Study and Post-Graduation Work Permits
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Once students have received their formal Letter of Acceptance and have paid their Commitment Fee, they should immediately apply for the necessary study permit and other travel documentation. This can include:
For more information about what you need prior to your arrival in Canada, please visit the EduCanadaPre-departure Guide for International Students or the WelcomeBC website.
The deadline to submit proof of your study permit is based on your term intake.
For example, if you are starting your program in:
Submit proof of your study permit by emailing a colour-scanned copy of your study permit to the Office of International Affairs with your name and student number.
Most students with a valid study permit are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while studying full-time and work full-time during semester breaks. You can only start working in Canada once your study program has started. Students will require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to be paid for their work. More information about obtaining a SIN can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.
Additional information regarding eligibility requirements to work while studying in Canada can be found on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada webpage.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Upon completing a certificate, diploma, or degree program of at least 8 months in length, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to work full-time in Canada for up to three years after graduation. You don’t need a job offer to apply and can work anywhere in Canada in any occupation.
There are several reasons why you might consider applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing your studies at JIBC. For one, it can help you advance your career goals and gain valuable Canadian work experience. Additionally, if you're interested in pursuing Canadian permanent residency, a PGWP can serve as a pathway to prepare you for certain permanent resident programs.
It's worth noting that you can only apply for a PGWP once in your lifetime. If you're unsure whether you'll stay or return to Canada after your studies, it's a good idea to apply for the PGWP in case your plans change, as you'll lose the opportunity to apply after 180 days. To help you make an informed decision, you may want to consult with an International Student Advisor. It's also important to note that you don't need to live in Canada or hold a job at all times to keep your work permit valid.
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must generally meet the following requirements:
Additional situations in which you may still be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) include:
You can find full eligibility details on the Government of Canada website.
If you took time away from studies or studied part-time, it's recommended that you draft a letter of explanation and gather supporting documents, and consult International Student Advising before submitting your application. Ultimately, officers will make the final decision.
Step 1: Log in to your GCKey (or create your GCKey)
Once you log in to your online account, click on “Apply to come to Canada,” and then click on “Visitor visa, study, and/or work permit.”
Step 2: Complete the questionnaire and you will see a document checklist.
Step 3: Gather your documents and upload them to your IRCC online account. If you apply for your PGWP from within Canada, you will need the following:
Step 4: Pay the $255 application fees
Processing times: IRCC processing times may vary depending on many factors. Check typical processing times on the IRCC website.
When to Apply: You are recommended to apply for your PGWP within 90 days after your completion date while your study permit is still valid, even though you can apply under another temporary status within 180 days.
See the full instructions by IRCC – Application Guide 5580
Am I eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
*If you were required to put your studies on hold or become part-time study due to course cancellation as a result of public health measures at the university, for Spring and Summer 2020 terms only, your eligibility for a PGWP will not be impacted.
*How to find out if your online courses are eligible for PGWP, check the Transition period for distance learning measures which allow courses moved online due to the pandemic to count toward the length of PGWP.
What should I do if my study permit is expiring, and I need more time to apply for my Post-Graduation Work Permit?
Can I work after submitting my post-graduation work permit application?
My study permit expired a few months ago and I applied to extend it. Can I work after I submit my PGWP application while I am under “Maintained Status?”
If you still have questions, the Office of International Affairs team is here to support you. Get in touch with us via email or book a virtual call with one of our International Student Advisors.