PGWP or 2nd Course? | Canada PR After 1-Year Diploma
Hello everyone welcome back to Globexa immigration this is Jitender Grover in this blog we are discussing PG Work Permit after 1-year course or 2nd course? If you’ve completed a one-year diploma in Canada, whether it’s a UG (Undergraduate) Diploma or PG (Post-Graduate) Diploma, you may be wondering whether you should apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or continue with your studies for a second year. This is a crucial decision that impacts your future career, your PR (Permanent Residency) pathway, and your financial situation.
Many students complete their one-year diploma and, without a clear plan, apply for a PGWP, believing that everything will work out in the end. Unfortunately, this approach is often based on misconceptions. In some cases, students are led to believe that they will automatically receive Permanent Residency (PR) or that their employer will help them with an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). The reality is, however, that a one-year PGWP does not guarantee PR, and many students end up regretting their decision.
There is a common myth among students that if they complete one year of study and apply for a PGWP, they will somehow find a way to get their PR. This often leads to students dropping their studies to apply for a PG work permit. However, this is risky and lacks clarity.
In today’s blog, I’ll be discussing why so many students choose to apply for their PGWP after completing one year of study, even though it might not be the best decision for their long-term goals. I’ll also explain why continuing to the second year of your program could be the smarter choice.
1.1 Should You Study the Second Year or Not?
When it comes to deciding whether to continue with a second year of study or apply for a PGWP after completing a one-year program in Canada, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully. Here’s my opinion on the matter, especially if you’re pursuing a Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or Diploma.
If you’re enrolled in a Master’s degree, whether it’s a one-year or two-year program, you’re in a good position. With a Master’s degree, you’ll be eligible for a three-year PGWP upon completion, regardless of whether your program lasts for one or two years.
So, in the case of a Master’s program, it doesn’t matter if you complete the degree in one year or two; you’ll still receive the same benefit: a three-year PG work permit. This is a clear advantage for students pursuing a Master’s degree, as it doesn’t create any issues for your post-graduation work opportunities.
Similarly, if you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, whether it’s a three-year or four-year program, you’ll also be eligible for a three-year PGWP once you graduate. So, in this case, you don’t have to worry about the length of your Bachelor’s program either. Whether you complete a three-year or four-year Bachelor’s, you’ll receive the same three-year PG work permit.
The scenario changes when it comes to diplomas (whether UG diplomas or PG diplomas). Many students wonder if it’s worth spending money on a second year of study or if they should apply for a PGWP after just one year.
1.1.1 LMIA May Not Be Available
In the current situation in Canada, obtaining an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is becoming increasingly difficult. The unemployment rate needs to be below 6% for LMIAs to be granted, and only 10% of individuals can be on LMIA to be eligible. This makes getting an LMIA a challenging task, so if you’re relying on it to extend your work permit, be prepared for the possibility that it may not be available.
1.1.2 Don’t Drop Your Second Year of Study to Save Money
It’s important not to drop your second year of study simply to save money and apply for a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) after one year. By completing just one year, you’ll only be eligible for a one-year PGWP, and when you factor in the processing time for the work permit, you may end up with a total of just 13 to 16 months of work authorization.
But here’s the key question: Is one year enough to achieve your PR (Permanent Residency)? If your goal is to stay in Canada and eventually transition to PR, the short-term benefits of a one-year PGWP may not be sufficient.
1.2 Clear PR Pathways with 1 Year of Study Before PGWP Application
Before applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing just one year of study, it’s important to have a clear PR pathway. If you don’t have a clear plan, it’s better to take a second year of study. While it may cost you $15,000 to $20,000, it is an investment that can save you significant complications later on.
Many clients I’ve worked with are facing difficulties after applying for their PG work permit. In Canada, obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) has become increasingly challenging. LMIA approvals are no longer guaranteed, and securing one may be difficult due to Canada’s unemployment rates and other factors.
Some individuals may think about applying for asylum as a way to stay in Canada, but this option is no longer viable. With over 400,000 asylum applications and only 68,000 available seats, many are being turned away. Canada is not promoting asylum applications for study or visitor visa holders, and those who try to stay illegally may face deportation and a 5–10-year ban from entering the country.
If you don’t have a clear pathway to PR or LMIA, you’re putting your future in Canada at risk. Without a clear strategy for obtaining PR, applying for a PG work permit may not be the right choice. Many students have made the mistake of thinking they can secure PR through LMIA or other means, but they end up in a challenging situation with no clear options.
If you drop your second year of study, you may save money now, but the long-term costs can be far higher. Instead of paying $20,000 for the second year, you may later have to spend $35,000 to $40,000 to restart the process with a new study visa. If you do get an LMIA, it’s likely to be for one year, and its cost could increase significantly in the coming months due to a scarcity of LMIA approvals.
Relying on an LMIA can be risky, as getting an LMIA is a complex and time-consuming process that requires employer involvement. Moreover, without a strong academic background, employers might be less willing to offer you a job that supports your PR application.
1.2.1 Emotional and Financial Toll of Leaving Canada
If you fail to secure your PR and end up needing to leave Canada after spending one or two years, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. You’ve already invested money, time, and energy into your studies in Canada. Coming back to your home country, such as India, after experiencing life in Canada can be difficult. You might not be able to adjust, and the struggle can be much harder than anticipated.
1.3 Do NOT Follow Others Without Clarity on PR Pathway
Do not follow others blindly when it comes to your PR pathway. If someone suggests an approach, ask for clarity before making decisions. For example, some students at MacEwan University may consider leaving their studies after completing one semester. However, I advise them to stay and continue their education. If you’ve completed one semester and are considering leaving for a Master’s degree, it could be a better choice, even if it requires changing provinces.
Instead of completing two PG diplomas, consider finishing a Master’s degree in 16 months. The cost remains almost the same, especially because you can receive a refund for the two semesters of your diploma and apply that to the fees for your Master’s degree. By switching to a Master’s, you’re setting yourself up for better opportunities in the long term, particularly in terms of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Permanent Residency (PR) prospects.
In most cases, completing two years of study, whether through a diploma or Master’s degree, is necessary to secure a three-year PG work permit, which will provide a safety net for your PR pathway. A one-year PG work permit is simply not enough to meet the requirements for PR in Canada. With a three-year PG work permit, you’ll have more time to gain the work experience needed to increase your chances of obtaining PR.
1.4 Take the Second Year of Study
The $20,000 you’re paying for your second year of study is a valuable investment in your future. In the long run, it will not only help you extend your PG work permit to three years, but it will also contribute to securing your PR. You’ll look back and realize that this investment was crucial to achieving your goal of becoming a permanent resident in Canada.
1.5 French Can Help You Get Your PR, But Be Sure to Achieve B2 Level and Enough CRS Points
Many people believe that learning French can be a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. While it is true that French proficiency can significantly boost your chances, there are a few important things to consider before you rely on it.
Yes, learning French can help you get your PR, but it requires serious effort. First, you need to ensure that your CRS score (Comprehensive Ranking System) is high enough to be eligible for Express Entry. If you’re aiming to use French as a factor for your PR application, you should aim for a B2 level in French.
After achieving B2 level French, calculate your CRS score. Your score should ideally be above 450, with 460-470 being a more competitive range. The CRS cutoff varies, with some recent rounds having cutoffs as low as 394 and others reaching up to 474. Therefore, aim for a CRS score of 475 or higher after completing your French language proficiency to increase your chances of success.
Canada has more than 35,000 seats available for PR applications through French in the coming year, making it a viable option. If you’ve already started or dropped your studies, learning French could still be a good opportunity. I have created a blog explaining how you can use French to boost your PR chances. In the blog, I go over how to calculate your CRS score and the steps involved in using French for your immigration pathway.
Learning French can definitely be a helpful strategy for securing PR in Canada, but make sure to calculate your CRS score before committing. Achieving B2 level French is a significant effort, and you must ensure your CRS score is competitive enough to be eligible for Express Entry.
1.6 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider Second Year of Study for a Three-Year PG Work Permit
To wrap up this discussion, I recommend that you either take the second year of study or pursue a master’s degree to secure a three-year PG work permit. This will give you ample time and flexibility to work towards your PR (Permanent Residency) in Canada. If you choose not to take this route, ensure you have complete clarity on how you will obtain your PR.
Given the current, rapidly changing landscape of Canadian immigration policies, it’s essential to have a safety net in place. Without this, you may face serious challenges in the future.
1.7 Apply with Globexa
If you’re considering applying for a Canada study visa, you can contact Globexa. We can help you with your Canada study visa application, and yes, it’s possible to apply for the entire family (husband, wife, and children) to travel to Canada together.
If you’re interested in learning TEF (Test d’évaluation de français), which is a French language test for Canadian PR, we can assist you with test preparation as well.
If you need help with PG work permits, spouse open work permits, visitor visas for parents, or any other Canada immigration application, feel free to contact Globexa. We’re here to assist you with all the necessary paperwork and processes for these applications.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to assisting you in the next blog!
