Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and abundant job opportunities.
The country’s immigration policies are also designed to allow students to gain valuable work experience while they study and then apply for a work permit after graduation. However, the eligibility for transitioning from a study permit to a work permit depends on the stage of the study program you are currently enrolled in.
For example, in some countries, students who are in their final semester of studies may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, while students who are still in their early semesters may be eligible to work part-time with the help of a Canada student visa. To understand it better, let’s explore some options.
Off-Campus Work Permit
An off-campus work permit allows full-time students to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks like winter and summer holidays.
To be eligible for an off-campus work permit, students must
- Be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Have a valid study permit
- Should be good in academics
It is important to note that an off-campus work permit does not guarantee a job. Students still need to find an employer and apply for a job, and the employer must meet the criteria of the off-campus work permit program.
Co-Op/Internship Work Permit
A Co-Op/Internship Work Permit allows international students enrolled in programs at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to work in Canada during their studies. The work placement must be mandatory and related to their field of study.
To be eligible for a Co-Op/Internship Work Permit, students must
- Have a valid study permit
- Have a valid job offer for a co-op or internship work placement that is a mandatory part of their program of study
- Be enrolled in a full-time program of study at a DLI
- Should be good in academics
The duration of the work permit will depend on the length of the work placement and the student’s study permit. In most cases, the work permit will be valid for one year.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Work after Studies
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program allows international students who have graduated from a DLI to work in Canada for up to three years. This can allow students to gain relevant work experience in their field, build a professional network, and improve their language skills.
To be eligible for this program, students must have completed a program of study at least eight months in duration and have a valid study permit when they apply. The length of the work permit is generally equal to the length of the study program up to a maximum of three years. To maintain eligibility for PGWP, students should not leave Canada before completing their program of study.
All these benefits make Canada a great destination for students who want to pursue higher education and want to work. However, it’s important to note that the process and requirements for converting a study permit to a work permit can vary depending on the student’s country of origin and the type of work they wish to do. We hope the information in this article has given you a clear idea of a Canada work permit.
