When is the best time to apply for PGWP

[Lilfoo]

Hi!

I've just got my final record, meaning that I can apply for my Post Graduate Work Permit. I have my off campus work permit valid 'till 30th of November 2012, so I can work with this one. But I will need PGWP after November 30. The question is if I should apply for PGWP now or later?

Why I want to apply later: if PGWP starts from the date it was issued, then the later I apply the more time I will stay in Canada. Does anyone know if it is how it works, or there is no point to wait and I can apply now?

And one more question, if I finished 1 year program is there any chance to get PGWP for more than 1 year?

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

You have 90 days from the time you officially complete your studies to apply for the PGWP. If you wait longer than 90 days - no PGWP.

 

[Lilfoo]

Scylla, I am done with my studying and I may apply till 30th of November as I said, but do you know how they choose a date from which the PGWP will be valid? You see if I apply now and they issue me PGWP lets say 15th of September and this is when my pgwt will be valid from, then it is better to apply later. That means later you apply more you stay in Canada. Another version is if they give me PGWT valid from the date of graduation, then it doesn't matter when to apply.. you see?

 

[Laisa]

The PGWP starts with the day it was issued.

 

[Inam89]

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

Quote: "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."

1 b. Also remember you must have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit.

2. PGWP is valid from the day it is issued.

3. You will only get PGWP of 1 year, as per rules, you can't get PGWP more than 1 year.

 

[Lilfoo]

Laisa, Inam, thanks for your reply! Now it is obvious the later you apply more time you have in Canada, but do you know how long it usually takes to issue the PGWT from the date I applied? I have off-campus work permit till 30th of November and If I get a job I will work with this work permit, so I want to apply early enough to not to end up without a work permit after 30th of November, but at the same time as late as possible. Ideally I want to get my PGWP on 30th of November.