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ahmed5333

Newbie
Mar 19, 2013
8
1
Hi guys,

I was actually having a problem which I couldnt find anywhere else.

Actually I will be graduating from my Masters program after a duration of 1 year 8 months. Since I would be applying then for the PGWP, I would get it only for the period od 1 year 8 months. My question is, does this matter as opposed to if I have a 3 -year work permit? Can't I have it renewed later on while Im doing a job (which Im hoping I will be able to find soon?) Or should I delay my graduation by a semster to have this 2 year period fullfilled in order to qualify for a full 3-year period PGWP?

Thanks a lot for the help. I appreciate it!

Ahmed
 
ahmed5333 said:
Actually I will be graduating from my Masters program after a duration of 1 year 8 months. Since I would be applying then for the PGWP, I would get it only for the period od 1 year 8 months. My question is, does this matter as opposed to if I have a 3 -year work permit? Can't I have it renewed later on while Im doing a job (which Im hoping I will be able to find soon?) Or should I delay my graduation by a semster to have this 2 year period fullfilled in order to qualify for a full 3-year period PGWP?

Hi, here's the CIC webpage related to PGWPs: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp

Your work permit will be based on the duration of your study program, not your graduation date, so the most you can expect is a 2 year permit (maybe less). The only way to get a 3-year permit is to have taken a study program of 3 years or longer.

And you can't renew a PGWP. If you want to continue working in Canada after your PGWP expires, you'll have to find an employer willing to get an LMO (unless you find a job that's LMO exempt but this is harder to do).
 
Most universities give a 2 year letter (graduation letter) which would qualify you for a 3 year work permit.
I have many friends who have done a 8 month program (2 semesters) and they have got a 1 year work permit. Most colleges recognize this and give a 1 year graduation letter (with 8 month dates). 2 semesters qualify for a 1 year graduation.

Furthermore there are people who have done 8 months post grad certificate courses in one college and go to a different college for another 8 month post grad certificate. When they did apply for a work permit they automatically qualified for a 3 year work permit.

You WILL get a 3 year work permit. Rest easy.

Just curious, did you study in an univ in Ontario? If so why did you not apply for a PR in your final semester? You qualify under international students with a Masters program.