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Post Graduate Work Permit Processing Time (PGWP)

osamaobz

Hero Member
Mar 26, 2012
202
13
I graduated on 22nd January, 2020. My study permit is valid till August 2020 but it will expire after 90 days of completion of my studies ( which would be 22nd April Approx.) I had a return flight on 7th April, 2020 but due to travel ban and border restrictions I am unable to come back on 7th April. I will return hopefully on may and the study permit will be expire.
I need to start work immediately after I will land Canada. I read on CIC that International graduates who apply for a PGWP before the expiry of their study permit are only able to begin legally working in Canada. I need to apply online for PGWP as I need to start work immediately.
Case I: Can I apply outside Canada and put mailing address inside Canada? I heard that they will send me back because I need my work permit to be approved from my home country.
Case II: Can I apply inside Canada? Would there be issue at Border?

What would be the best scenario to apply PGWP online before the expiry of study permit (22nd April).. ?

I will be thankful on your response.
Regards,
Osama
 

Hassan17

Full Member
Apr 2, 2019
42
9
@Hassan17 @captainarabiia @mhoang
I am waiting for you guys response for the above query which I've asked.. I'll be thankful to you.
Hi, If you are currently outside Canada, you should select that you are outside Canada in your application. I believe waiting times are shorter outside Canada for work permits.
You can also apply at the border as long your visitor visa is still valid. Be safe!
 

Hassan17

Full Member
Apr 2, 2019
42
9
Make Sure you have all the documents needed (transcript, school letter or diploma...) hopefully you'll be okay
 

osamaobz

Hero Member
Mar 26, 2012
202
13
Hi, If you are currently outside Canada, you should select that you are outside Canada in your application. I believe waiting times are shorter outside Canada for work permits.
You can also apply at the border as long your visitor visa is still valid. Be safe!
Thanks for your response.
If I chose Outside Canada for applying PGWP, the permit will come at my current address and I will be longer in Canada as the PGWP processing time is 17 weeks from Pakistan. And I have also heard that the officer at border will not allow you to enter canada and will ask you to wait for the approval at your home.
Please advise what to do in this scenario.
 

Chennyttran

Star Member
Feb 7, 2020
68
57
Hello,
I graduated last year in June 2019 and received my PGWP on October 2019 for 8 months because of my expiring passport. I studied bachelor degree in Canada, which should enable me to have 3 years of PGWP and I am eligible for extension after I renew my passport. I had sent in my renewal application online through CIC website since February 22 2020 along with my new passport. My old PGWP will expire on June 8, 2020, to which I hope that will be enough for them to process my application.
However, today I read on the CIC website that the PGWP renewal must be sent by paper only. Do I have to send in another paper application? Will I be charge twice ( I already paid for the online application)?
Also, when I applied online, I put my current status as worker (because I'm on PGWP), and my spouse is working in NOC 0,A,B in the initial questionnaire. The info I gave was different as to when I applied for PGWP for the first time. As the result, I had to submit different documents ( my application forms, marriage certificate, photo, upfront medical exam, passport, and explanation letter). I didn't submit my transcript or graduation certificate this time because they didn't ask. I did mention my previous PGWP application number in my explanation letter though.

Finally, my husband also got invited to apply for permanent resident under express entry. Should I apply for a bridging work permit instead of sending another paper application for PGWP?

I know it is a lot of questions, but I would be appreciated any helps as I'm really worried now.
Thanks
 

Hassan17

Full Member
Apr 2, 2019
42
9
Thanks for your response.
If I chose Outside Canada for applying PGWP, the permit will come at my current address and I will be longer in Canada as the PGWP processing time is 17 weeks from Pakistan. And I have also heard that the officer at border will not allow you to enter canada and will ask you to wait for the approval at your home.
Please advise what to do in this scenario.
it will be mailed to your address in Pakistan. I would call CIC and CBSA and ask both of them about applying at the border just to be on the safe side... they have recently made some exemptions... Please See https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2020/03/canada-provides-update-on-exemptions-to-travel-restrictions-to-protect-canadians-and-support-the-economy.html?fbclid=IwAR24Hd1sy7WIgcPVqvKLkEJ6TvY-pr349fCQcyjbKzDOkDuTH7xeTJR8iV0
 

Issatt

Newbie
Apr 10, 2019
5
15
Hello,
I graduated last year in June 2019 and received my PGWP on October 2019 for 8 months because of my expiring passport. I studied bachelor degree in Canada, which should enable me to have 3 years of PGWP and I am eligible for extension after I renew my passport. I had sent in my renewal application online through CIC website since February 22 2020 along with my new passport. My old PGWP will expire on June 8, 2020, to which I hope that will be enough for them to process my application.
However, today I read on the CIC website that the PGWP renewal must be sent by paper only. Do I have to send in another paper application? Will I be charge twice ( I already paid for the online application)?
Also, when I applied online, I put my current status as worker (because I'm on PGWP), and my spouse is working in NOC 0,A,B in the initial questionnaire. The info I gave was different as to when I applied for PGWP for the first time. As the result, I had to submit different documents ( my application forms, marriage certificate, photo, upfront medical exam, passport, and explanation letter). I didn't submit my transcript or graduation certificate this time because they didn't ask. I did mention my previous PGWP application number in my explanation letter though.

Finally, my husband also got invited to apply for permanent resident under express entry. Should I apply for a bridging work permit instead of sending another paper application for PGWP?

I know it is a lot of questions, but I would be appreciated any helps as I'm really worried now.
Thanks
I did apply online for the extension and also chose "worker" as (my current status) since I had PGWP at the time. Don't stress yourself about the paper route because online applications are also accepted. Moreover, I uploaded the same documents I used for the first time excluding my study permit. I added my current PGWP and a letter of explanation-Needed an extension because previous PGWP was issued till the validity of my old passport. I hope this helps!
 
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osamaobz

Hero Member
Mar 26, 2012
202
13
it will be mailed to your address in Pakistan. I would call CIC and CBSA and ask both of them about applying at the border just to be on the safe side... they have recently made some exemptions... Please See https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2020/03/canada-provides-update-on-exemptions-to-travel-restrictions-to-protect-canadians-and-support-the-economy.html?fbclid=IwAR24Hd1sy7WIgcPVqvKLkEJ6TvY-pr349fCQcyjbKzDOkDuTH7xeTJR8iV0
It doesn't contain any information related to PGWP.
 

Chennyttran

Star Member
Feb 7, 2020
68
57
I did apply online for the extension and also chose "worker" as (my current status) since I had PGWP at the time. Don't stress yourself about the paper route because online applications are also accepted. Moreover, I uploaded the same documents I used for the first time excluding my study permit. I added my current PGWP and a letter of explanation-Needed an extension because previous PGWP was issued till the validity of my old passport. I hope this helps!
I didn't attached my transcript or my old pgwp. I did mention the application number for my last pgwp though. I hope that they will ask me to send those later instead of rejecting my application
 

Hassan17

Full Member
Apr 2, 2019
42
9
I didn't attached my transcript or my old pgwp. I did mention the application number for my last pgwp though. I hope that they will ask me to send those later instead of rejecting my application
Send them a web form and attach your transcript...