Express Entry Programs

How To Apply for Express Entry to Canada​​

Express Entry is the most popular immigration pathway to Canadian Permanent Residence. In order to qualify for Express Entry you will need to know your CRS score. Here you will find out the minimum CRS score for Canada PR 2022. Understand the requirements for Express Entry by reading more about the program below.

What Is A Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

A Post-Graduate Work Permit also referred to as PGWPP (Post-Graduate Work Permit Program) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

PGWP Processing Time

When applying for a PGWP you can expect to wait for 2 to 3 months.

PGWPP Eligibility

If you are a Canadian graduate, you can apply for a PGWP if:

  • your study permit is still valid
  • you have a valid visitor record
  • you’ve submitted an application to extend your study permit before it expired and no decision has been made on your application
  • you submitted an application to change your status to a visitor before your study permit expired and no decision has been made on your application

Applicants can receive only 1 post-graduation work permit in their lifetime. To obtain a post-graduation work permit, the applicant must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI).

Applying for a PGWP Before Graduating

If you have received authorization from your designated learning institution (DLI) to take leave during their studies, you must include documentation proving the authorization in the application.

How to Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit

When applying for a PGWP, you will have up to 180 days to apply after you’ve received your degree, transcript, and an official letter from your school. You can do this from any country as long as you still qualify! If your student permit is going to expire before receiving these documents, you have two options:

  1. You can apply for a visitor visa to stay in Canada longer
  2. You can leave and apply outside of Canada
If your study permit expires before you apply

If you don’t adjust your status to a visitor and your study permit expires, you have 90 days after your study permit expires to apply for a PGWP and restore your status as a student. To restore your status as a student, you must

  • apply online for your PGWP and pay the correct fee ($255)
  • pay the fee to restore your status as a student ($350)

Because of system limitations, you must pay the fees to restore your status as a student online and attach a copy of the receipt to your PGWP online application meaning you don’t need to make a separate application. Unfortunately, you can’t work until your study permit and work permit have been approved. If you don’t apply within the 90 days, or if the 90 days have already passed, you must leave Canada.