Canada is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world and welcomes thousands of international students every year. In fact, international students make up a significant portion of Canada’s post-secondary student population. Many international students study in Canada not only for the quality of education, but also for the opportunity to work and gain valuable experience after graduation.
Work Permit for International Students:
A work permit is a document that allows an individual to work legally in Canada. Any study abroad consultant will tell you that international students who wish to work while studying in Canada must obtain a work permit. Let us share critical requirements that need to be met for the same, including:
● You must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
● Your study permit must be valid.
● You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
● You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Kinds Of Work Permits for International Students:
- Co-op work permit: This allows international students to work while they study in Canada as part of a co-op or internship program where it is a mandatory part of their academic program. To be eligible, students must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a co-op or internship program at a designated learning institution in Canada. This permit cannot be extended.
- On-campus work permit: This work permit allows international students to work on the campus where they study in Canada for the duration of the student’s study permit. It does not require a job offer, but students must be enrolled full-time and have a valid study permit.
- Off-campus work permit: When you apply to study in Canada as an international student, this work permit allows you to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. To be eligible, apart from a valid study permit and enrolment in a full-time program for at least six months, you must also be in good academic standing.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): When you study in Canada and have graduated from a designated learning institution, the PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to three years. To be eligible, students must have completed a program of study that was at least eight months long, have a valid study permit, and apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving their final grades. The PGWP is an open work permit and a valuable opportunity for international students to gain Canadian work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.
Other Post-Graduation Options for International Students in Canada:
- Express Entry: Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. International students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and have work experience in Canada may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. To be eligible, they must meet certain criteria, such as having proficiency in English or French, being eligible to work in Canada, and having enough work experience in a skilled occupation.
- Provincial Nominee Programs: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are immigration programs that allow provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals who want to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province or territory. International students who study in Canada, have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution, and have work experience in a particular province or territory may be eligible for nomination through that province or territory’s PNP.
- Canadian Experience Class: The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal immigration program that allows individuals who have work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency. International students who have completed a program of study in Canada and have gained work experience through a work permit may be eligible for the CEC program.
- Entrepreneurship: International students who wish to start their own business in Canada may be eligible for various programs. For example, the Start-up Visa program allows international entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residency if they can secure funding from a designated Canadian investor.
- Spousal sponsorship: International students who are married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through spousal sponsorship. This program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency.
This is just an appetiser to whet your appetite. Contact your favourite study abroad consultants, Career2Life, for more details and personalised guidance on post-graduation options for international students in Canada.
