International Students: Lmia Application Process And Eligibility

Canada is a popular destination for international students seeking to study, work, and settle in the country. The transition from student to worker is a critical juncture that requires understanding the intricacies of the Canadian immigration system, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). LMIA is a key factor in the system, demonstrating that an employer could not find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill a role. This process can be challenging, as it is lengthy and costly for employers, with no guarantee of approval. International students often seek guidance from immigration experts and consultants to navigate the complexities of obtaining a work permit, especially when transitioning from a study permit.

International students in Canada can work during and after their studies, under certain conditions

International students in Canada can work during and after their studies, but certain conditions apply. Students must have a valid study permit and can only work a maximum of 20-24 hours per week during term time. Students can work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays.

To be eligible to work in Canada, international students must have a study permit that clearly states they are authorised to work in the country. Students must also be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI). If a student's program includes a work placement, internship, or co-op, they will need a valid work permit.

After completing their studies, international students may be able to work full-time if they already applied for a work permit before their study permit expired. Alternatively, they can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is an open work permit designed by the Government of Canada for students who have graduated from eligible Canadian DLIs.

To change from a study permit to a work permit, international students may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from their employer. This requires the employer to prove that it is impossible to hire a Canadian or permanent resident, so they must hire and sponsor a foreign worker. The LMIA process can be long and expensive, taking 4-6 months to complete, and there is no guarantee of approval. Therefore, it may be challenging to find an employer willing to go through this process.

To change from a study permit to a work permit, the process depends on where you are in your program

To change from a study permit to a work permit in Canada, the process depends on where you are in your program. If you are currently enrolled in full-time studies at a Canadian educational institution, you may be eligible to work full-time on campus or off-campus. Study permit holders are now permitted to work more than 20 hours per week while studying or during a scheduled break. However, it must be indicated on your study permit that you are authorized to work in Canada. If your study permit does not state that you may work or accept employment in Canada, you can apply to have your permit amended.

If you are still enrolled in your program and wish to change to a work permit, you will need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employer, with a few exceptions. Obtaining an LMIA can be a lengthy and challenging process, as the employer must first advertise the job for at least a month to prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident can fill the role. Additionally, you will need to find an employer willing to provide an LMO (formerly known as LMIA) and apply for a closed work permit.

After completing a credential at a designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which can be issued for up to three years. This type of work permit is not tied to any specific employer, occupation, or location, allowing you to work in any role across Canada. It is important to note that you have 180 days after completing your studies to apply for this open work permit.

If you are unable to secure a job offer and obtain an approved LMIA, you may consider restarting your studies at a new PGWP-eligible school. Alternatively, you can explore other pathways to obtain a work permit, such as common-law sponsorship or applying for a separate work permit, which allows you to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required from your employer if you want to change your study permit to a work permit before graduating

Canada provides international students with the opportunity to study, work, and settle in the country. However, understanding the intricacies of the Canadian immigration system is crucial for a seamless transition from student life to the Canadian workforce.

If you are an international student in Canada and want to change your study permit to a work permit, you must understand the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements. The LMIA is a key factor in the Canadian immigration system, and it is required from your employer if you want to switch to a work permit before graduating. The LMIA demonstrates that the employer was unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the role. To obtain an LMIA, the employer must first advertise the job for at least a month to prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident could be hired for the position.

It is important to note that the LMIA process can be lengthy and expensive, taking up to 4-6 months to complete. As a result, finding an employer willing to go through this process can be challenging. If you can secure a job offer and your employer is willing to obtain an approved LMIA, you can then apply for a closed work permit. This type of work permit is different from the open Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is available to students who have graduated from eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). The PGWP allows graduates to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies.

Additionally, it is crucial to understand that once you stop studying, your study permit becomes invalid. Therefore, you must inform Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immediately to update your status. Without a valid status in Canada, you may need to leave the country and wait for your new work permit to be approved before returning and starting work.

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies

Canada is a country that focuses on individual growth and development, and it provides international students with opportunities to study, work, and settle in the country. One such opportunity is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies.

The PGWP is an open work permit designed by the Government of Canada for students who have graduated from eligible Canadian learning institutions. To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). While studying at a DLI, you are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) and full-time during scheduled breaks without a separate work permit, as long as your study permit indicates that you are authorized to work in Canada.

The PGWP helps graduates qualify for Permanent Residency Programs through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry. There are several programs within Express Entry that skilled workers can apply to, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

If you wish to change your study permit to a work permit before graduating from your program, you will need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employer, with a few exceptions. An LMIA demonstrates that the employer was unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the role. Obtaining an LMIA can be a long and expensive process for employers, and there is no guarantee of approval. As such, it can be challenging to find employers willing to go through the LMIA process.

In conclusion, the PGWP allows international students to seamlessly transition into the Canadian workforce after completing their studies at an eligible Canadian institution. Understanding the PGWP and its alignment with LMIA processes is crucial for international students seeking post-graduation work opportunities in Canada.

The LMIA process can take 4-6 months, so it's best to start looking for an employer before finishing your studies

As an international student in Canada, you may be eligible to work after your studies through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This program allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies. However, to make the transition from a study permit to a work permit, you will need to understand the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.

The LMIA process can be lengthy and complex, and it's essential to start early, especially since the process can take around 4-6 months to complete. Therefore, it is advisable to start looking for an employer before finishing your studies. Finding an employer willing to go through the LMIA process can be challenging, as it is time-consuming and expensive, with no guarantee of approval. The first step in the LMIA process is for your employer to advertise the job for at least a month to demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident could be hired for the role.

If you can secure a job offer and your employer is willing to obtain an LMIA, you can apply for a closed work permit. It is important to note that a closed LMIA work permit is tied to a specific employer, role, and location, and you cannot switch from a closed work permit to a study permit. Once you have stopped studying, your study permit is no longer valid, and you must update your status with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

To summarise, the LMIA process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is advisable to start the process early and seek guidance from immigration experts. By understanding the requirements and starting your job search before finishing your studies, you can increase your chances of securing employment and making a smooth transition from student life to the Canadian workforce.

Frequently asked questions