The application process will usually to take several months, and you should plan with this in mind.

Can I work during my studies in Canada?

On-campus work: If you have a valid study permit, you may be able to work on the campus of the institution you attend without a work permit. You can work for the institution itself, or for a private business located on the campus. To be eligible to work, you must be a full-time student at a public university, a community college, a collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP), a publicly funded trade or technical school or a private institution authorized to confer degrees.

Off- campus work: You may be eligible to work off campus if you secure a work permit through the Off-Campus Work Permit Program. The program allows you to work part-time during regular academic sessions (20 hours per week) and full-time during scheduled holidays.

To qualify for the Program, you must have a valid study permit and be a full-time student at a recognized postsecondary educational institution that is participating in the Off-Campus Work Permit Program. You must therefore choose your institution and program of study carefully in order to be eligible for this program.

In addition, if your program of study has a work experience component, such as a co-op or internship placement, you may also be eligible to secure a work permit to work off campus for this purpose. The work experience must be essential to completing your program, and cannot be more than 50% of your total program of study.

Can I work after graduation?Back To Top

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows you to secure a work permit to work after you have completed your studies in Canada provided that you apply for this work permit within 90 days of completing your academic program.

To qualify for the program, you must have graduated from a Canadian public or private institution that grants degrees recognized by the province or territory. Your work permit will be valid for the same length of your study program, up to a maximum of three years. For example, if you graduate from a three -year degree program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit.

Can my spouse work in Canada whilst I am studying?

If you are a full-time student at a recognized postsecondary institution, and you have a valid work permit or study permit, your spouse can apply to accompany you and can secure a work permit to work in Canada.

Can I make Canada my permanent home following the completion of my studies?

After completion of your studies, you may wish to remain in Canada and make it your permanent home. In order to do so, you must apply to do so under one of several programs. These include the following categories:

Canadian Experience Class

International students may apply from within Canada for permanent resident status. To do so, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have graduated from a recognized post-secondary educational institution and have obtained a Canadian educational credential.
• You must have at least 12 months of qualifying work experience in a managerial occupation, professional occupation or technical occupation or in a skilled trade within the last 36 months.
• You must have maintained legal status during the qualifying period of work experience and/or study or training in Canada.
• You must have sufficient knowledge of English or French to help you make a successful transition from temporary to permanent residence status in Canada.
  
  


Foreign graduates are excluded from the Canadian Experience Class if their studies in Canada were taken under an award which requires them to return to their home country to apply their knowledge and skills or if they came to Canada on certain exchange programs or with certain awards.

Federal Skilled Worker ProgramBack To Top

If you are an international student who is legally residing in Canada and you have done so for at least 12 months immediately the date of the application, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada in the Federal Skilled Worker class. You will be required to meet the following requirements:

• You must have at least one year of continuous full-time, paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment within the last 10 years.
• Your work experience must be Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• You must meet the minimum funds requirement (unless you have Arranged Employment).
• You must obtain at least 67 points on the skilled worker assessment grid. Points are awarded for age, education, English and French language proficiency, work experience, Arranged Employment in Canada and other adaptability factors.

Provincial Nominee Program

Most provinces offer employer-driven programs to facilitate the permanent residence applications of international students who have graduated from Canadian institutions. To qualify, you must have a job offer for a permanent and full-time position from a Canadian employer. The job offer must meet provincial employment and wage standards, and must not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements. Your prospective employer will be required to initiate the process, and may be required to make a business case for your employment.

In addition, the province of Alberta allows skilled foreign nationals working in occupations in high demand in Alberta to apply directly for nomination. These skilled workers must generally have Alberta work experience.

Please click here for documents required to process your application.

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