Extend a Study Permit

Requirements 

International students in Canada must extend their study permits if they plan to continue studying beyond the period specified on their current permits. To do this, students need to apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for an extension. This application process is crucial to maintain their legal status as students in Canada, and it ensures that they can complete their academic programs without any legal complications.

Why You Might Need to Extend Your Study Permit

  1. Program Extension: If your study program is longer than initially planned.
  2. Admission to a New Program: Transitioning to a new program of study at the same or a different institution.
  3. Additional Time Needed: If you need more time to complete your program requirements.

When to Apply for an Extension

Extending Your Study Permit

If you wish to continue studying in Canada, you must apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. Ensure that your passport remains valid throughout this period, as your study permit cannot be extended beyond the expiry date of your passport.

Application Submitted Before Permit Expiry

If you apply to extend your permit before it expires, you can continue studying under the same conditions as your current permit while waiting for a decision. This provision is only applicable if you remain in Canada during this period.

Completion of Studies Earlier Than Expected

Your study permit will expire on the earlier of the following dates:

  • The date marked on your study permit, or

  • 90 days after the completion of your studies.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a study permit extension, you must:

  • Be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • Show that you are actively pursuing your studies.
  • Provide proof of financial support for your continued stay in Canada.
  • Adhere to the conditions of your study permit (e.g., not working more hours than allowed).

Documents Needed for Study Permit Extension

  1. Proof of Enrollment: A letter from your institution confirming your enrollment and the program details.
  2. Proof of Funds: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or any document proving you can support yourself financially.
  3. Passport: A copy of your passport, including any stamps and visas.
  4. Study Permit: A copy of your current study permit.
  5. Transcript/Report Card: Academic records showing you are actively pursuing your studies.

Working while studying in Canada

Working while studying in Canada can help you support yourself financially, meet new people, and build connections and experience that will make you stand out in the job market later on. Most international students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week (or 24 hours per week starting in Fall 2024) and full-time during scheduled breaks without needing a separate work permit.

Before you start your job search, read on to learn more about working in Canada as an international student.

Eligibility

International students in Canada with a valid study permit who are enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can work off-campus without needing a work permit. This means you can work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada. Additionally, international students can also work on campus if they wish.

Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a 9-digit number issued by the Government of Canada. To apply for a SIN to work off-campus, your study permit must include one of the following conditions:

  • “May work 20 hours per week off-campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.”
  • “May accept employment on or off-campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”

Working On-Campus in Canada

You can begin working in Canada as an international student only after you have started your study program. You are not permitted to work before your studies commence. To work on-campus, your study permit must include a condition that states you are allowed to work on- or off-campus.

Eligibility for On-Campus Work

You can work on-campus without a work permit if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a full-time post-secondary student at one of the following institutions:
    • A public post-secondary school, such as a college, university, trade or technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec.
    • A private post-secondary school in Quebec that operates under the same regulations as public schools in Quebec.
    • A private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer leading to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS) or an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS).
    • A Canadian private school that is legally authorized to award degrees under provincial law (such as associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, or doctorates), but only if the student is enrolled in a program leading to a degree authorized by the province. Note that this may not include all programs of study offered by the private institution.
  • You have a valid study permit or maintained status.
  • Your initial study permit includes printed conditions that allow you to work on-campus.
  • You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Work Off Campus: Requirements and Guidelines

Before beginning off-campus work, both you and your employer must confirm that you meet the necessary requirements. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in your removal from Canada.

When You Can Start Working

You are only permitted to work in Canada once your study program has commenced. Employment is not allowed before your studies begin. If your study permit includes conditions that allow you to work during your studies, you do not need an additional work permit to work off campus.

Eligibility for Off-Campus Work

You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • You are enrolled in either:
    • A post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or
    • A secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only).
  • Your study program is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • You have started your studies.
  • You have a social insurance number (SIN).

Part-Time Students at a DLI

Part-time students can work off campus if they:

  • Meet all the above requirements except being a full-time student, and
  • Are part-time because:
    • They are in their last semester and do not need a full course load to complete their program, and
    • They were a full-time student in Canada until their final semester.

Working Hours for Off-Campus Employment

During regular school terms or semesters, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. You may have more than one job to fulfill these hours, as long as you adhere to the conditions of your study permit.

Co-op Work Permit

Co-op Work Permit Requirements for International Students in Canada

While most international students in Canada do not need a separate work permit to work during their studies, there is an important exception for those whose study programs include mandatory Co-op or internship work placements. In these cases, students must obtain a Co-op work permit in addition to their study permit.

Obtaining a Co-op Work Permit

To acquire a Co-op work permit, you must have a valid study permit and a letter from your university or college confirming that work placements are a required component of your program for graduation.

Issuance with Study Permit

The Co-op work permit can be issued simultaneously with your study permit. If your acceptance letter indicates that a Co-op or internship placement is a mandatory part of your program, your work permit application may be processed along with your study permit application.

Applying for a Co-op Work Permit Separately

If you have already obtained your study permit, you can still apply for a Co-op work permit either online or by paper. Your university or college can assist you with this process, as they often help many international students apply for the permit each year due to the integration of these placements into study programs.

Post study work permit 

What is the PGWP?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit available to international graduates from Canadian educational institutions. This permit allows graduates to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, and to switch employers as they wish. The PGWP is designed to help Canada attract and retain skilled and educated international graduates. It also serves as a pathway to permanent residence for those who wish to stay in Canada after completing their studies.

Applying for a PGWP

Graduates from eligible Canadian educational institutions can apply for a PGWP within 180 days of completing their program. It doesn’t matter if you are inside or outside of Canada when you apply, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and apply within the 180-day timeframe. Applicants must provide proof that they attended and completed their program, along with details about the program’s name and duration. Specific documents are required to support your application.

PGWP Requirements: Who is Eligible for a PGWP?

To obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada and must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). You must also provide clear evidence that you meet all the following criteria:

  • Program Completion: You have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
    • Note: Starting May 15, Post-Graduation Work Permits will no longer be available to students in public/private partnership programs, also known as curriculum licensing agreements.
  • Full-Time Status: You maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program(s) of study completed, with exceptions for leave from studies, the final academic session, or COVID-19 related reasons.
  • Proof of Completion: You have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that you have met the requirements to complete your program of study. These documents must be included in your PGWP application.

Work Permit Duration

The validity of the post-graduation work permit depends on the length of your study program:

  • Less than 8 months: Ineligible for a PGWP
  • Between 8 and 24 months: Valid for up to the same length as the study program
  • 24 months or longer: Valid for 3 years
  • Master’s or PhD program: Valid for 3 years

Exceptions to the Eligibility Requirements

You are not eligible for a PGWP if you:

  • Have a study permit that expired more than 180 days before you applied
  • Have already received a PGWP
  • Studied English or French as a second language
  • Took general interest or self-improvement courses
  • Participated in the Government of Canada Awards Program funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
  • Received funding from GAC
  • Got the Equal Opportunity Scholarship, Canada–Chile
  • Participated in the Organization of American States Fellowships Program
  • Completed the majority of your program through distance learning (online courses, e-learning, or correspondence)
  • Completed a program at a non-Canadian institution located in Canada
  • Completed a course or program at a DLI that is not PGWP-eligible

Working While Waiting for Your PGWP

Yes, you can work full-time while your PGWP application is being processed, provided that:

  • You had a valid study permit when you submitted your PGWP application.
  • You have completed your program of study.
  • You have complied with the terms of your study permit.

Unlike other applicants on maintained status, you can leave and re-enter Canada and continue working while waiting for your permit to be processed.

How a PGWP Can Help You Immigrate to Canada

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is designed to offer international students an effective route to permanent residency. By transforming a Canadian education into meaningful full-time work experience, candidates can significantly enhance their eligibility for the Canadian Express Entry immigration system. Holding a Canadian educational credential and relevant work experience boosts an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making them more competitive for permanent resident status.

In addition to Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Quebec’s Experience Class program also favor candidates with Canadian educational credentials and work experience. These programs recognize the value of Canadian education and work experience, making it easier for graduates to achieve permanent residency in Canada.

Permanent residence in Canada for international students and graduates

International students in Canada can achieve permanent residency through various immigration programs. This guide will explore several options available to help you navigate the process of obtaining Canadian permanent residency after graduation.

If you are an international student or graduate in Canada, you are well-educated, proficient in English or French, and have demonstrated your ability to adapt to Canadian life. Because of these qualities, Canada encourages you to immigrate permanently. Both the federal economic immigration programs and numerous Provincial Nominee Programs offer additional points for candidates who have studied and graduated in Canada.

Permanent Residence in Canada for International Students and Graduates: Express Entry

If you’re an international student or graduate in Canada, you may have heard about Express Entry, the main system for economic immigration in the country. Since its introduction in 2015, Express Entry has been adjusted to favor international students who have completed their studies in Canada. One significant change includes the addition of up to 30 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for those with a Canadian post-secondary educational credential.

To receive an invitation to apply through Express Entry, you must first qualify for one of three federal economic immigration programs and enter the Express Entry pool. In this pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score. The government regularly invites top-ranked candidates to submit their applications, typically holding draws every couple of weeks. Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application, with the government aiming to process it within six months. Express Entry benefits young candidates with Canadian work and study experience and strong language skills, giving students and graduates in Canada an excellent opportunity to obtain permanent residence.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular route for international students and graduates seeking permanent residence in Canada. This program is designed for individuals who have gained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. After graduating and obtaining a post-graduation work permit, you can work for a year in a skilled position, prove your language proficiency through a recognized test, and then enter the Express Entry pool. If your CRS score is not high enough for an immediate invitation, there are strategies available to help improve your score.

Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)

If you have not completed a year of skilled work in Canada but have done so abroad, the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) may be the route for you. To qualify, you must score at least 67 points on a grid that assesses factors such as age, language ability, work experience, job offers in Canada, and adaptability, including previous study in Canada. This pathway allows you to enter the Express Entry pool even without Canadian work experience.

Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)

The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) is another Express Entry program tailored for qualified tradespersons. If you meet the criteria, this program can also be a viable route to permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada’s provinces are keen to retain international students and graduates. If Express Entry is not a viable option for you currently, or if you find it challenging to meet the CRS cut-off thresholds, you should consider the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs allow provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residency based on local labor market needs.

When exploring PNPs, consider both the province where you graduated and where you wish to live and work. Some provinces may accept applications from graduates of other provinces, while others may restrict eligibility to those who graduated within the province.

To stay updated on PNP streams and opportunities, bookmark our Canada PNP Live Tracker and follow our updates on social media.

Ontario

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers international students and graduates with a job offer the opportunity to permanently live and work in Ontario. There are three graduate OINP streams:

  • International Student Stream
  • International Master’s Stream
  • International PhD Stream

British Columbia

BC welcomes applications from graduates of Canadian colleges and universities through its popular international graduate categories, provided the applicant has a job offer in BC and meets other criteria. These categories include:

  • BC Express Entry: International Graduate Category
  • BC Skills Immigration: International Graduate Category

Settlement in BC may also be possible without a job offer through the international post-graduate categories, designed for those with a Master’s or PhD in the natural, applied, or health sciences from an eligible BC institution within the last three years:

  • BC Express Entry: International Post-Graduate Category
  • BC Skills Immigration: International Post-Graduate Category

Alberta

International graduates can apply to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) through the Alberta Opportunity Stream if they graduated from an approved Alberta post-secondary institution and are working on a post-graduation work permit. They need to show at least six months of work experience in Alberta related to their field of study, meeting the same minimum language and income requirements as other applicants. Graduates from other Canadian provinces may also be eligible if they have another type of work permit.

Manitoba

The International Education Stream of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) offers pathways for international students and graduates. STEM graduates do not require a job offer, while other graduates will need one.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Experience Stream of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) helps students and graduates from institutions across Canada to become permanent residents in the province.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has been a leader in attracting students and retaining them post-graduation through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP). It offers various streams, such as:

  • Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream requires 12 months of skilled work experience in Nova Scotia within three years before applying.
  • International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates who have started or purchased a business in Nova Scotia.

New Brunswick

The Express Entry Labour Market Stream of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) prioritizes international graduates who studied in the province.

Prince Edward Island 

The International Graduate Stream of the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) is for those who graduated from an accredited PEI post-secondary institution and are currently working in PEI.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The International Graduate Category of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) targets recent graduates with a post-graduation work permit and a job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer. Graduates from outside Newfoundland and Labrador may also be eligible. Additionally, the NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Category offers bonus points for previous study in the province.

Quebec

Quebec operates its own immigration programs. The Quebec Experience Program prioritizes graduates who can prove adequate French ability and work experience. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program also offers points to candidates with study and work experience in the province.

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