Most students who come to Canada to study, stay back after their studies, and the reason is quite simple.
Canada is undeniably one of the best countries in the world for any recent graduate to build their career.
Plus, It is easy to fall in love with this country.
Also, read: Can you apply for a student visa while in Australia?
The country has a strong economy, welcoming immigration policies, diverse job opportunities, and a high quality of life.
Which makes it an attractive destination for young professionals who want to start their careers.
To extend your stay in Canada beyond your student visa’s validity period, you can convert your student visa to a work permit.
Also, read: What documents do I need for an Australian tourist visa?
Can I convert a student visa to a work permit in Canada?
You can convert your student visa to a work permit in Canada through
- The post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program
- Work Permit with an LMIA
To achieve it, you need to (first) complete
- a full-time program at a designated learning institution in Canada, and
- then meet the work permit eligibility criteria.
You can only apply for a postgraduate work permit after your studies.
Also, read: Why is my UK student visa taking so long?
With a PGWP, you will work in Canada for up to three years – the actual length depends on the length of the program you completed.
What does it cost to change a study permit to a work permit in Canada?
The application fee is CAD 155. However, the fees can change anytime but as of the time of publishing this content, it is CAD 155.
Canadian immigration officers will not for any reason extort you, every fee you are asked to pay is approved by the country’s government.
Also, read: Can I get a work permit after completing a diploma in Canada?
If you are currently studying in Canada and wish to convert your student visa to a work permit, you are following a great path, and here is how you can achieve your target.
How to convert a student visa to a work permit in Canada
To convert your student visa to a work permit in Canada, you must complete a qualifying program at a designated learning institution and obtain a letter of confirmation to this effect.
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The letter confirms that you have met all the requirements to complete your program.
The “confirmation letter” shows that you truly completed your program.
Click here to see the list of designated learning institutions in Canada.
Conditions you must meet before you apply for a post-graduate work permit in Canada
Your program must be full-time and must be at least eight months.
The designated learning institution can be a university, college, or vocational school.
In addition, your program must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Also, read: Can you transfer universities after one semester in Canada?
If you haven’t completed your program, you cannot apply for a post-graduate work permit.
Students with outstanding courses are not eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit.
If you completed your program but it lasted less than 6 months (and you didn’t earn any certificate), you are also not qualified for a post-graduate work permit.
However, you can be eligible for a work permit with an LMIA – here, you have to get a job offer from a Canadian employer who is eligible to employ foreign workers.
In addition to completing your program, your study permit must be valid at the time of applying for a post-graduate work permit.
There is a 180-day (approximately six months) ultimatum under which you must submit your application for a post-graduate work permit.
The days start counting from the day you finish your program.
Also, read: How to convert visitor visa to student visa in Australia
If you fail to apply within this period (180 days after your program), you will be ineligible to apply.
What documents do I need to apply for the PGWP?
To apply for a PGWP, attach the following documents to your application form.
- Your valid passport: This is very important, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Two passport-sized photos: Attach two passport-sized photos with the following specifications (Width: 50mm, Height: 70mm, Resolution: 600).
- Final transcript: Include your academic transcript from your institution.
- Confirmation letter: Get a confirmation letter from your school.
- Valid study permit: Include your study permit.
Aside from the confirmation letter from your school, any of the following can also serve as proof that you completed your program.
- a degree or diploma
- an official transcript, or a copy of your transcript from your school’s website.
You also need to pay the CAD 155 application fee.
Application is online
If you are ready to submit an application, apply through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
If you don’t already have an account, create an account (or sign in if you already have one) and complete the application form.
Follow the prompt, pay the application, and attach all required documents including proof of payment (application fee).
Double-check all the information in your application form and check the attached documents to ensure they are complete before submitting your application.
After submitting your application, check its status through the IRCC website while you wait for a response from the immigration authorities.
If your application is complete, it will be approved, and you will receive your Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Once you have your work permit, ensure you comply with all the conditions attached to it.
Also, read: Is it easy to get a part-time job in Australia?
You can legally work in Canada for the duration specified on your PGWP.
FAQs
Can I work while my PGWP application is in the process?
Your study permit allows you to work legally in Canada as long as it is still valid, therefore, you can work with your study permit while your PGWP application is still being processed.
Can I extend my PGWP if it expires before I gain enough work experience for permanent residency?
It is not possible to extend your PGWP, however, you can apply for other visas with work authorization when your PGWP expires.
Can I apply for permanent residency after the PGWP?
You can apply for permanent residency through the provincial nomination program after your PGWP expires.
Also, read: How do I get my passport reference number?
In addition, you can also qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program which is a pathway to permanent residency.
Can I bring my spouse or dependents to Canada on a PGWP?
You can bring your spouse or dependent to Canada on a PGWP. While in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner will be eligible for an open work permit.
Also, read: If I lost my passport what do I do?
Is there an age limit for applying for the PGWP?
There is no age limit to apply for the PGWP. As long as you meet the program’s eligibility criteria, you can apply regardless of your age.
Can I apply for the PGWP more than once?
You can only receive one PGWP in your lifetime, so, make the most of the opportunity and gain valuable work experience.
How long do I have to apply for the PGWP after graduating?
You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your letter of confirmation from your institution certifying that you have completed your program.
Also, read: How do I check the status of my US passport
As a student in Canada, you can convert your student visa to a work permit after graduating, if you meet the eligibility requirements.