How long is a work permit for two 1-year courses?

If you're studying two graduate courses (programs) of one year each in Canada, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing both programs, but the duration of your work permit will depend on a few factors.

Key Points to Consider:

1. PGWP Duration:

o A Post-Graduation Work Permit is generally issued for a period equivalent to the length of your program of study, up to a maximum of 3 years.

o For example:

 If you complete one 1-year program, you may be eligible for a 1-year work permit.

 If you complete two 1-year programs consecutively (both full-time and eligible), the total duration could be 2 years.

2. Eligibility Criteria for PGWP:

o You must have studied at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

o You must have completed at least 8 months of full-time studies in each program.

o Both programs must be eligible for the PGWP (i.e., they must be offered by an accredited institution and meet certain criteria).

o The programs must be completed within 2 years of each other, meaning you would need to apply for the work permit after completing the second program.

3. Two Programs with Different Durations:

o If you study two programs of different durations, the length of the PGWP will be based on the total length of both programs, but it must still meet the minimum requirements.

o For example:

 A 1-year program followed by another 1-year program could potentially give you a 2-year work permit.

 A 2-year program followed by a 1-year program could potentially give you a 3-year work permit.

4. Application Timing:

o You can apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final transcript or completion letter from your last program.

o The PGWP application must be submitted while you are still in Canada as a student or shortly after finishing your studies.

Conclusion:

If you are studying two 1-year graduate programs in Canada and meet all eligibility requirements, you could receive a 2-year Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Make sure to confirm the eligibility of your programs and stay within the timeline for applying for the PGWP after completing both courses. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with your university’s international student office for personalized guidance.