Ibrahim Gardner
International students often choose to stay in Canada after graduation to work or pursue further studies. The duration of their stay depends on the course they have completed, and they may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To be eligible for a PGWP, graduates must meet specific requirements, including completing a program of at least eight months in duration (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) and maintaining full-time student status. Alternatively, students may apply for a visitor record to extend their stay in Canada as a visitor, but they will not be permitted to work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stay back option | Yes, international students can stay back in Canada after graduation |
| Work permit | Yes, international students can get a work permit after graduation if the program is more than 8 months long |
| Visitor record | If your study permit expires, you can apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer |
| Permanent residency | Some international students choose to apply for permanent residency (PR) to remain in Canada permanently as immigrants |
| Second degree | Some international graduates may decide to pursue a second degree or diploma in a different subject or a graduate degree in their field of study. They will need to apply for a new study permit |
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What You'll Learn
Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
International students often want to stay in Canada after graduation to live, work, or pursue further studies. One way to do this is by applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Here is a detailed guide on applying for a PGWP:
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet the following requirements:
- Graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a program duration of at least 8 months (900 hours for Quebec programs).
- Maintain full-time student status in Canada during each semester of your study program.
- Have proof of degree completion, such as a confirmation letter from your department or a "Confirmation of Degree Requirements" letter from the School of Graduate Studies.
- Provide an official transcript to confirm full-time study without unauthorized breaks.
- If your study program has a field of study requirement, it must be linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage.
- As of November 1, 2024, you must provide valid English or French language proficiency exam results with a minimum level of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language areas.
Application Process:
You can apply for a PGWP within Canada or outside Canada. The application process typically takes between 80 to 180 days. Here are the key steps:
- Ensure that you apply before the expiry date of your study permit. If your permit has expired, you may be able to restore your status and apply, provided it has been less than 90 days.
- Gather all the required documents, including proof of degree completion, official transcripts, and language proficiency exam results.
- Submit your application online or by paper, depending on your circumstances.
- If you are applying from within Canada, it is recommended to apply no more than 90 days after receiving notice of program completion.
- If you are applying from outside Canada, additional documentation may be requested by the visa office processing your application.
Validity of PGWP:
The validity of a PGWP depends on the length of your study program. It can range from eight months to three years. Generally, the PGWP duration will be approximately the same as your study program, up to a maximum of three years. If your PGWP is for a shorter period than your eligibility, you can apply to extend it by obtaining a new passport valid for the entire period.
Working During the Application Process:
While waiting for your PGWP application to be processed, you are allowed to work in Canada without a separate work permit, provided you applied before the expiry of your study permit. If your study permit expires before you receive your marks, you can apply for a visitor record to maintain your status in Canada. However, you cannot work until your PGWP application is approved.
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Applying for permanent residency
International students who want to stay in Canada after graduation can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or visitor record. However, if you want to stay in Canada permanently, you can apply for permanent residency (PR).
International students can apply for Canadian permanent resident status while studying in Canada or after completing their studies, provided they meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program under which they apply. Applying for a Canadian study permit and permanent residency simultaneously is called "dual intent" and is accepted by Canadian immigration law.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is one of the fastest ways to obtain Canadian permanent residency. Applicants must have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years or an equivalent amount of part-time experience. International students can obtain the required work experience by applying for a post-graduation work permit.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): PNPs are popular Canadian immigration options as applications for permanent residency are typically processed faster compared to other immigration programs. Generally, applicants must have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary education program, and requirements can vary by province, with some requiring work experience and a job offer.
- Quebec Immigration Program: International students who have completed a recognized program of study in Quebec and possess an intermediate level of proficiency in the French language may qualify under this program. Canadian work experience is not required.
It is important to note that international students should ensure they meet the conditions of their study permit throughout their stay. Violating the terms of the study permit could jeopardize future immigration applications. Additionally, many of Canada's immigration programs require skilled work experience, which may put international students at a disadvantage. Seeking advice from International Student Advisors or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can be helpful when navigating the various pathways to permanent residency.
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Applying for a new study permit
International students in Canada who wish to continue studying after graduation must apply for a new study permit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a new study permit:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, it is important to determine whether you are eligible for a study permit. Make sure you meet all the requirements, including having a valid passport, proof of financial support, and acceptance into a designated learning institution (DLI).
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
The documents needed for a study permit application may vary depending on your specific situation. However, some common documents include:
- A completed application form
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial support, such as bank statements
- Acceptance letter from a DLI
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), if required
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Study permit applications can be submitted online or, in some cases, on paper. The application process may differ depending on whether you are applying from outside Canada or within the country. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the relevant Canadian authorities.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time may vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your intended start date.
Step 5: Receive the Decision
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified of the decision. If your application is approved, you will be issued a study permit, allowing you to continue your studies in Canada. If your application is refused, you may have the option to reapply or explore other avenues to stay in the country, such as applying for a visitor record.
It is important to note that the above steps provide a general outline, and specific details may vary depending on your individual circumstances. It is always advisable to refer to the official website of the Canadian government for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding study permit applications.
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Applying for a visitor record
International students in Canada have a few options to stay in the country after graduation. One option is to apply for a visitor record, which allows them to extend their stay in Canada as a visitor. This option is suitable if they want to stay in Canada temporarily and not work. Here is a step-by-step guide on applying for a visitor record:
- Check the expiry date of your current status: Before applying for a visitor record, note the expiry date of your current status or visa. You should apply for the visitor record at least 30 days before your current status expires.
- Decide on the application method: You can choose to apply for a visitor record online or by submitting a paper application. Applying online may result in faster processing times and allows for easy submission of additional documents.
- Gather the required documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application. This may include a valid passport, letter of explanation, and other supporting documents.
- Complete the application form: Fill out the application form accurately, providing all the required information. When asked about the purpose of your visit, select "Visit" as the reason.
- Submit the application: Submit your completed application, along with all the required documents, either online or by mail, depending on your chosen application method.
- Maintain your status: While your application is being processed, your status in Canada remains valid, even if your previous visa or status has expired. You can legally remain in Canada until a decision is made on your application.
It is important to note that applying for a visitor record will not allow you to work in Canada. If you intend to work after graduation, you may need to explore other options, such as applying for a post-graduation work permit or transitioning to permanent residency. Additionally, once you have switched to a visitor record, you cannot apply for a post-graduation work permit. Therefore, carefully consider your options and seek advice from an immigration advisor if needed.
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Pursuing a second degree or graduate degree
International students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to stay in the country and gain valuable Canadian work experience. The PGWP allows international graduates to remain in Canada and work full-time for up to three years after completing their studies. This provides a great opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting and build a professional network in the country.
For those interested in pursuing a second degree or graduate degree in Canada, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, international students can apply for a new study permit to commence a new program of study. This option is suitable for individuals who wish to pursue a different field of study or undertake a graduate program, such as a You may want to see also The length of time an international student can stay in Canada after graduation depends on the duration of their course. If it was over eight months long, they can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). With this, they can stay in Canada temporarily as they seek employment opportunities. A PGWP is a Post-Graduation Work Permit that allows international students to stay in Canada and work after graduation. To be eligible, the course must have been at least eight months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) and the student must have maintained full-time status. Students can apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer as a visitor. They can also apply for permanent residency (PR) or a new study permit if they wish to continue their studies.International Students: Tax Returns and You
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