I have applied for a post-graduate work permit after I finished my undergraduate degree in 2016, and it expires this April, 2019.
I went back to school for a Masters degree in September, 2017. I hold a study permit that is valid from September 2017 to end of August 2019. I have not used my PGWP ever since. I will be graduating this May-June around.
I'm wondering:
Is it possible for me to reapply for a PGWP? Even just for those months between September 2017 to April 2019 that I hold a valid student visa?
Can I still work with my study permit over this summer? I should get my grades in mid-May and a letter that proves that I am eligible for graduation.
Your question is slightly confusing in asking about reapplying for a PGWP for Sept 2017 through April 2019, what are you asking about that time line ? A PGWP is a once only opportunity so can only be applied for once and fact you did not fully use it is not relevant. A PGWP extension is only generally available if were issued less than time period qualified due to passport expiry date.
You can only work part time until you receive your completion of graduation letter after which you must stop working unless applying for a new study program starting within 150 days or a PGWP, the latter of course not available to you. If you do not for example apply for a new study program then you would need to flip to visitor status on receipt of your completion letter or plan to leave the country. Full details in the link below
Thanks for your response. So I guess in my case I won't be able to apply for another PGWP. Can I apply for any work permit, or are there any other options that can let me stay in Canada?
I'm planning on applying Ontario PNP for Master's stream but I have to wait for the next opening because I'm not yet graduated. I heard the Ontario PNP process is really long. Do I have to return to my country to wait for it to be processed?
Thanks for your response. So I guess in my case I won't be able to apply for another PGWP. Can I apply for any work permit, or are there any other options that can let me stay in Canada?
I'm planning on applying Ontario PNP for Master's stream but I have to wait for the next opening because I'm not yet graduated. I heard the Ontario PNP process is really long. Do I have to return to my country to wait for it to be processed?
Extending or reapply for a PGWP is not possible. You only qualify for a PGWP once and you have used up your one opportunity.
As said above, you won't be able to work in the summer after you have finished your Masters unless you will be starting to study in a new full time program within 150 days of completing your Masters - or if you are applying for a PGWP (however you don't qualify for one so that option is out for you). If you don't plan on taking further full time studies in Canada, then you need to stop working as soon as you finish your studies.
If you want to apply for a work permit after you finish your Masters so that you can continue working, then you will need to secure a job offer from an employer in Canada and that employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a closed work permit.
Yes - processing for the PNP programs tend to be quite long. You don't have to leave Canada - however you do need to keep your status here legal.
Extending or reapply for a PGWP is not possible. You only qualify for a PGWP once and you have used up your one opportunity.
As said above, you won't be able to work in the summer after you have finished your Masters unless you will be starting to study in a new full time program within 150 days of completing your Masters - or if you are applying for a PGWP (however you don't qualify for one so that option is out for you). If you don't plan on taking further full time studies in Canada, then you need to stop working as soon as you finish your studies.
If you want to apply for a work permit after you finish your Masters so that you can continue working, then you will need to secure a job offer from an employer in Canada and that employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA so that you can apply for a closed work permit.
Yes - processing for the PNP programs tend to be quite long. You don't have to leave Canada - however you do need to keep your status here legal.
Thanks for your reply. I don't want to leave Canada in the meantime but I don't know how can I keep my status legal? Can I only do it by applying for visitor visa? I'm not going back to school and I won't be able to work. Can I apply for a bridging work permit at some point?
Thanks again. I've been a little anxious these days about it so I guess I'm asking some questions...
Thanks for your reply. I don't want to leave Canada in the meantime but I don't know how can I keep my status legal? Can I only do it by applying for visitor visa? I'm not going back to school and I won't be able to work. Can I apply for a bridging work permit at some point?
Thanks again. I've been a little anxious these days about it so I guess I'm asking some questions...
Yes - you can apply to change your status to visitor as you are completing your studies. This will allow you to remain in Canada with legal status.
In terms of a bridging open work permit, I don't see how you would qualify. To qualify, you must be holding a valid work permit and also must have already submitted an application for PR and received confirmation from IRCC that your application is complete and has been accepted.
Yes - you can apply to change your status to visitor as you are completing your studies. This will allow you to remain in Canada with legal status.
In terms of a bridging open work permit, I don't see how you would qualify. To qualify, you must be holding a valid work permit and also must have already submitted an application for PR and received confirmation from IRCC that your application is complete and has been accepted.
So I'd have to both holding a permit & received a confirmation for a bridging work permit? So I guess I will never qualify...
In terms of changing the status to a visitor - do I have to do it right away after the university confirmed my degree is completed, or I can wait to apply for it before my study permit expires? Do I just apply a visitor visa?
Does it hurt if I leave the country and waiting for the it in another country? Staying in Canada for a couple of years without doing anything will be such a waste of time I feel...
So I'd have to both holding a permit & received a confirmation for a bridging work permit? So I guess I will never qualify...
In terms of changing the status to a visitor - do I have to do it right away after the university confirmed my degree is completed, or I can wait to apply for it before my study permit expires? Do I just apply a visitor visa?
Does it hurt if I leave the country and waiting for the it in another country? Staying in Canada for a couple of years without doing anything will be such a waste of time I feel...
