Completing a certificate from a Canadian recognised learning institution is a terrific choice for people who want to work and settle in Canada. You may desire to work in Canada at some time throughout your study. The procedure for converting your study visa to a work permit will differ depending on where you are in your programme.
Work while studying
If you are a full-time student at a Canadian educational institution, you may be eligible to work part-time or, in some situations, full-time.
Holders of a study permit may work up to 20 hours per week or full-time during a designated break. To work part-time as a Canadian study permit holder, you do not need to apply for a separate work permission. However, your study permission must state that you are authorised to work in Canada. You can request to have your study permit changed if you are eligible to work but your study permit does not say that you may work or accept employment in Canada.
As part of their programme of study, several educational institutions in Canada require students to complete a co-op or internship work placement. You may be able to work if you meet the conditions for a co-op or intern work visa.
After finishing your studies, you can apply for a work permit.
You may be qualified to apply for a post-graduation work visa after finishing a credential at a designated learning institution (DLI). International students who graduate from a DLI are granted post-graduation employment permits that are valid for up to three years.
A post-graduation work visa has the advantage of not being connected to any single employer, occupation, or location. This is sometimes referred to as an open work permit. You can work in any job, anywhere in Canada, with an open work permit.
You have 180 days from the completion of your education to apply for an open work permit. A post-graduate work permit application can be submitted from abroad or within Canada.
Obtaining a work visa before finishing your studies
With rare exceptions, acquiring a work permit in Canada will require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if you decide to discontinue studying in Canada before completing your credential. This entails locating a legitimate Canadian job offer from an employer prepared to assist your work visa application by obtaining an LMIA.
An LMIA establishes that the Canadian employer was unable to fill the position with a permanent resident or citizen. Individuals with closed work permits have less mobility than those with open work permits. A closed LMIA work permit, as opposed to an open post-graduate work visa, is attached to a certain employer, position, and location.
It is vital to know that after you cease studying, your study permit will no longer be deemed valid. As a result, you must notify Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you are discontinuing your studies. If you do not have legal status in Canada, you must leave the country while your work permit application is being processed.
If you are studying in Canada and want to learn more about your choices for obtaining permanent residency in Canada, we welcome you to fill out our free online assessment form.