Lori Meadows
International students in the US are increasingly choosing Canada as their destination for study and work, owing to the country's immigration-friendly policies. Canada's Express Entry program, launched in 2015, has been a significant pull factor for highly skilled professionals, including international students, as it provides a pathway to permanent residence. In contrast, the restrictive US immigration policies, particularly the challenges associated with obtaining an H-1B visa and permanent residence, have made it less attractive for international students seeking work opportunities. This has resulted in a shift in the preferences of international students, with Canada emerging as a more desirable destination for education and subsequent employment.
To work in Canada as an international student from the US, there are a few requirements to be met. Firstly, a job offer from a Canadian employer is necessary, and the employer must obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO) or LMIA, indicating that no Canadian candidate was available for the position. Secondly, international students need a valid study permit, which serves as the basis for permission to work in Canada. This study permit must be accompanied by full-time enrollment in a program, and students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on or off-campus without a separate work permit. However, for internships or co-op placements, a co-op work permit may be required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours for international students | Up to 20 hours per week on- or off-campus; a temporary policy allowed more than 20 hours per week off-campus until April 30, 2024; the new limit is 24 hours per week |
| Work permit requirements | A valid study permit is required; a special work permit is not needed for on-campus or off-campus jobs; a co-op permit may be required for internships or co-op placements |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Required to work in Canada; can be applied for after receiving a study permit |
| F-1 Visa | Does not allow sponsorship for internship opportunities in Canada |
| H-1B Visa | Difficult to obtain in the US, making it challenging for international students to work there |
| Permanent residence | Easier to acquire in Canada compared to the US |
| Employer requirements for hiring international students | Employers must obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO) or a positive LMIA, proving they were unable to find a Canadian for the role |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week on- or off-campus
- A study permit does not include a work permit
- To get a work permit, an employer must first obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO)
- International students in Canada can gain permanent residence within a few years of graduating
- US immigration law is less attractive than Canada's for international students who wish to work after graduation
International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week on- or off-campus
International students can also work more than 20 hours a week during academic breaks, such as the summer session. A recent law also allows international students to work for more than 20 hours per week through the end of 2023 to address the country's labour shortage.
However, if an international student wants to work an internship or co-op placement, they may need to apply for a co-op permit. To be approved for a work permit, the employer must first obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO) or LMIA. This can be difficult to obtain as the employer must prove they were unable to find a Canadian citizen for the role.
Canada has become an increasingly attractive option for international students due to its immigration policies. In 2015, Canada adopted the Express Entry program, favouring high-skilled professionals who had experience in Canada as international students or in temporary status. In 2017, the Canadian government launched its Global Skills Strategy, incentivising foreign investment and attracting foreign talent. Canada is also seen as an easier place to gain permanent residence, with international students able to gain residency within a few years of graduation.
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A study permit does not include a work permit
International students from the US or other countries need a study permit to study in Canada. However, a study permit does not include a work permit. If you are an international student in Canada and want to work during your studies, you will need to apply for a work permit separately.
The process for obtaining a work permit while studying in Canada may vary depending on your specific situation and the type of work you are seeking. Here are some important points to consider:
- Eligibility to Work: Your eligibility to work during your studies in Canada depends on factors such as the length of your program and whether the work is on or off-campus. Many international students are now eligible to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session.
- Co-op and Internship Placements: Some study programs offer co-op or internship work placements. In these cases, you can apply for a co-op or intern work permit, which is different from a standard work permit.
- Work Permit Requirements: To be approved for a work permit, you may need to meet certain requirements. In some cases, your employer must first obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO) or a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This process involves the employer advertising the role and demonstrating that they were unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.
- Study Permit Conditions: It's important to note that your study permit may include specific conditions related to work. Ensure that you carefully review the details of your permit to understand any restrictions or requirements regarding employment.
- Full-Time Enrollment: To be eligible for a work permit, you typically need to be enrolled in a full-time course. After completing six months of full-time studies in Canada, you may then be eligible to apply for a part-time off-campus work permit.
It is always recommended to consult official government sources and seek advice from qualified immigration professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding study and work permits in Canada.
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To get a work permit, an employer must first obtain an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO)
International students in the US seeking internships in Canada face challenges due to US employers' reluctance to hire international students. To work in Canada, international students must secure a job offer from a Canadian employer and ensure that the employer obtains an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO). The LMO is a crucial step in the process of obtaining a work permit for international students seeking opportunities in Canada.
The Labour Market Opinion (LMO) is a legal document issued by the Canadian government to employers. It serves as an assessment of the labour market's need for a specific position to be filled by a foreign worker. The LMO process ensures that there is a genuine shortage of qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the position. This step is designed to protect the Canadian labour market and ensure that Canadian workers are not overlooked in favour of foreign workers.
To obtain an approved LMO, employers must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents and that there are no qualified, willing, and able Canadians for the position. The employer must advertise the job and provide information on the salary to ensure the employee will not be underpaid. The government will issue either a negative or positive LMO to the employer. A positive LMO confirms that hiring a foreign worker for the specific position will have a neutral or positive effect on the Canadian labour market.
Once the employer has received a positive LMO, the international student can use it to apply for a work permit. It is important to note that the LMO process can take time, and the employer should initiate the process as soon as they identify the need for a foreign worker. The entire process, from advertising the job to receiving a decision on the LMO, can take several months. Therefore, it is crucial for both employers and prospective international student employees to plan ahead and be aware of the time required for processing.
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International students in Canada can gain permanent residence within a few years of graduating
The PGWP allows graduates to gain the necessary work experience to apply for a range of economic-class immigration programs. International students can also explore other pathways to permanent residence, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) within their province or territory of residence. Some PNPs even target international graduates directly after graduation. However, these programs often feature wait times and a prioritization system based on Canada's labour market and demographic needs.
Another option for international student graduates is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, which is a merit-based immigration program that uses a points-based ranking system to select candidates with the most competitive profiles. Unlike the CEC, the FSW does not require Canadian work experience, making it a good option for graduates who gained skilled work experience abroad. The FSW program requires applicants to have a minimum of 12 months of full-time, continuous, skilled work experience or an equivalent amount of part-time experience.
International graduates can also maximize their eligibility for permanent residence by considering in-demand professional experience and developing language skills valued by the government, such as French language ability. Additionally, graduates of Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are considered some of the strongest candidates for Canadian immigration, but they must still gain work experience to build eligibility for economic PR programs. Overall, international students in Canada have several pathways to gain permanent residence within a few years of graduating, although it is not a guaranteed process.
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US immigration law is less attractive than Canada's for international students who wish to work after graduation
Canada's immigration laws are more attractive than those of the US for international students who wish to work after graduation. Firstly, Canada offers international students the opportunity to work both during and after their studies, providing a pathway to immigration. In contrast, the US has stricter regulations, requiring most employment opportunities to be authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International students in the US must also maintain their student status and follow associated regulations, which can be challenging if they wish to work.
Canada's recent changes to the International Student Program further enhance its attractiveness. Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session. This provides international students with greater flexibility and the ability to support themselves financially during their studies. In comparison, the US has implemented more restrictive policies, such as requiring foreign students to unlock their social media profiles for vetting, which may deter some students from applying.
Additionally, Canada's designated learning institutions (DLIs) play a crucial role in protecting the integrity of the International Student Program. DLIs are now required to submit compliance reports and verify acceptance letters, ensuring that international students' academic experiences are safeguarded. This level of oversight and support for international students is not always evident in the US system, where the focus tends to be more on compliance and enforcement rather than student experience.
Moreover, the process of obtaining a work permit in Canada is more straightforward for international students. While requirements must be met, such as enrolling in a full-time course for more than six months and maintaining satisfactory marks, the option to apply for a part-time off-campus work permit is available. In the US, international students often face difficulties finding internships or employment due to their status, and employers may be reluctant to hire them.
Overall, Canada's immigration laws offer more opportunities for international students who wish to work after graduation. The combination of work permissions during studies, potential immigration pathways, and supportive regulations makes Canada a more attractive destination for students seeking to gain valuable work experience and contribute to the country's diverse and inclusive society.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you will need a job offer in Canada and your employer will need to get an approved LMIA (Labour Market Opinion). Once you have a job offer and a positive LMIA, you can apply for a closed work permit.
International students in Canada with a valid study permit are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on- or off-campus. During the summer session, students with academic breaks can work unlimited hours.
Canada has more attractive immigration laws for international students who wish to work after graduation compared to the US. Canada's Express Entry program, for example, favors skilled professionals with experience in Canada as international students or in temporary status.
