New Graduate Visa of Canada: How to Obtain a Work Permit

Overview

Canada is a popular destination for international students seeking to further their education. Upon the completion of their studies, many international graduates seek employment opportunities in Canada. The Canadian government has introduced the New Graduate Visa (NGV) program in response to this demand. The program aims to make it easier for international graduates to obtain a work permit and gain Canadian work experience. This article will provide an overview of the NGV program and the steps required to obtain a work permit.

What is the New Graduate Visa program?

The New Graduate Visa program is designed for international students who have recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution. The program allows eligible graduates to obtain a work permit that is valid for up to three years, depending on the duration of their program. The work permit allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which can be advantageous when seeking permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the New Graduate Visa program, international graduates must meet the following criteria:

• Have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution within the last three years.
• Have a valid study permit when applying for the work permit.
• Have completed a program of study that is at least eight months in duration.
• Have graduated from a public post-secondary institution, a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, or a Canadian private institution authorized by law to confer degrees.
• Have not previously participated in the NGV program.
• Have not previously obtained a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.

Application Process

International graduates can apply for the New Graduate Visa program online or by mail. The following steps outline the process for applying online:

1. Create an account on the Government of Canada website and complete the online application form.
2. Pay the application fee of CAD 155 (as of February 2021).
3. Upload all required documents, including proof of graduation, a copy of the passport, and a copy of the study permit.
4. Submit the application and wait for the processing to be completed.

Documents Required

International graduates must submit the following documents when applying for the New Graduate Visa program:

• A valid passport.
• A copy of the study permit.
• A copy of the official transcript or a letter from the institution indicating the date of convocation and the completion of the program.
• Proof of payment of the application fee.
• Other documents that may be required depending on the country of origin of the applicant.

Processing Time

The processing time for the New Graduate Visa program varies depending on the location and the volume of applications being processed. The average processing time for online applications is currently estimated to be 4-5 months. However, it is important to note that processing times can be longer for some countries.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for the New Graduate Visa program if I have already obtained a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program?

No, international graduates who have previously obtained a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program are not eligible to apply for the New Graduate Visa program.

2. Can I apply for permanent residency while on the New Graduate Visa program?

Yes, international graduates who obtain Canadian work experience through the New Graduate Visa program may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under various immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class.

3. Can I work for any employer while on the New Graduate Visa program?

Yes, international graduates who obtain a work permit through the New Graduate Visa program are eligible to work for any employer in Canada.

4. Is there a limit to the number of times I can apply for the New Graduate Visa program?

No, there is no limit to the number of times an international graduate can apply for the New Graduate Visa program, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

5. Can I apply for the New Graduate Visa program if I graduated from a program that was less than eight months in duration?

No, international graduates who completed a program of less than eight months in duration are not eligible to apply for the New Graduate Visa program.

Conclusion

The New Graduate Visa program provides a great opportunity for international graduates to gain Canadian work experience and enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Eligible graduates should consider applying for the program and following the outlined steps to obtain a work permit.