Can international students work in Canada after graduation?

If you are here with a study permit, and have graduated from institution you were enrolled in, you usually have a choice to apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). Within 90 days of completing you degree you may be eligible to live and work in Canada. A PGWPP is a document that gives you permission to remain in Canada and work full time for up to three years.

One of the main benefits of PGWPP is that you are able to not only stay in Canada after graduation, but also gain Canadian work experience. Canadian work experience is a big asset if you were considering applying for permanent residency. PGWPP does not require you to have a job offer, which gives you enough time to learn about the Canadian labour market and find a job that is suitable with your skills.

To be eligible to apply for PGWPP you are required to complete a study program that is at least eight months in length. You are required to have a valid study permit, apply 90 days after you receive you transcript. Additionally, the institution you graduated may be a public institution or a private institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institution. Lastly, you must have completed and passed the program of study you are enrolled in.

If you have any questions about study permits, PGWPPs or any other questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.