1. How will studying online impact my eligibility to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
For detailed information on how your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility is affected please visit PGWP Eligibility.
2. I completed my academic program but was part-time and/or have gaps in my academic record. Can I still apply for the post graduation work permit?
Usually, to meet the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) requirements, students must continuously study full-time and in-person throughout all academic terms. However, the IRCC has taken into account the possibility of disruptions to students' studies during COVID-19.
As such, interruptions in current students' full-time study status (i.e. part-time status or no enrollment), which may have happened as a direct result of COVID-19 during the spring or summer 2020 terms, does not affect the students' eligibility for the PGWP. So long as they maintain a valid study permit and meet all other program criteria. For situations where the student could not maintain full-time registration status due to COVID-19, a letter of support from their faculty confirming this is needed.
There is no guarantee the application will be approved. The final decision is made at the immigration officers’ discretion. Please review the Post Graduate Work Permit Eligibility Requirements for more information.
3. I have completed my academic program and want to remain in Canada and work. What do I do?
If you’ve finished your studies and intend to work in Canada, you’ll need to apply for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to stay in Canada. There are important timelines you should be aware of, such as applying within 90 days of completing your program and while holding a valid study permit if you want to begin working right away. For details on how to apply please visit the Working After Graduation site for detailed instructions.
4. I want to apply for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. How can I get my confirmation of academic completion letter and transcripts if offices are closed?
View the steps and guides on how to apply for PGWP online on "Helpful Guides" section on this webpage. Graduate students can request an academic completion letter from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. (Complete the required "Degree Requirements Met Request" form.)
Undergraduate students can request an academic completion letter from the Registrar’s Office by emailing registrar@dal.ca. Letters will be sent electronically.
All current students should submit transcript requests through Dal Online. Unofficial transcripts will only be sent electronically until further notice. You will find this option under "Web for Students" > "Student Records" > "Request Official Transcripts".
According to IRCC, it is acceptable to submit an unofficial transcript that is issued by Dalhousie University or Dal Online.
5. I need to complete biometrics with my PGWP application. How can I complete this requirement if offices are not offering collection services?
As of July 15, 2020, IRCC officially announced a temporary public policy exempting applicants in Canada from the requirement to give biometrics. This means that effective immediately, if you are applying from within Canada, you do not need to give biometrics in order for your application to be processed. This applies to new applications as well as applications that are already in progress in Canada. For details on the exemption, visit the IRCC website. This exemption does not apply if you’re outside Canada.
6. Can I apply for my PGWP at the border (flagpoling)?
No, you cannot apply for your PGWP at Canada/US border at this time. Until further notice, travellers (students and family members) should not visit a Canada Border Services Agency office to apply for a work permit, study permit, or permanent residence. For full details, please read the CBSA – important message on flagpoling.
Flagpoling is a term that refers to when a person already in Canada leaves the country and returns without crossing into the USA in order to activate a new permanent resident status, to be granted a renewed study or work permit, or to receive a change of status (for example: a status changed from visitor to work permit holder).
7. How do I apply for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if I am currently outside Canada?
You can apply for your PGWP online from outside Canada. While many Visa Application Centres are shut down or have limited service due to COVID-19, applications continue to be processed with the expectation of delays in processing.
Online Application Steps for Students Outside Canada:
Step 1: Log into your IRCC online account through GCKey or Sign-in Partner. If you are a new user, you need to register through GCKey or Sign-in Partner.
Step 2: Click on ‘Apply to come to Canada’.
You will be asked to enter a Personal Reference Code. If you do not already have a code, go to the section, "I do not have a Personal Refence Code" and click on "Visitor visa, study and/or work permit".
Answer all the questions that follow. Please note, you must identify your current country of residence, not Canada.
Step 3: Fill out the online application form and gather supporting documentation. Depending on your personal situation, additional forms and support documents may appear your checklist.
1. Complete the IMM 1295 Application form. Validate and save the form as an unsigned copy.
2. Gather the following supporting documents:
- Recent Education Transcript
- Completion of Studies Letter
- Passport
- Digital Photo
3. Once you have all the documents ready, save them electronically. The documents' sizes must be less than 4MB each, and can be saved as pdfs, jpegs or Word docs.
4. Upload the IMM 1295 form and supporting documents in your online account.
Step 4: Pay the application fee.
Pay the $255 CAD fee online with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express). If you need to complete biometrics, $85.00 CAD will be added.
Do not forget to print a receipt.
Step 5: Submit the application.
Save or print your confirmation of successful transmission for your records.
Important Information:
After you submit your application, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada may contact you for additional documents. If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.
8. I applied for a PGWP or have a PGWP and want to return home. Will I be able to return to Canada?
If you have applied for a PGWP within Canada, you are strongly encouraged to remain in Canada until your PGWP application is assessed before considering any international travel.
As PGWP holder, you are considered a temporary foreign worker, and can only to re-enter Canada if one of these situations applies:
- You have a valid PGWP and normally live in Canada. This applies even if you’ve been laid off; will need to show proof of previous employment to the border officer.
- You’re a worker who meets has a work permit approval letter (or a PGWP permit) AND a valid job offer and can work once you enter Canada and complete your 14-day quarantine (unless you’re exempt) or actively working in Canada.
If the above applies to you, your are exempt from travel restrictions and travel is considered essential (non-discretionary) purpose.
9. My PGWP expired or is about to expire. Am I eligible for an extension due to COVID-19?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is usually only available to you once in a lifetime. Due to the pandemic’s disruption, which may have jeopardized your ability to obtain Canadian work experience, IRCC created a temporary policy allowing certain PGWP holders to apply for another open work permit valid for up to 18 months.
To be eligible, you must have been in Canada on January 27, 2021, and have had a PGWP that expired on or after January 30, 2020 or will expire within 4 months after you apply. Applications must be submitted online by July 27, 2021.
See the public policy for details on eligibility and how to apply.
