Steps in Obtaining a Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada
Many foreign national students who complete their Canadian educational credentials often experience a moment of relief and excitement once they graduate. However, once they finish their studies, they are also often left with the thought “how can I work in Canada?” This is an extremely common question and many students love the idea of extending their stay in Canada to pursue work. In order to work after graduating in Canada, you can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. Therefore, in this article, I will address what a post-graduate work permit is, the eligibility requirements, how to apply for a post-graduate work permit, and more.
What is a Post-Graduate Work Permit
A post-graduate work permit is a work permit that is provided to foreign national students who have graduated from a designated learning institution and would like to stay in Canada to pursue work. However, it is important to note that not all programs offered at a designated learning institution are eligible for a post-graduate work permit. Therefore, it is very important to investigate whether your program is eligible or you may consult with an immigration professional, such as Akrami & Associates, and we will be able to assist you in determining this.
Eligibility Requirements for a Post-Graduate Work Permit
There are several eligibility requirements in order to apply for a post-graduate work permit in Canada, similar to any other immigration application. One of the most important requirements is having a valid study permit at the time of applying for a post-graduate work permit. Other important requirements are:
- Must be 18 years old or older when applying
- Must have continuously studied in Canada on a full-time basis in a program that is a minimum of 8 months long
- Provide an official document from your educational institution, such as a transcript, letter, certificate, etc. that will confirm the completion of your program
- Must have graduated from either a: - public post-secondary institution (college, trade school or university) - private post-secondary institution that has the same rules as public schools - Canadian private school that can legally provide degrees under provincial law (Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree)
- Apply for a post-graduate work permit within 90 days of the completion of your program as stated on the official document from your educational institution
It is important to note that there are some circumstances in which some individuals would not be eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit. Therefore, you will not be able to apply for a post-graduate work permit if you:
- Have studied in a program that is less than 8 months
- Have studied for more than 8 months but not continuously, such as taking a semester off
- Are/were part of a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Are/were part of a Government of Canada Awards Program funded by GAC
- Have received any funding from GAC
- Are/were part of the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada-Chile
- Are/were part of the Canada-China Scholars Exchange Program
- Are/were part of the Organization of American States Fellowships Program
- Have completed a program by distance learning either from outside of Canada or within Canada
- Have already received a post-graduation work permit following a different program
How to Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit
In order to apply for a post-graduate work permit, you must provide specific details of yourself. Under this specific work permit, you are not required to have a valid job in Canada and an offer an employment, in order to work. In fact, you are permitted to work for any employer in Canada. However, even so, to determine if you are qualified to work in Canada, you will need to provide details of:
- your nationality
- your language ability in either English and/or French
- your age
- your family
- your level of education
- your previous work experience
- your income and financial support
- details of the type of job you’d like to obtain in Canada
Please note that the answers you provide to these specific factors will determine whether you successfully obtain a post-graduate work permit. Additionally, you may also apply in two ways – either by paper or online.
How Long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit Valid For
The validity period of your post-graduate work permit entirely depends on the length of the study program you completed prior. Therefore, if your study program was more than 8 months but less than 2 years in length, your post-graduate work permit would have a validity time of the same length as your study program. For instance, if you were authorized to study in Canada for a period of two years, then the post-graduate work permit would be issued for a period of two years. On the other hand, if you attended a study program for more than two years or more, then your post-graduate work permit would be issued for three years. Lastly, if you attended more than one study program, then your post-graduate work permit would be valid for up to three years.
Contact Akrami & Associates
It is essential that you have taken all of the aforementioned factors and information into consideration if you are applying for a post-graduate work permit. If you want to apply for a post-graduate work permit, it is extremely important to note that these are difficult applications to pursue on your own. It is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to submit the application. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients obtain a post-graduate work permit after completing their studies in Canada. If you believe that you may be eligible, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.
With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!