Work Permit after completing studies in Canada?
Congratulations on completing your studies in Canada. We understand that “Post Graduation Work Permit” is a very critical next step towards your immigration goal.
In 2019, the Government of Canada extended the time to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit from 90 to 180 days (six months). The countdown starts from the day the student received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that the requirements to complete the program of study are met. The applicant must demonstrate that he/she either holds a valid study permit, held a study permit, or were authorized to study in Canada.
Am I eligible to apply for Post Graduate Work Permit? To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, an international student must:
- Be 18 or older and have continuously studied full-time in Canada in a study program at least eight months long
- have a document from your school (transcript, official letter, certificate, etc.) that confirms you completed and passed all your program requirements
- apply for a work permit within 180 days of when it was confirmed that you completed your program; and
- have held a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days before applying.
Who is not eligible to apply for Post Graduation Work Permit?
International students are ineligible to apply if they:
- have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit
- received funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by GAC
- completed the majority of the credits toward the completion of their program of study by distance learning
- completed a program of education delivered by a non-Canadian institution located in Canada, regardless of the length of stay.