How to choose your post-secondary school in Canada?
Choosing the right school is crucial for your study journey in Canada. We understand the importance of factors such as obtaining a study permit and eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Here's what you need to know
Does the School Qualify as a DLI
for Study Permit?
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To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must first receive an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Without it, you may not be eligible for a study permit or subsequent work permit after graduation.
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DLIs include all Canadian primary and secondary schools, both public and private.
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Post-secondary institutions must be listed on the official DLI list published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Each compliant institution is assigned a DLI number.
Can You Obtain PGWP from the School?
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Starting from September 1, 2023, please note that most private institutions in Quebec, even if they are DLIs, may not qualify their students for the PGWP. It is essential to carefully review the information on the DLI website.
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Most programs offered by public institutions are eligible for the PGWP.
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YISHAN will help you make informed decisions about choosing the right school that meets your study permit and PGWP requirements.
What is the best length for your study program?
Determining the ideal length of your study program depends on various factors such as your budget, field of study, and available options. However, it is crucial to consider the impact on your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Here's how the program length can influence your PGWP eligibility and benefits.
Length of Regular Study Program | 2 years or longer | At least 8 months
Less than 2 years | Less than 8 months |
Length of Québec DEP program | 1,800 hours or longer | At least 900 hours
Less than 1,800 hours | Less than 900 hours |
Length of PGWP | 3‑year PGWP | The length of the work permit should coincide with the length of the program | No PGWP |
Durée d'un programme d'études régulier | 2 ans ou plus | Au moins 8 mois, Moins de 2 ans | Moins de 8 mois |
Durée d'un programme DEP au Québec | 1 800 heures ou plus | Au moins 900 heures, Moins de 1 800 heures | Moins de 900 heures |
Durée du Permis de travail postdiplôme | 3 ans | La durée du permis de travail doit correspondre à la durée du programme | Pas éligible pour l'obtention du permis de travail postdiplôme |
常规留学项目长度 | 2年或更长时间 | 至少8个月但不足2年 | 少于8个月 |
魁北克DEP课程长度 | 1,800小时或更长时间 | 至少900小时但不足1,800小时 | 少于900小时 |
毕业工签（PGWP）的长度 | 3年PGWP | 毕业工签长度应与课程长度相一致 | 无PGWP |
QC DEP Program | 1800 hours | 900-1800 hours | less than 900 hours |
Other Programs | 2 years or more | 8 - 23 months | less than 8 months |
PGWP Length | 3 years | same as program | No PGWP granted |
Importance of PGWP
Studying in Canada goes beyond education, as it also aims to secure a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP is an open work permit that allows students to work for any employer or be self-employed. Holding a PGWP provides valuable opportunities to gain work experience, seek employment within Canada, and eventually pursue immigration.
Duration of PGWP
The duration of the PGWP can vary from a minimum of 8 months to a maximum of 3 years, depending on the length of the study program. For instance, a 12-month program results in a 12-month work permit, while programs lasting 24 months or more qualify for the full 3-year work permit.
Unique Quebec Training Programs
Quebec vocational training programs have specific considerations. If the program duration is measured in months, it follows the aforementioned rule. However, if the duration is calculated in hours, completing 1800 hours corresponds to a 3-year work permit. For programs ranging from 900 to 1800 hours, the PGWP duration aligns with the actual study time indicated on the official transcript.
Maximizing PGWP Duration
Since individuals can only apply for a PGWP once in their lifetime, obtaining the longest 3-year work permit is crucial. Therefore, when selecting a study program, it is advisable to consider options with a duration of 2 years or 1800 hours. Alternatively, one can initially enroll in a 1-year program and subsequently apply for a second program within Canada to meet the 2-year requirement before applying for a work permit.
What degree/diploma in Québec should you choose?
In Canadian education, equal opportunities are provided to individuals regardless of their age or background. If you have a genuine passion for a program, you are encouraged to pursue it. However, when applying for a study permit, certain credentials may require a more detailed explanation based on your background.
For instance, if you hold a master's degree and have an established career, applying for a professional training program may raise suspicion among immigration agents regarding your true intention to study rather than immigrate to Canada.
The table below presents a typical applicant profile for each credential, offering a general idea of common profiles. It serves as a reference, but not as a strict criterion.
University Studies
Credential | Program Length | Length of PGWP | Eligibility for PEQ (Québec) | Eligibility for Other Immigration Programs | Typical Applicant Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor | 3-4 years | 3 years | Eligible | Eligible | Young/high school graduates/with budget |
Master | 1-2 years | 1-3 years | Eligible | Eligible | Young/bachelor's same major graduates/master's switching majors/good GPA |
Doctorate | 3-5 years | 3 years | Eligible | Eligible | Graduate degree/interested in academia |
Certificate | 1-1.5 years | 1-1.5 years | Not eligible | Eligible | Undergraduate degree or below |
DESS | 1-1.5year | 1-1.5 year | Not eligible | Eligible | Graduate degree or below |
文凭 | 留学时长 | 毕业工签时长 | 是否符合PEQ申请标准 | 是否符合其他移民项目要求 | 常见申请人特征 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DESS（高级专业文凭） | 1-1.5年 | 1-1.5年 | 不符合资格 | 符合资格 | 研究生学位或以下 |
证书 | 1-1.5年 | 1-1.5年 | 不符合资格 | 符合资格 | 本科学位或以下 |
博士学位 | 3-5年 | 3年 | 符合资格 | 符合资格 | 研究生学位/对学术感兴趣 |
硕士学位 | 1-2年 | 1-3年 | 符合资格 | 符合资格 | 年轻/与本科同专业毕业/硕士转专业/成绩优秀 |
学士学位 | 3-4年 | 3年 | 符合资格 | 符合资格 | 年轻/高中毕业生/预算充足 |
Diplôme | Durée du programme | Durée Permis de travail postdiplôme | Admissibilité au PEQ | Admissibilité à d'autres programmes d'immigration | Profil typique du demandeur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DESS (Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées) | 1-1,5 an | 1-1,5 an | Non admissible | Admissible | Diplôme de deuxième cycle ou inférieur |
Certificat | 1-1,5 ans | 1-1,5 ans | Non admissible | Admissible | Diplôme de premier cycle ou inférieur |
Doctorat | 3-5 ans | 3 ans | Admissible | Admissible | Diplôme de troisième cycle/intérêt pour le milieu universitaire |
Master | 1-2 ans | 1-3 ans | Admissible | Admissible | Jeunes/diplômés en même majeure que la licence/changement de majeure pour le master/bon GPA |
Licence | 3-4 ans | 3 ans | Admissible | Admissible | Jeunes/diplômés du lycée/avec budget |
Credential | Program | PGWP | PEQ | Other | Candidate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BA | 3-4 years | 3 years | Eligible | Eligible | New High School Grads |
MA | 1-2 years | 1-3 years | Eligible | Eligible | Under-grad or Young worker |
Ph.D | 3-5 years | 3 years | Eligible | Eligible | MA Grads |
Cert | 1-1.5 years | 1-1.5 years | Not eligible | Eligible | Under-grad or below |
DESS | 1-1.5 years | 1-1.5 years | Not eligible | Eligible | MA Grads or below |
College / Professional Studies
Credential | Program Length | Length of PGWP | Eligibility for PEQ (Québec) | Eligibility for Other Immigration Programs | Typical Applicant Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diplome d'études collégiales (DEC) | 2-3 years | 3 years | Eligible | Eligible | Recent high school graduates |
Diplôme d'études professionnelles (DEP) | 900-1800 hours (8-22months)
or 1800 hours and more | 1-3 years | Eligible (if at least 1800 hours) | Eligible | Recent high school graduates / Undergraduate or college degree |
Attestation d'études collégiales (AEC) | 1-2 years | 1-3 years | Not eligible | Eligible | Recent high school graduates / Undergraduate or college degree |
Attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) | Less than 900 hours | No PGWP | Not eligible | Not eligible | / |
Diplôme | Durée du programme | Durée du Permis de travail postdiplôme | Admissibilité au PEQ | Admissibilité à d'autres programmes d'immigration | Profil typique du demandeur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) | Moins de 900 heures | Pas de Permis de travail postdiplôme | Non admissible | Non admissible | \ |
Attestation d'études collégiales (AEC) | 1-2 ans | 1-3 ans | Non admissible | Admissible | Diplômés récents du lycée / Diplôme de premier cycle universitaire ou collégial |
Diplôme d'études professionnelles (DEP) | 900-1800 heures (8-22 mois) ou 1800 heures et plus | 1-3 ans | Admissible (si au moins 1800 heures) | Admissible | Diplômés récents du lycée / Diplôme de premier cycle universitaire ou collégial |
Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC) | 2-3 ans | 3 ans | Admissible | Admissible | Diplômés récents du lycée |
文凭 | 课程长度 | 毕业工签（PGWP）的长度 | 是否满足魁北克PEQ项目的资格 | 是否满足其他移民项目的资格 | 常见申请人特征 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
职业专项证书（ASP） | 少于900小时 | 无毕业工签 | 不符合资格 | 不符合资格 | / |
高等教育证书（AEC） | 1-2年 | 1-3年 | 不符合资格 | 符合资格 | 最近的高中毕业生/本科或专科学位 |
职业学习文凭（DEP） | 900-1800小时（8-22个月）或1800小时以上 | 1-3年 | 符合资格（如果学习时间至少为1800小时） | 符合资格 | 最近的高中毕业生/本科或专科学位 |
高等教育文凭（DEC） | 2-3年 | 3年 | 符合资格 | 符合资格 | 应届高中毕业生 |
Credential | Length | PGWP | PEQ | Other QC Programs | Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DEC | 2 - 3 years | 3 years | Eligible | Eligible | Recent grads |
DEP | 900-1800 or 1800+ hrs | 1 - 3 years | Eligible (1800 hrs min) | Eligible | Recent grads |
AEC | 1 - 2 years | 1 - 3 years | Not eligible | Eligible | Recent grads |
ASP | Less than 900 hours | No PGWP | Not eligible | Not eligible | / |