After completing a credential from a Canadian designated learning institution you will have the option to change your study permit to a work permit. It’s a great choice for anyone who has plans of working and settling down in Canada. You will also have the option to start working in this country while completing your studies, (it helps in developing financial dependency). The process of changing your study permit to a work permit depends on where you are in your course or program. Although most jobs will not require students to get a work permit, most off-campus jobs do require an international student work permit, with some exemptions.
The process of getting an international student work permit
Once you complete your studies, you may have to stop working in Canada immediately. Not to worry though, there are several ways how you can continue working under different conditions:
- If you plan to extend your stay and work in Canada, you should be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This permit will allow you to work anywhere in Canada for any employer for up to three years after your graduation. If you’re eligible for this permit, you will need to apply within 180 days or 6 months of receiving a written confirmation that you have finished your study program.
- If you are starting or planning to start a new study program, you can continue working with the study programs:
- If you are eligible to work off-campus during your previous study program
- if you still have a valid study permit or have applied for an extension for your permit
- if you have received a written confirmation from the university or college that you have completed your program
- you have received a letter of acceptance to a new full-time study program at a DLI; and will start your new study program within 150 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your previous program.
There’s also the express entry visa program that you can look into, it can help you get a PR visa as quickly as six months.