Pilot program.

[gm1517]

Hello!

I recently graduated from college, my school currently doesn't apply so you can get a work permit after graduation, but I started school when there was some program that allowed me and all of my classmates to get work permits, the only thing is that instead of graduating with my original class (who was still in the program), I graduated with the next class (who is not in the program anymore), due to personal reasons I had to leave school for a couple of months and came back to finish with the next group (I applied for an extension and did not leave the country). I was told by the school I might still be eligible to get my work permit like the previous class did, since I started while it was still valid and all my previous classmates got theirs.
What is the possibility of me getting a work permit under this circumstances?

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

You haven't provided us with enough information to help. What school did you attend? What program (certificate, diploma, degree)? When did you graduate? What was the official name of the program that allowed your original classmates to qualify for a work permit?

 

[gm1517]

I attended the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts (VanArts) in Vancouver of course. It was in a one year program where I got a diploma on Game Art and Design. As to the official name of the program, I don't know. I started school on September 4th 2012 and finished this past February 28th 2014, our graduation ceremony was on March 20th 2014.

 

[scylla]

You definitely don't qualify for post graduate work permit.

I'm not familiar with any other programs that grant you an open work permit once you have finished your studies.

 

[gm1517]

But all of my classmates were able to get one under this program once they graduated, wouldn't I be eligible as well? In fact, the school moved the starting date for it to be earlier so the students that were able to get a work permit, the program expired shortly after the classes started.

 

[scylla]

It's really impossible to say without knowing what program you're talking about. You should get in touch with your former classmates and find out.

 

[gm1517]

I believe it was the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

 

[gm1517]

Oh sorry, the date was wrong, my program started on August 30th 2012.

 

[scylla]

If it's the Post Graduate Work Permit that you're asking about then your school must appear on the list in the link below to qualify.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/participants.asp

 

[gm1517]

This is the pilot program http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/audit/bc-post-grad-2013.asp
it's already expired, but I started school before it ended.

 

[scylla]

This is the pilot program http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/audit/bc-post-grad-2013.asp
it's already expired, but I started school before it ended.

You don't qualify based on this link. You had to meet two criteria to qualify:

1) Attending class on or before August 31, 2012
2) Completing your program and submitting your PGWP application January 31, 2011, to January 31, 2013

You meet the first criteria but not the second - so you're out of luck. Once a pilot program has been closed it's no longer possible to apply through it.

 

[gm1517]

My class graduated on August 2013 (7 months after the pilot program closed) and they were able to get the work permit.

 

[scylla]

My class graduated on August 2013 (7 months after the pilot program closed) and they were able to get the work permit.

Then I would recommend you call CIC and ask what's possible / not possible for you now.

 

[gm1517]

I tried that, but it's impossible to get through and talk to someone, all I get are automatic responses. I guess I should keep trying.

 

[scylla]

I tried that, but it's impossible to get through and talk to someone, all I get are automatic responses. I guess I should keep trying.

Yes - you just need to keep trying. Try first thing in the morning rather than at peak hours.