Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide for International Students on Working and Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada can be a great pathway to work and settle in the country. After completing your studies, you may begin working on a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) to acquire Canadian work experience and apply for permanent residency. However, the process of converting your study permit to a work permit before completing your studies can be complex, depending on where you are in your program. As an international student, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while studying, and in some cases, full-time during study breaks, internships or co-op terms. Your study permit should indicate your authorization to work, but if it does not, you can apply for an amendment. If your program requires an internship or co-op, you may qualify to work full-time during that period, but you will need a separate work permit. It's essential to understand the rules and requirements to ensure you have a successful study and work experience in Canada.

As an international student, it can be a challenging experience to study abroad. You may have to adapt to a new culture, make new friends, and adjust to a different education system. On top of that, you also have to worry about finances. For many international students, financial difficulties can be a major obstacle to pursuing their education in Canada.

Work & Study

As an international student with a valid study permit, you are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while studying. In some cases, you may be able to work full-time during a study break or official internship or co-op term. It's important to note that you do not need to apply for a separate work permit to work part-time while studying, but your study permit should authorize you to work in Canada.

There is also a temporary policy in place for international students that allows them to work unlimited hours. This policy only applies to students who submitted their study permit application on or before October 7, 2022 and entered Canada before December 31, 2023. If you are eligible to work in Canada but your study permit does not indicate it, you can apply for a study permit amendment.

Certain Canadian educational programs require completion of an internship, co-op, or work placement, which may qualify you to work full-time while enrolled in school for a portion of your studies.

Applying for a closed work permit prior to finishing your studies

If you're looking to transition to working in the country, it's important to understand the process for obtaining a work permit. One option is to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

An LMIA is a document that confirms that a Canadian employer has tried to fill a job vacancy with a citizen or permanent resident but was unable to do so. Your employer will need to secure a positive LMIA to support your work permit application.

It's important to note that a work permit obtained through an LMIA is typically a closed work permit. This means that it is tied to a specific employer, position, and location, which limits your mobility compared to an open work permit.

To obtain a work permit through an LMIA, you will need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who is willing to support your work permit application. It's also crucial to keep in mind that your study permit will no longer be valid once you stop taking classes. Therefore, you must notify Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you are ending your studies. If you don't have legal status in Canada after ending your studies, you must leave the country while waiting for your work permit application to be processed.

Applying For A Work Permit During Your Studies

Concerned about how you will financially support yourself during your studies? Don't worry - Canada has a program in place to help students in need.

The Canadian government provides an open work permit to international students who are unable to sustain themselves financially. This program is designed to assist students who are unable to cover their expenses in Canada due to circumstances beyond their control.

This program is especially helpful for international students who are considered "destitute." This means that they are without the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing. These students may be struggling to pay for their tuition, or they may be unable to afford day-to-day necessities like groceries or transportation.

While some academic institutions may offer some flexibility in terms of commitments like tuition and residential costs, an open work permit may be the only option for some students to subsist under these circumstances. An open work permit allows international students to work while they study, providing them with the means to cover their expenses and continue their education.

The open work permit program is a lifeline for many international students who are struggling to make ends meet. It provides them with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and support themselves financially while they pursue their education in Canada.

If you are an international student facing financial difficulties, be sure to explore the open work permit program. It may be just what you need to overcome your challenges and continue on the path to achieving your dreams. With this program, you can focus on your studies and experience all that Canada has to offer, without the added stress of financial worries.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit - Applying For a Work Permit After Your Studies

One of the biggest advantages of a PGWP is that it is not tied to any specific employer, profession, or location. This means that you have the freedom to work in any position, anywhere in Canada, giving you the flexibility to explore different career opportunities.

To apply for a PGWP, you must submit your application within 180 days of completing your program. While you do not need a job offer to apply, you will need to provide proof of graduation, such as your graduation letter and transcripts.

Another great thing about the PGWP program is that you can apply from both inside and outside Canada. This means that even if you plan to return to your home country after your studies, you can still apply for a PGWP and gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Keep in mind that the PGWP program is subject to certain eligibility requirements, so it's important to do your research and make sure you meet the criteria before applying.

In conclusion, a post-graduate work permit is a great option for international students looking to work in Canada after completing their studies. With the freedom to work in any position, anywhere in Canada, a PGWP can be a valuable stepping stone to your career goals. Just remember to apply within 180 days of completing your program and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.