PGWP and Certificate Programs

Based on the number of daily inquiries I get about 1- 3 year certificate program and Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), I hope this write up answers some of the questions that you may have about both.

Before applying to any certificate programs make sure you check to be sure your school is a designated learning institution.
The last thing you want is to gain admission into these short term programs only to find out that they are not allowed to host international students. Your student visa can easily be denied.

Everyone gets a 3 year PGWP after a 1 year certificate program? 

The PGWP is offered up to the duration of your study for up to a maximum of 3 years.

If you studied a 1 or 2 year program, there are no guarantees that you will be given a 3 year PGWP. 

 

They will most likely give you something equal to the length of your study program or just under.

 

Read more: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/students/post-grad.asp

 

I can easily get P.R with a 1 year PGWP? 

 

It generally follows this pattern; Job search -- Work experience -- P.R

There may not be enough time to get all that is required for P.R within a 1 year time frame. Its do-able but the preparation has to already have been in place. e.g availability of a job, work experience, documents, etc.
 

The only way it can be done is to secure a job immediately after you complete your program. That way at the end of first year, you are ready to send in your documents for processing. However, job search after school does take time unless you have good work experience. If job search takes up to 6 months then you might have already spent 50% of the duration on your PGWP.

 

The downside to a 1 year PGWP is that the little time involved can leave you out of status (expired visa) if you are not able to get a job a soon as you are done with your program. 

You also will need at least 6 months - 1 year of related work experience in your field to qualify. Again time is of essence. If you spent the first 6 months looking for work you could be out of luck once you are settled..

It is better to aim for at least 3 year programs that may earn you a PGWP that is more than a year. More time means you have a lot of time before you visa expires.

 

**Some employers don't like to deal with any thing immigration because they don't want to reveal every single detail about their organization. On the other hand, if you are an excellent employee then they don't mind going the extra mile for you in some cases. 

When it comes down to choosing immigration programs, take the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) over Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In some PNPs you only need 6 months related work experience as opposed to CEC which requires 1 year of work experience.

Can I renew my PGWP anytime?

The PGWP is only issued once and never renewed. The only time it can be renewed is if you have already applied for permanent residence and have received acknowledgement of receipt.

 

Source: www.studentsconnect.ca