Congratulations on completing your study program in Canada! As you transition into the professional world, it's important to understand the options available to you for full-time employment in Canada. Whether you've already applied for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) or are planning to pursue further studies, there are pathways to continue working in Canada legally as an international student.
Applying for a Work Permit Before Your Study Permit Expires
If you've already applied for a work permit before your study permit expires, you may be eligible to work full-time under certain conditions.
Here are the requirements:
1. Previous Off-Campus Work Authorization: You must have been authorized to work off-campus during your studies.
2. Work Permit Application: You must have applied for a work permit or a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before your study permit expires.
3. Waiting for a Decision: You're waiting for a decision on your work permit application.
By meeting these criteria, you can continue working full-time while awaiting the decision on your work permit application.
Starting a New Study Program
If you're planning to pursue further studies after completing your program, there's still an opportunity to work full-time. Here's what you need to fulfill:
1. Previous Off-Campus Work Authorization: Similar to the previous scenario, you must have been authorized to work off-campus during your previous studies.
2. Valid Study Permit or Extension Application: You must have a valid study permit or have applied to extend your study permit before it expires.
3. Confirmation of Program Completion: You must obtain written confirmation from your current school stating that you have successfully completed your program.
4. Acceptance to a New Program: You need to have received a letter of acceptance to a new full-time study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
5. Commencement of New Program: You must start your new program within 150 calendar days of receiving confirmation of program completion from your previous school.
Meeting these requirements ensures that you can continue your academic journey while also having the opportunity to work full-time in Canada.
Here are some examples to drive this home for you.
Scenario 1: Applying for a Work Permit
Samantha completed her undergraduate degree in Canada and applied for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before her study permit expired. She had been authorized to work off-campus during her studies. While waiting for the decision on her PGWP application, Samantha secured a full-time job at a local tech company and can start working.
Scenario 2: Starting a New Study Program
Michael finished his diploma program and received written confirmation from his school. He applied and got accepted into a master's program at a DLI in Canada. Michael ensured that he started his new program within the specified timeframe, allowing him to work full-time while pursuing his higher education.
In conclusion, whether you're awaiting a work permit decision or embarking on further studies, there are opportunities to work full-time in Canada. By meeting the outlined requirements and deadlines, you can seamlessly transition into the next phase of your professional and academic journey. Need professional guidance as you navigate through these stages, you can schedule a call with one of our consultants to better advise you.