₦airaland Forum

HOW PGWP IS CALCULATED IN CANADA

8 calendar months = 1 academic year = 1 year PGWP

16 calendar months = 2 academic years = 3 years PGWP

2 semesters = 1 academic year = 1 PGWP

4 semesters = 2 academic years = 3 PGWP

Masters program regardless of the length of the program = 3 years PGWP.

Think about it very well, after one year PGWP what next? Will you be qualified for PR?

Ochw:
Good evening all.
Initially, I was admitted to a 2-year program starting September 2025 but deferred to January 2026 due to unforeseen circumstances. Now my program is only available in September, so I took a one-year PG certificate with no co-op and 1 year pgwp. My concern is whether I can find a job within dat year, especially since I hear it's hard to get work in Ontario. For those who experienced this, what advice do you have? How did you find a job quickly after graduation? One year fees was before I deferred.

mcsugk:
I've already been asked to undergo a medical exam, which I completed just yesterday. Now, I'm wondering: how many weeks does it usually take to receive a response after the medical test?
Also, I'm curious about job opportunities for science teachers in Canada. I’m a certified teacher with both Nigerian and UK teaching licenses, and I hold an MSc in Chemistry Education from Nigeria.
I recently applied for a 2-year Master's in Management program in Canada. My main goal is to study, and hopefully, settle there in the long term.

Do not base your immigration plan on today’s news. Just like Ireland, the UK, and the USA, Canada will soon make immigration and PR pathways harder. Things will change get ready

(1) How many weeks does it usually take to receive a response after the medical test?
Ans: It really varies—sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a few months. If the visa officer isn’t sleeping on your case, it shouldn’t take too long. But with IRCC, you never know—they’re experts at teaching patience, haha.

(2) Job opportunities for science teachers in Canada
Ans: Well, nothing is guaranteed. Jobs are had to fine and you are not the only person qualified for that job so you have to get ready If people keep voting Liberal, the country will keep going downhill.
In 5 weeks from today, on November 4th 2025, we’ll know how much the government is spending on useless programs, running a high deficit and fueling inflation.

FYI, I make about $210,000/year with my wife own a house and Canadian citizen, and we’re already planning our escape plan, haha.


(3) Main goal is to study and hopefully settle there in the long term
Ans: After school, two years is a lot of time—and a lot can change. PR is never guaranteed, even if you come as a student. Yes, Canada is looking for teachers, but again—nothing is guaranteed.

Right now, Mark Carney is running a minority government, and we’ll likely see another election next year. If you’re hoping for an education-based Express Entry draw, remember it has only happened twice since Express Entry began in 2015.

The key lesson: don’t build your entire immigration plan on what’s happening today. Just like the UK, Canada will likely tighten immigration laws as time goes on, especially when people grow tired of promises without delivery.

That said, you have a good profile. Your plan through education is solid, and getting PR via that route is possible—but nothing is guaranteed, and much can change in two years.

[quote author=amnotapervert post=136996951]Okay, thanks!

I'm heading to New Brunswick with my wife and two children. My plan is to get a teaching license there since they issue licenses based on the province, and that's where I'll be going to school. I also intend to take the IELTS and apply for express entry while in school, as my wife has a BSc in medical physiology. I just want to give it a try... I know it won't be easy, but it's still better than Nigeria.

If after the 1yr pgwp, and i decide to enrol into another program(diploma)....will i still show POF?

amnotapervert:
Good evening 👋

Let me break this down for you clearly:

1. Using Fixed Deposit as Proof of Funds (POF)

Yes, a fixed deposit / mutual investment fund certificate can work, but IRCC is very particular about liquidity. A few things to ensure:

Evidence of history – show that the fixed deposit account has been active for some time (not just recently created for visa purposes). Provide the certificate + account statement covering the period.

Liquidation proof – if you’re liquidating, get an official letter/statement from Stanbic IBTC confirming liquidation and transfer of funds into your personal (Access Bank) account.

Bank statement (main account) – make sure your Access Bank account shows the inflow from Stanbic and that the balance reflects the required POF. Include 6 months’ statement to prove financial consistency.

Letter of explanation (LOE) – attach a simple explanation in your study permit application: explain that you had the funds invested in a fixed deposit for safekeeping and have now liquidated them to make funds available for your studies.

At this point, the key is to make your Access Bank account look strong and reliable*at the time of application. Immigration officers want to see you have funds readily available, not locked away.

2. Strengthening Your POF

To solidify:

Get official bank reference letters from both Stanbic IBTC and Access Bank confirming account ownership, balances, and dates.
Ensure no sudden suspicious large deposits shortly before application (except the liquidation inflow, which you’ll explain).
if possible, add sponsor’s affidavit (if applicable) or show multiple sources (e.g., partial family support, scholarship, etc.) to diversify.

3. If You Do Another Program After 1 Year ( FYI do not tell IRCC you want to do another program after 1 year for now)

Yes — if you enroll in another program after your first year, you’ll need to show proof of funds again when applying for a new study permit or extension (unless you already qualify for PGWP and plan to work instead).

Example: If you finish a 1-year program and apply for another program, IRCC expects to see POF for that new program (tuition + 1-year living expenses).
If you transition directly to PGWP, you don’t need POF anymore.

Why sir? Is there something we need to know?please enlighten me, biko. I don't want to waste my hard earned money.

Badadvisor:
Just Forget Canada now except you just Wan waste money

Amycanada:
If after the 1yr pgwp, and i decide to enrol into another program(diploma)....will i still show POF?

I know I write a lot and my statements are usually long but I answered all your question but I will answer again.

Yes — if you enroll in another program after your first year, you’ll need to show proof of funds again when applying for a new study permit or extension (unless you already qualify for PGWP and plan to work instead).

[quote author=mcsugk post=136998635][/quote]I know it won't be easy, but it's still better than Nigeria.

that mindset will shock you with the way Canada is right now

Nothing is guaranteed. Currently, what is your approximate CRA score without schooling or working in Canada?

amnotapervert:
I know it won't be easy, but it's still better than Nigeria.

that mindset will shock you with the way Canada is right now

Nothing is guaranteed. Currently, what is your approximate CRA score without schooling or working in Canada?

is it still possible to get visa for January 2026 admission?

Thank you so much sir, i understood you but, it seems you're not really understanding me.
I meant that, if after graduation(1yr program), then work for 1 year(pgwp). Then after working for 1yr (pgwp) and decides to go back to school for a diploma program, will the person show pof?

amnotapervert:
I know I write a lot and my statements are usually long but I answered all your question but I will answer again.

Yes — if you enroll in another program after your first year, you’ll need to show proof of funds again when applying for a new study permit or extension (unless you already qualify for PGWP and plan to work instead).

amnotapervert:
I know it won't be easy, but it's still better than Nigeria.

that mindset will shock you with the way Canada is right now

Nothing is guaranteed. Currently, what is your approximate CRA score without schooling or working in Canada?

Me and my wife score is 410

Amycanada:
Thank you so much sir, i understood you but, it seems you're not really understanding me.
I meant that, if after graduation(1yr program), then work for 1 year(pgwp). Then after working for 1yr (pgwp) and decides to go back to school for a diploma program, will the person show pof?

Yes, for any study visa you apply for at any stage of your journey, you will need to show Proof of Funds (POF).

But a quick question: why would you want to study for 1 year, get a 1-year PGWP, work for 1 year, and then go back to school after that?

which job will you even work for one year by the time you find the job you will be past 7/8 motths of your PGWP permit Kill that thinking

That’s a very bad strategy. Canada only provides the PGWP once in a lifetime after completing your studies. No matter if you work and then return to school, you will not be eligible for another PGWP once you have already received one.

Also, a lot can change in 2 years. New governments may come in, especially since the current one does not have a majority, and immigration policies could shift. So your strategy is risky and not advisable.

mcsugk:
Me and my wife score is 410

If, with a master’s degree, Canadian schooling, and 1–2 years of Canadian work experience, you still cannot reach 500 CRS points, it’s really going to be hard in my opinion. PNP draws have been drastically reduced, and category-based draws do not come very frequently.

People are panicking, and that’s why someone like Badadvisor might even consider marrying his 200 kg girlfriend just to stay in the country. In my opinion, it’s hard, but if you want to try, you can—but nothing is guaranteed.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/ministerial-instructions/express-entry-rounds.html

ifeanyija:
is it still possible to get visa for January 2026 admission?

wait let me understand do you have admission already ?

if so yes its possible very possible apply now processing time is showing 8 weeks

but remember IRCC can be slow and sometimes can be fasters but mostly slow

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

Amycanada:
Why sir? Is there something we need to know?please enlighten me, biko. I don't want to waste my hard earned money.

Go to a different country in Europe if you can't make it to the US.
Canada is almost a 3rd world country right now

amnotapervert:
wait let me understand do you have admission already ?

if so yes its possible very possible apply now processing time is showing 8 weeks

but remember IRCC can be slow and sometimes can be fasters but mostly slow

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

yea, I have admission and pal letter

ifeanyija:
yea, I have admission and pal letter

Then apply you still have a lot of time

amnotapervert:
wait let me understand do you have admission already ?

if so yes its possible very possible apply now processing time is showing 8 weeks

but remember IRCC can be slow and sometimes can be fasters but mostly slow

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

Is medical included in the 8 weeks cus i applied for my study visa and within 3 weeks they asked me to go do my medical…
So how many more weeks it might take after the medical?

mcsugk:
Is medical included in the 8 weeks cus i applied for my study visa and within 3 weeks they asked me to go do my medical…
So how many more weeks it might take after the medical?

If you want to have anything to do with IRCC and Canada visa processing, you need to calm down and be patient — IRCC will humble you with waiting.
You’ve even submitted already? Haha, brother/sister, please be calm. IRCC cannot be timed — just relax

My first study permit in 2015 was rejected after waiting 4 months. even after doing medicals
My second study permit was also rejected after waiting 7 months.
My third study permit, which was finally approved, took 5 months.
My co-op work permit took 3 months to be approved.
My PGWP was approved after 3 months/ 90 days
My PR application during COVID times took 10 months.
My PR card, also during COVID, took 4 months.
My citizenship application took 8 months to be approved.
my parents Vistors visa took 3 weeks
my sister in Euro V V for Canada took 9 months same time my parents applied

IRCC works on its own timeline — be calm and patient.
Over time IRCC has gotten better with processing time but you have to wait you can not time them

Badadvisor:
Go to a different country in Europe if you can't make it to the US.
Canada is almost a 3rd world country right now

you really sound like your name, lol

amnotapervert:
If you want to have anything to do with IRCC and Canada visa processing, you need to calm down and be patient — IRCC will humble you with waiting.
You’ve even submitted already? Haha, brother/sister, please be calm. IRCC cannot be timed — just relax

My first study permit in 2015 was rejected after waiting 4 months. even after doing medicals
My second study permit was also rejected after waiting 7 months.
My third study permit, which was finally approved, took 5 months.
My co-op work permit took 3 months to be approved.
My PGWP was approved after 3 months/ 90 days
My PR application during COVID times took 10 months.m

I think that’s then because they are kind of fast now.::

Hello experts in the house, I want to go study nursing, I already have a B.Eng in Nigeria. My dream is to go study nursing abroad and have a better life for my self and my family. I've plans of bringing my family (wife and kids) to join me maybe after one year.

I've thought about Canada and Australia as options. Reading through some pages of travel sections on Canada I'm kinda getting worried with the rate of rejections after money and time spent, so, this is where I need advice.

Considering the cost of Canada or Australia, which other country can come in that will serve the same dream and but cheaper and easy with 95% assurance of granting a visa on a single try.

Please if you have any country in mind kindly suggest or drop your opinion.

amnotapervert:
Let me advise you as someone who wants the best for you: please do not go for a 1-year program. You will only get a 1-year PGWP. Unless it’s a master’s program that qualifies for a 3-year PGWP, it’s not worth the risk.

Life after school is a completely different ball game, and getting a job depends heavily on your industry and skills. Please don’t be like Badadvisor, who thinks he can just keep moving on without a solid plan.

To answer your question: What advice do I have? Look for a 2-year program. It gives you more time on your PGWP and increases your opportunities.

How do you find a job quickly after graduation? Improve your skills in every way possible, focus on in-demand sectors, and build expertise in areas where employers are struggling to find talent. It may be tough now with the way the economy is going, but that is still your best option.

Thank you very much for this advice. Since many people have warned me about this I have decided to wait. The problem is that there are no 2-year courses available for Winter, except for few that are not available to. If I choose a 2-year course, I will have to defer again until September. I emailed the school yesterday to inform them that I will wait for my preferred 2-year course. What skills can I learn that will be beneficial while I wait for about 9 months before starting?

Theodorice:
Hello experts in the house, I want to go study nursing, I already have a B.Eng in Nigeria. My dream is to go study nursing abroad and have a better life for my self and my family. I've plans of bringing my family (wife and kids) to join me maybe after one year.

I've thought about Canada and Australia as options. Reading through some pages of travel sections on Canada I'm kinda getting worried with the rate of rejections after money and time spent, so, this is where I need advice.

Considering the cost of Canada or Australia, which other country can come in that will serve the same dream and but cheaper and easy with 95% assurance of granting a visa on a single try.

Please if you have any country in mind kindly suggest or drop your opinion.

cc: Badadvisor, amnotapedvert and others please your input is well appreciated

Ochw:
Thank you very much for this advice. Since many people have warned me about this I have decided to wait. The problem is that there are no 2-year courses available for Winter, except for few that are not available to. If I choose a 2-year course, I will have to defer again until September. I emailed the school yesterday to inform them that I will wait for my preferred 2-year course. What skills can I learn that will be beneficial while I wait for about 9 months before starting?

Learn French

A friend of mine recently got her study visa approved, but she said that her husband can’t apply for SOWP until her study visa gets stamped that the only option is for them to come in using visitors visa please how true is this?

Queengolden:
you really sound like your name, lol

Okay

Ochw:
Thank you very much for this advice. Since many people have warned me about this I have decided to wait. The problem is that there are no 2-year courses available for Winter, except for few that are not available to. If I choose a 2-year course, I will have to defer again until September. I emailed the school yesterday to inform them that I will wait for my preferred 2-year course. What skills can I learn that will be beneficial while I wait for about 9 months before starting?

what is your current Trade/ work ?

Queengolden:
you really sound like your name, lol

Hehehehe, he said almost. I think there is a conscious effort to reverse that trajectory. Should international students admission had progressed in the 2022-2024 manner, it would have become inevitable for Canada to become New Mumbai.

Theodorice:
Hello experts in the house, I want to go study nursing, I already have a B.Eng in Nigeria. My dream is to go study nursing abroad and have a better life for my self and my family. I've plans of bringing my family (wife and kids) to join me maybe after one year.

I've thought about Canada and Australia as options. Reading through some pages of travel sections on Canada I'm kinda getting worried with the rate of rejections after money and time spent, so, this is where I need advice.

Considering the cost of Canada or Australia, which other country can come in that will serve the same dream and but cheaper and easy with 95% assurance of granting a visa on a single try.

Please if you have any country in mind kindly suggest or drop your opinion.

I’m not like Badadvisor who tells people not to leave Nigeria, yet he left Nigeria for Canada without money and is now stranded. He’ll soon be getting married to his 180 kg white girlfriend just to get permanent residency.

But please, if you’re planning to leave, make sure you understand what you’re going into — and know that you need money. You can’t work your way through school to pay your tuition. If it already feels expensive, that’s because it truly is. Facts only — no sugarcoating or sweet lies here.

Anyone who guarantees you a visa — run away from that person. People try several times before getting approved. If I had given up after my first rejection, I wouldn’t be a Canadian citizen today.

Every country has its own challenges, and if you’ve been following global trends, you’ll see that the world is becoming more conservative with immigration — both legal and illegal.

UK: Increasing ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) requirements.

Germany: Raised the financial requirements — about €11,208 per year for the student, plus €5,000–€6,000 per year per dependent (varies by city).

Australia: The points system for PR is very competitive, even tougher than Canada.

You just have to pick what works best for you — no one can make that decision for you.

Immigrating from Nigeria is expensive — don’t let anyone lie to you. If you’re coming through the school route, remember: you’re an international student, and you’ll pay international tuition fees. You can’t rely on part-time work to cover that.

Also, your spouse will likely need a dependent visa — and that’s not always easy. I have a friend doing her master’s in Canada, but her husband’s visa has been rejected multiple times.

Chain migration (bringing family) is getting more difficult — but people moving to Canada with $$$ are still doing it

Now, let’s talk about Canada, the one I know best.

Canada has had very high refusal rates for some nationalities recently. IRCC data shows that Nigeria’s approval rate has dropped significantly. New policies, caps, and attestation requirements mean more paperwork, higher costs, and greater risk. You can still succeed, but you must prepare for a stricter process.

in 2022 rejection rate for study permit was 38%
in 2023 rejection rate for study permit was 35%
in 2024 rejection rate for study permit was 18%

Currently, Nigeria’s student visa acceptance rate is below 18% — that says enough. I could say more, but let me stop here.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/transparency/committees/cimm-feb-28-2024/intake-output-issued.html

Good morning, my visa has been approved but my school postponed my program to a new intake so I got a new letter of acceptance and also the medicals I used in getting my visa approved had expired so I had to do a new one which I have the e-medicals sheet for that…. My question is do I still need to send ircc the updated letter of acceptance and new e-medical sheet through webform

amnotapervert:
Good evening 👋

Let me break this down for you clearly:

1. Using Fixed Deposit as Proof of Funds (POF)

Yes, a fixed deposit / mutual investment fund certificate can work, but IRCC is very particular about liquidity. A few things to ensure:

Evidence of history – show that the fixed deposit account has been active for some time (not just recently created for visa purposes). Provide the certificate + account statement covering the period.

Liquidation proof – if you’re liquidating, get an official letter/statement from Stanbic IBTC confirming liquidation and transfer of funds into your personal (Access Bank) account.

Bank statement (main account) – make sure your Access Bank account shows the inflow from Stanbic and that the balance reflects the required POF. Include 6 months’ statement to prove financial consistency.

Letter of explanation (LOE) – attach a simple explanation in your study permit application: explain that you had the funds invested in a fixed deposit for safekeeping and have now liquidated them to make funds available for your studies.

At this point, the key is to make your Access Bank account look strong and reliable*at the time of application. Immigration officers want to see you have funds readily available, not locked away.

2. Strengthening Your POF

To solidify:

Get official bank reference letters from both Stanbic IBTC and Access Bank confirming account ownership, balances, and dates.
Ensure no sudden suspicious large deposits shortly before application (except the liquidation inflow, which you’ll explain).
if possible, add sponsor’s affidavit (if applicable) or show multiple sources (e.g., partial family support, scholarship, etc.) to diversify.

3. If You Do Another Program After 1 Year ( FYI do not tell IRCC you want to do another program after 1 year for now)

Yes — if you enroll in another program after your first year, you’ll need to show proof of funds again when applying for a new study permit or extension (unless you already qualify for PGWP and plan to work instead).

Example: If you finish a 1-year program and apply for another program, IRCC expects to see POF for that new program (tuition + 1-year living expenses).
If you transition directly to PGWP, you don’t need POF anymore.

Please does this process also apply when you’re getting a GIC? My intake is January and I’m looking to get a GIC to cover my living expenses as POF. Please kindly share your thoughts about this so I don’t make mistake. Thanks

congratulations When did you apply?

Itiswell2334:
Good morning, my visa has been approved but my school postponed my program to a new intake so I got a new letter of acceptance and also the medicals I used in getting my visa approved had expired so I had to do a new one which I have the e-medicals sheet for that…. My question is do I still need to send ircc the updated letter of acceptance and new e-medical sheet through webform