Hiring International Students

Hiring Study Permit Holders

International student can still be hired while they are completing their studies. Students may work off campus without a work permit as soon as they start their Canadian studies. Study permit holders are able to work for eligible Canadian employers for up to 20 hours/week during the academic year, and full time hours during summer and other scheduled breaks. Students do need to meet certain requirements. These include:

• Be a full time student ( in a program that is a minimum of 6 months long)
• Have a valid study permit
• Be studying in an academic program that leads a degree, diploma or certificate, or in a professional/ vocational training program
• Be enrolled in a designated learning institute at the post-secondary level or in Quebec- a vocational program at the secondary level

 Once the student has met all of the above requirements, they may apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Before hiring an international student, the employer must make sure to receive a letter of enrolment to confirm they are studying full time in an eligible program at a designation learning institute.

Hiring Post-Graduate Work Permit Holders

The student may be eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) once they have completed or graduated from the post- secondary program.  The post graduate work permit is also an open work permit, this allowed the foreign student to work for any eligible Canadian employer for up to 3 years, depending on the length of the study program.

Unlike a closed work permit, you do not need to have an employment offer from a Canadian employer.

Student with Work Experience

A student with work experience may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through express entry.

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) looks at the list below when assessing whether you are eligible for Express Entry:

• Language abilities
• Work experience
• Nationality
• Age
• Family members

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be able to tell you what programs you may be eligible for based on your answers on above criteria. After the IRCC has determined your eligibility for the prospective programs, you are examined by the Comprehensive Ranking System. The Comprehensive Ranking System ranks a variety of factors that demonstrate a foreign national’s work capability to be a competitive and valuable contribution to the Canadian economy.  The higher your score, the better chance you have to be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

The Comprehensive Ranking System assess the following (but not limited to):

• Work experience
• Language abilities
• Education
• Valid job offer
• Nomination from a Province or Territory

Provincial Nominee Program

You may be eligible for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as a foreign student with or without work experience. The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals with the desired skills and qualities to apply for permanent residency.  The main purpose of the PNP is to allow provinces to have more control over the services and employment sectors in their region.

Akrami and Associates

Hiring international students requires both the employer and the employee to meet certain edibility criteria.  These requirements can be confusing. As a result of this, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a reputable immigration legal representative. At Akrami and Associates, our legal team has assisted hundreds of  International Students and Canadian employers in submitting successful applications. Contact us today to discuss 416-477-2545 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!