9 minute read
SETTLEMENT
Permit to work?
Canada’s post-graduate work permit (PGWP) program allows international students who have completed certain Canadian post-secondary programs to obtain work permits after graduating. e work permits are open, meaning that the graduates can work for any employer in any Canadian province. It is a fantastic program that enhances the competiveness of Canadian post-secondary institutions internationally, and is normally an essential step for international graduates hoping to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
However, every year there are many international students who mistakenly think that they will be eligible to participate in the program after graduating only to discover midway through their studies that they cannot. So if you’re an international student in Canada, it’s critical that you understand how the PGWP program works.
Who’s eligible?
In order for an international graduate to obtain a PGWP after graduating in Canada (excluding Quebec), an international student must: • have a valid study permit when applying for their PGWP • have continuously studied full time in Canada, except for the nal academic session, where part-time studies are permitted • have completed and passed a program of study that is at least eight months in duration at either a public post-secondary institution, a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, or at a Canadian private institution if the student was enrolled in a program of study that led to a degree • apply for the work permit within 90 days of receiving written con rmation from their educational institution that they have met the requirements for completing their program of study.
Permit validity e duration of a PGWP is equal in length to the educational program completed, up to a maximum of three years. Any completed program that is longer than two years will result in a three-year work permit. In other words, a two-year diploma and a four-year degree will both result in a three-year work permit.
It is important to note that it is the length of the program of study that matters, not the actual time that it takes an international student to complete the program. For example, if a student enrolls in a program of study that is eight months in duration, but completes it in six months, then the student will be able to obtain an eight-month work permit after graduating. And an international student who takes two years to complete a one-year program will only receive a one-year PGWP. ere are complicated rules and scenarios for students transferring from one program to another, or completing multiple programs, but a common one is when students obtain a oneyear degree/diploma from an eligible institution after having obtained, within the prior two years, another diploma/degree from an eligible institution, they then may be issued a work permit for up to three years.
e complexities of the postgraduate work permit for international students
Applying and working
Graduates may submit their applications online or, in certain cases, at a Canadian port of entry or at overseas visa of ces. Students who have completed their program of study and who apply for their PGWPs are permitted to work in Canada while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes their applications, provided that they were indeed full-time students enrolled in eligible programs while they were studying, and that they did not exceed their authorized o campus work periods while they were students.
Finally, unlike with international students, the spouses or common-law partners of PGWP holders are not automatically entitled to open work permits. ey will only be eligible if the PGWP holder obtains skilled employment, and can demonstrate this to IRCC by presenting an o er of employment as well as a copy of one or more pay slips.
Ongoing complications
Students who complete a program of study granted by a nonCanadian institution located in Canada are ineligible to obtain work permits under the PGWP program. However, students completing a program of study that has, as part of the program, an overseas component, such as an exchange, will be eligible as long as they earn a Canadian educational credential. ere are two further restrictions, or potential restrictions, to obtaining PGWPs that are currently the subject of litigation that potential international students and graduates should understand. e rst is that students participating in distance learning programs, either abroad or in Canada, are ineligible to obtain PGWPs. In 2015, this restriction generated considerable media attention, when IRCC refused the PGWP applications of an entire graduating class at a private post-secondary institution after it determined that the institution’s program constituted online learning. Some of these graduates have sought intervention from the Federal Court of Canada, and one of the questions before the court is whether there is a percentage of online courses threshold that must be met before IRCC can declare a program ineligible. Until either IRCC or the Federal Court provides clari cation on this matter, international students who wish to participate in the PGWP program should understand the possible negative consequences of enrolling in any online courses.
Second, recent graduates applying for PGWPs must ensure that they complete their PGWP applications promptly and properly. As with most work permit applications, if IRCC either refuses or bounces an application for incompleteness, then an applicant can typically apply for restoration of status within 90 days. It is not clear, however, whether restoration is possible in the case of the PGWP because of the requirement that a recent graduate’s study permit be valid when they apply for their PGWP. is matter is also currently being litigated by refused applicants, and we will hopefully know the results soon.
Steven Meurrens is an immigration lawyer with Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver. Contact him at 604-681-9887, by email at steven.meurrens@larlee.com or visit his blog at smeurrens.com.
All children have their own unique talents to share with the world, and it is up to parents to help them discover and identify their unique abilities, and help them to reach their full potential. By helping our children nd their true passion and natural gifts, they can do great work and have a greater contribution to society. Steve Jobs said it best: “ e only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Discover their talents
Get to know your children’s likes, dislikes, temperament and skills, in order to help identify what piques their interest. Provide opportunities for your children to try a variety of activities and experiences so that they can develop a broad range of interests and really discover what they like. Encourage them to get out of their comfort zone and explore as many di erent activities as possible while they’re young. Be patient and know that sometimes it is a trial-and-error process that will take a while for them to gure out their talents and passion.
Accept them for who they are
We need to be mindful of not imposing our own interests on our children or trying to change who they are. Be it musical talent or academic skills, everyone is born with their own unique skills and intelligence. Show them unconditional love by embracing them for who they are, and supporting them to become who they are meant to be.
Invest in their talent
It is in our best interest to help develop children’s natural talent. Follow their lead and interests; allow them to explore their own path with their natural gifts. Once a child has zeroed in on their passion, then give them the space and time to further develop that passion. Encourage and support them to pursue their eld of interest. Provide as many resources and opportunities as possible to cultivate their talent.
It takes dedication
Keep in mind that talent is largely built, not born. No matter what one’s natural skills, it still requires hours and hours of hard work to master that talent. Encourage them to keep at their passion; know it takes dedication, discipline, devotion and perseverance to be truly great at something. ere will be struggles, setbacks and criticism, but it is about pushing on and getting to the ultimate goals of achieving one’s dream.
We are all capable of achieving great success, if only we tap into our own uniqueness and talents. Instead of just following the crowd, let’s help our children create their own path of awesomeness, and do what makes them feel most ful lled and can make the most di erence in the world!
PARENTING
True talent
Discover and nurture your child’s natural gifts
Cheryl Song, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 10 years’ experience of working in childhood education and family programs.
Break the wall. Improve your English.
Learn English at your own pace www.AlbertaCanada.com/BreaktheWall
The Conference Board of Canada’s National Immigration Centre’s second Canadian Immigration Summit returns to Ottawa on April 4-5, 2016, at the Fairmont Château Laurier. is two-day event is bringing together more than 250 leading representatives from government, business, education, non-pro ts and immigrant-serving organizations from across Canada. e goal? To work toward creating a National Immigration Action Plan for Canada.
“Immigration matters more than ever to Canada’s social and economic prosperity — we require a vibrant, healthy, larger and highly responsive immigration system to ensure our future,” according to a statement from the Conference Board. At the same time, forces of international and domestic change are placing great pressure on the immigration environment. “We need to develop innovative, e cient, and responsive policies and programs to meet the challenges,” says the Board. e Canadian Immigration Summit 2016 is designed to help do just that. It will focus on the themes of: supporting immigrants and refugees to succeed; creating partnerships to enhance the immigration system; and leveraging immigrants’ skills and connections to enhance economic prosperity.
“We invite delegates to share their vision and discuss how we can build a better immigration system,” notes the Board.
Learn more and register at conferenceboard.ca/conf/immigration. As a marketing sponsor, Canadian Immigrant readers can quote rebate code PRM7 for a reduced rate.
Dialogue on future of immigration
SUMMIT AGENDA
APRIL 4 Plenary Session 1 Opening Keynote Address: A New Federal Immigration Mandate
Plenary Session 2 Societal License: The Importance of Public Support in Canada’s Immigration System Plenary Session 3 High Numbers and Tight Timelines: Lessons from Canada’s Refugee Resettlement Experiences Plenary Session 4 Immigration Perspectives from Coast to Coast to Coast
Plenary Session 5 Strategizing Francophone Immigration Plenary Session 6 Selection Around the World: Cutting Edge Immigration Policies APRIL 5 Plenary Session 7 Partnering to Create Welcoming Cities and Communities Plenary Session 8 Temporary Today, Canadian Tomorrow?
Plenary Session 9 Brain Gain = Financial Gain: Recognizing and Employing International Skills, Learning and Credentials
Plenary Session 10 Incubating Immigrant Innovation, Investment and Entrepreneurship Plenary Session 11 Connecting Canada with the World: Leveraging Diversity to Enhance Prosperity through Trade
DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATE KARTEIN HAIN 100 YEARS OF MAGIC! MAGIC – MARCH BREAK KE LIYE
