If you are looking to study at an educational institution in Canada, the type of work and study rights available to you are dependent on the conditions of the visa or permit you apply for. A Study Permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit and Work Permit
Study Permit: Enrolled to Study and Work
Study Permits permit international students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. It should be noted that a Study Permit is NOT a visa. If you are hoping to work as a student in Canada at a job that is off campus under a study permit, you must:
The following conditions are applicable to your work rights:
- You are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week
- You are permitted to work more than 1 job if you wish
- If you are on a scheduled study break, you are permitted to work full time hours
- You are NOT permitted to work during a break prior to commencing your very first school semester
- You are responsible for ensuring you meet the conditions of your study permit
Note: Study permits are granted with specific conditions. You need to ensure that you read the documents provided to you to understand the conditions that apply to the grant of your study permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit: Graduating from Study to Work
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (‘PGWP’) allows international students who have graduated from their course to work in Canada and gain valuable experience. If you are a graduate hoping to temporarily remain in Canada to work, a PGWP may be granted for up to 3 years depending on the length of your study program.
| Length of Program | Validity of PGWP |
| Less than 8 months | Ineligible |
| 8 months to 2 years | Eligible for PGWP that is the same length as study program |
| 2 years or more | Eligible for PGWP that is valid for 3 years |
| Completed more than 1 study program | Eligible for PGWP that combines the length of each program
Each program completed must: · Be PWGP eligible; AND · At least 8 months long |
As an international graduate, you have 180 days from receiving official completion of your study program (i.e. degree, diploma, transcript or official letter) to make a PGWP application.
If your study permit will expire prior to receiving official completion of your study program, you have the following options:
- Apply for a visitor record to remain in Canada; or
- Leave Canada and apply for the PGWP outside of the country
You have up to 90 days after your study permit expires to make a PGWP application.
Work Permit: Changing from Study to Work
If you travelled to Canada as an international student and have since changed your mind about studying, you may be able to change from a study permit to a work permit. There are two main types of work permits:
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An Employer-Specific Work Permit requires that you source an employment position with a Canadian employer. This work permit requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (‘LMIA’) to be conducted. The LMIA is evidence that the employer made attempts to fill the position with Canadian permanent residents or citizens prior to engaging an international worker.
Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows for individuals to work for any employer in Canada and it does not require a LMIA to be conducted. Due to COVID-19, Canada requires individuals to have a job offer prior to applying for the Open Work Permit.
Note: If your permit status changes from study permit to work permit, your study permit is no longer valid, and you will be required to notify the required Canadian authorities.
Adriana Chipman
Juris Doctor (University of Melbourne)
Adriana is one of our immigration agent assistants. She graduated from the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne at the end of 2020. She is currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training at Leo Cussen Centre for Law in Melbourne, Victoria.
With her experience in volunteering for not-for-profit organisations in addition to conducting legal research, drafting documents, and engaging with clients
Adriana works to assist our team in any and all administration matters relating toimmigration.
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