
56
0
karankullar said:
My friend, you are complicating a fairly simple situation. I have read the replies and they have very useful information but what you're experiencing right now is information overload. Take is one step at a time. Go to the following link and understand: All that is stated there is the entire truth and nobody can tell you anything better on this forum. The link (take out the spaces):
But in general, your study time is long enough to get you a work permit of at least one year and if you're lucky, perhaps a little longer too. It says right on the website. Trust me CIC is not there to mess you up. They are fairly reasonable giving out PGWPs.

Now the question is if the institute that you end up choosing is eligible for a PGWP or not. They used to have a list of institutes but I couldn't find it anymore. I have a friend who graduated from Vancouver film school and I think he got a two year work permit. I will call him and get back to you on that. Also, if you combine two 1 year long certificates and end up studying for 2 years in total, the PGWP will most likely be 3 years. That's what I did and it worked. Hope this is helpful.

P.S. It never hurts to have a plan B and don't try to rush to PR. If it takes 2 years of study, then put in the time for a longer program and be sure to have a long PGWP. DO NOT try to cut it close with work permit expiring and PR applications because it is stressful as hell. Also, choose something that has a future because the job market for your field is very competitive in Canada. Just a friendly advise.
Thanks for all the valuable information and for calling your friend!
I think you're right about the information overload. I've been so worried about it that I kept asking myself '' What if..?'' all the time.
And yes, LaSalle College is one of the Designated Learning Institutions. I've read everything on the CIC web page but it couldn't take away all my questions.
I started to become worried when I saw a thread of Lovepeach telling that his PGWP request was refused. And he has graduated in LaSalle College. Before that, I was sure that LaSalle College was the perfect college for me. And tbh I still don't understand why his PGWP was refused by the CIC. Nobody in that thread did as well.

"Also, choose something that has a future because the job market for your field is very competitive in Canada."

That's really important to me. I haven't seen anyone saying anything about Graphic Design in Canada. Can you tell me more about it?
I chose Graphic Design because that's what I've been doing the past few years and that's what I do best. And where I'm from it's kinda easy to get a job in this field. But our salary is not good at all.
I really enjoy Advertising and Interior Design as well, but I don't have any experience in those fields.
 

dental15

Hero Member
Oct 28, 2014
432
7
Job Offer........
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Bruno V. S. said:
I believe it's not just improving your English and experiencing the Canada culture. I'm also thinking about studying in Canada because I believe someone who has a PGWP has a lot more chances to get a job offer than someone that is outside Canada. This guy who has a PGWP can look for a job and accept interviews. If he gets the job, he can update his profile in Express Entry and be invited to apply for PR or he can ask his employer to be his sponsor so he can apply to PR. Canadian education can provide me more experience and a PGWP that can get me a job.
And while you are studying you can work 20 hours per week and 40 hours per week while you are on vacations. This can help me afford the costs of living and the college tuition.
Do you think I dont know about international student policy?? Also, if you mention about FSW and CEC. FSW is for outside of Canada who want apply immigration while CEC is for international students and foreign workers. However, EE system is not simple as you may check.
Do you think .. when you work 20 hours during the period, it would help your tuition?? you are wrong. CIC wants provide some working experience for international students, not help your tuition... Dont abuse Canada!!
 

karankullar

Hero Member
Jul 11, 2012
238
20
Surrey, BC
dental15 said:
Do you think I dont know about international student policy?? Also, if you mention about FSW and CEC. FSW is for outside of Canada who want apply immigration while CEC is for international students and foreign workers. However, EE system is not simple as you may check.
Do you think .. when you work 20 hours during the period, it would help your tuition?? you are wrong. CIC wants provide some working experience for international students, not help your tuition... Dont abuse Canada!!
Calm down there buddy. The guy is just trying to figure out what is best for his future and is not trying to "abuse Canada" in any way.