Are you finishing up your studies in Canada and wondering what comes next? No worries, I’ve got your back! In this post, I will share with you what I did after finishing my program and how I applied for a Post Graduate work permit (PGWP).
Feeling both super excited and a bit nervous as my final days of school came closer was normal for me. Excited to be done with all the studying, exams, and assignments, but also nervous because I wasn’t sure what I should do next – like how to get a full-time job or how to apply for my PGWP. Everyone says to take things one step at a time, right?
So, I started looking into how to apply for the PGWP. Turns out, it’s pretty straightforward if you’ve got all your paperwork ready. Wondering where to begin? Here’s how I did it step-by-step:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First off, I made sure that I was eligible for the PGWP. Basically, the requirements are you completed your program in a designated learning institution (DLI) and met all the requirements while maintaining full-time status as a student.
Step 2: Gather your Documents
Next, I had all my documents ready. You will be needing the following when you apply:
- Passport – including bio page, stamps and visa.
- Transcripts – can be official or a copy from your school’s website.
- Letter of Completion from your school
- Digital ID photo
- Study Permit
- IMM 5710 – Application to Change Conditions, Extend my stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker
Step 3: Apply Online
Applying online was the easiest route for me. I started with the “Come to Canada” online eligibility tool, which gave me a personal reference code to use when signing into my IRCC secure account. After entering the code, I uploaded my documents, reviewed my application, and paid the $255 fee. Make sure to double-check everything before you submit!
Step 4: Wait for Approval
The wait began after submitting my application. I received several emails from IRCC during this period, including:
Confirmation of Online Application Transmission
Submission Confirmtion
WP-EXT for PGWP
Correspondence Letter
I was thrilled to get my PGWP approval just 22 days after applying, and the actual work permit arrived in the mail a week later.
My PGWP Timeline:
To provide a clear timeline, here’s how my application went:
- Dec 15 – last day of classes
- Dec 20- final grades were uploaded
- Dec 21- received Letter of Completion from school
- Dec 21- applied for PGWP
- Jan 12- approved
My Tips:
After receiving your Letter of Completion, you’re no longer allowed to work until you’ve submitted your PGWP application. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare your other documents in advance. While you have 180 days to apply for the PGWP, I chose to apply immediately to continue my part-time job without interruption. Some might prefer to take a vacation before applying, but getting it done sooner rather than later was my preference.
And there you have it, my journey with the PGWP application. It might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, it’s doable with a little planning and some patience. My biggest takeaway? Don’t wait until the last minute, and always double-check your paperwork.
I hope sharing my experience helps make your own journey a bit easier. Got any questions or your own tips to share? Drop them in the comments below. Let’s help each other out!
Good luck with your application, and here’s to the exciting next chapter in Canada!