Students who have recently graduated from a post secondary institution and wish to stay and work in Canada in their field of study may apply to do so. This program allows a recent graduate to stay and work in Canada in their field of study for up to two (2) years.
Length of study matters. The work permit cannot be valid longer than the length of time the student studied. For example, a student who completed a four-month certificate program would only be able to apply to work for four months post-graduation.
You can read more at this CIC website.
Role of the Canadian Employer
Step One: Finding a Worker
- Employers must locate their own employee.
- The student must have graduated from a program at a post-secondary institution
- The student must have evidence that they have completed all the requirements for their course or study. A transcript, letter or formal notification is acceptable.
Step Two: Make an Offer
- To obtain a work permit, the student will require a valid employment offer, so make sure you provide a written offer of employment to the student.
Step Three: Verify Work Permit
- To hire a student you must verify that they have received a valid work permit
- Double check the length of time that the work permit is valid.
- Verify that the student has also obtained a Social Insurance Number.
Role of the International Student
Step One: Eligibility for a One Year permit
As a student, you can qualify for a post-graduation work permit valid for up to one year if:
- You have graduated from a public post-secondary institution and been notified that you are eligible to obtain your degree, diploma or certificate.
- You have graduated from an Canadian institution in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver that is authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees or diplomas.
- You have received a valid employment offer for a job that is related to your field of study.
- You have not been formerly issued a work permit under this program following any other course of study.
- You apply for the work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation from your institution that you have met the requirements of completing your academic program.
- You have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit.
Step Two: Eligibility for a Two Year permit
Additionally, you can apply for a work permit up to two years if you meet the above criteria and:
- You have completed a program of at least two years of full-time studies
- Receive written confirmation (letter, transcript, etc) from the institution indicating that you have completed your program of study.
- You studied and graduated from an educational institute not located in:
- ther Greater Montreal(CMM) Area
- the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- or the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD)
- If you currently hold a one-year post-graduation work permit and you meet the eligibility requirements for the two-year permit, you can apply for a one-year extension of your work permit.
Step Three: Apply for a Work Permit
- Send your work permit application to the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta.
- Be sure to include a written confirmation from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements of your program.
- Be sure to include the job offer from an employer for a job that is related to your field of studies
- Be sure to include an afficial receipt which shows you have paid the appropriate processing fee.
- Be sure that you complete your application within 90 days after graduating from your program of study.
- When applying, you must be able to show a valid study permit.
