Understanding Work Permits: Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Schools
Date: October 2023
Are you planning to study in Canada and work simultaneously? Understanding the eligibility criteria for different institutions is crucial. This article will clarify the conditions under which you can receive a three-year work permit and explore the implications of studying at non-Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible institutions.
Eligible and Non-Eligible Institutions
When considering a three-year work permit, it's important to distinguish between institutions that allow for work permits and those that do not. Private colleges, for example, typically do not permit work visas. However, you can achieve a three-year work permit if you complete two years of your studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) that allows for PGWP and one year at a non-PGWP institution.
Work Permit After Two Years at a DLI
If you choose to complete two-years of your studies, but at different programs at DLIs that permit PGWP, you can indeed qualify for a three-year work permit. This approach allows you to leverage the PGWP eligibility while ensuring you meet the required study duration.
For instance, you could study one year in a DLI that offers PGWP and another year in a non-PGWP institution, but the two-year program should be at a PGWP-eligible institution. This strategy maximizes your work permit eligibility while accommodating different academic interests or institutions.
Non-Eligible Institutions and Work Permits
If you study at a school that does not offer PGWP, your time there does not count towards a work permit. After completing at least eight months of studies and graduating, you qualify for a similar short-term work permit that is not renewable. This work visa is unlikely to extend your stay in Canada.
If your goal is to live and work in Canada and possibly qualify for Permanent Residency, you must complete a minimum of two years at a DLI and graduate. This is the only way to obtain a fixed three-year PGWP, which is non-renewable. After five years or more of combined study and work, you may qualify for Permanent Residency, but all of this is contingent on completing your studies successfully.
Student Visa vs. Work Visa
It's crucial to understand that a student visa and a work visa serve different purposes. A student visa allows you to study, while a work visa allows you to work. You cannot hold both simultaneously.
While you can work on a student visa, it is generally limited to a maximum of 40 hours in any two consecutive weeks. This limit is intended to ensure that you can focus on your studies without being overwhelmed by work responsibilities.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between PGWP-eligible and non-eligible institutions is key to planning your future in Canada. If you wish to stay and work in the country, completing a minimum of two years at a DLI and graduating is a necessary step. This will allow you to qualify for the valuable and non-renewable PGWP, which can be a crucial step towards Permanent Residency.
Keywords
work permit, PGWP, non-PGWP