Are you planning to work in Canada after graduation? Here is all you need to know about Canada work permit or visa options available to international students.
Canada has become one of the most popular study-abroad destinations as it promises to provide post-study work rights. A work experience from Canada can be helpful for your resume, allowing you to work anywhere across the world.
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What is a Canadian work permit?
After graduating as an international student, you can apply for a Canada work permit, which allows you to stay and work full-time for up to four years.
How does it work?
While completing your graduation course and receiving your final grades are important, they don’t guarantee a Canada work permit after study. To be eligible, you must meet specific criteria and apply within 180 days of graduation.
Read more: IELTS for Canada
Eligibility criteria for work permit after study in Canada
Getting a Canada work permit after studying depends on various factors, including the course length and the institution from which you graduated. Here are some of the factors that define your eligibility:
You must have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
You must have completed a full-time course in Canada for 8 months or more.
You must have a valid student visa.
You must have a transcript or official letter as proof that you have applied for a
work job visa
within 180 days of completing your course.
Documents required for a post-graduation work permit in Canada
The documents required to apply for a post-study Canada work permit are:
An application fee of CAD $255
A letter of completion or an official transcript from your school
A scanned copy of your passport
A digital photograph
A medical examination report
Biometrics
Processing time for the work permit after study in Canada
The processing time for the application for a post-study work permit in Canada can take between 80 to 180 days.
The processing time is based on various factors such as the application type, verification of the information provided, and the number of applications received.
Ensuring the application's requirements have been submitted is important to avoid an extended processing time.
Validity of the post-study work permit in Canada
The validity of the post-study work permit in Canada ranges from 8 months to 3 years, allowing students time to build experience in their choice of field.
One important factor that determines the validity of an applicant’s permit is the duration of their completed course in Canada.
However, it is important to note that the work permit's validity must not exceed the validity date on the applicant’s passport.
How to find a job in Canada?
Canada's strong economy, with its low unemployment rate and diversified structure, offers a welcoming environment to launch your international career.
Universities can be great resources for international students looking for jobs. They can use the career centres provided on campus, which usually provide guidance on CV preparation, interview skills, and job search resources. They can also explore online job boards and resources to find opportunities in Canada.
If you're looking for visa sponsorship jobs in Canada, make sure to highlight your qualifications and work experience on professional platforms and job sites that cater to international applicants.
Also, remember, along with applying for a Canada work visa or a permit, you must provide proof of English proficiency during your immigration application process. IRCC recognises IELTS for Canada and is one of the most preferred English language proficiency tests for immigration.