Temporary Residence

Why Is Immigration Important to Canada?

For over a century, immigration has been a means to support the population, economic, and cultural growth in Canada. Millions of eligible people from around the world have chosen to reside in Canada and make it their new home. Whether seeking better economic opportunities, reuniting with family members, or seeking protection as resettled refugees or other protected persons, newcomers to Canada have been a major source of ongoing growth and prosperity. Along with those who migrate to Canada permanently, many individuals come to Canada to stay temporarily, whether as a visitor, international students or temporary foreign workers. Regardless of their pathway into Canada, they all contribute in a meaningful way to Canada’s economy, support the success and growth of various industries, and contribute to Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism. Immigration has helped to build the country that the world sees today – a diverse society with strong economic and social foundations, and with continued potential for further growth and prosperity.

Temporary residents are foreign nationals who are permitted to enter and remain in Canada for a specified period of time if they have a valid passport and a temporary resident visa (TRV), and who must leave by the end of the period authorized for their stay. They may re-enter Canada only if their authorization provides for re-entry; otherwise, they must reapply for permission to do so.

A temporary resident visa (TRV) allows a foreign national to enter Canada.

Study in Canada

International students

IRCC facilitates the entry of students who wish to study at a designated Canadian educational institution. Students approved to study in Canada are issued a study permit. In 2019, 827,586 international students held valid study permits in Canada. Of these, 402,427 new study permits were issued (a 15% increase from 2018). In 2019, 11,566 study permit holders were granted permanent residency.

There are many reasons that studying in Canada may be an attractive option for foreign students:

– the possibility of obtaining a high-quality education

– Canadian work experience after graduation

– the ability to transition to permanent residence

The study permit is a document officer issue that allows foreign nationals to study at some learning institutions in Canada.

There are other benefits to the education pathway. Students can help pay their living expenses since foreign students can work for 20 hours each week. Spouses or common law partners accompanying a student can work fulltime. Their work permits are valid for the same period as the student’s study permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work for any employer in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must:
- Have completed a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Have studied full-time and completed a program lasting at least 8 months.
- Have received a degree, diploma, or certificate upon completing the program.
- Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks or graduation letter.

Required Documents

Ensure you have the following documents for your application:Letter of completion from the DLI.
- Graduation certificate.
- Official transcripts.
- Valid study permit.
- Valid passport.
- Recent digital photo.
- Letter of explanation (optional).

Application Process

Submit your application through the IRCC portal and pay the application processing fee of CAD 255.

Processing Time

The PGWP processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on circumstances and workload.Implied StatusYou may work full-time while waiting for the PGWP decision, provided you have submitted your application before your study permit expires.

PGWP Validity

The validity of your PGWP depends on the length of your study program:
Less than 8 months: Not eligible.
8 months to less than 2 years: PGWP will be valid for the same length as your study program.
2 years or more: You may receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years.
Extending Your Stay in CanadaIf your PGWP is expiring, you cannot extend it.

However, you may explore other immigration pathways, such as applying for Permanent Residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).