Do you want to know how to stay in Canada after graduation? Can I stay in Canada after graduation? What can I do after graduation to stay in Canada? These are some of the questions we have been flooding our mailbox for a while now. However, today we have taken time to discuss how you can stay in Canada after graduation. So, if you are faced with such a challenge, here are the things to do after graduation to stay in Canada.
The good news is that, after you graduate from your program of studies, you may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada. But there are certain conditions you must meet.
Interestingly, here are the best ways to remain in Canada after graduation: a guide to staying in Canada after graduation.
Staying In Canada After Graduation
Your study permit will become invalid 90 days after you finish your studies (even before the expiry date of your study permit) or on the expiry date of your study permit. Therefore, if you intend to stay in Canada after completing your studies, ensure that you have valid Canadian status.
Work in Canada Temporarily After Your Graduation
To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a Canadian work permit. The work experience you gain may help you qualify for permanent residence.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)- How To Stay In Canada After Graduation
Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for this work permit.
If you graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and wish to work in Canada temporarily, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
However, graduation from a DLI doesn’t automatically make you eligible for a PGWP. Check the DLI list to see which schools have eligible programs. Consequently, if you are not eligible for PGWP, there are other work permits you can apply for. See below:
Other Types of Work Permits
If you are not eligible for a PGWP, you may still be able to work in Canada after you graduate.
Most people require a work permit to work in Canada. If you require a work permit, you may be eligible for either an
- open work permit or
- an employer-specific work permit
How To Stay In Canada After Graduation As a Worker
Want to stay and work in Canada? You have 90 days after receiving your final grades to apply for a post-graduation work permit.
How To Stay In Canada After Graduation As a Visitor
If your study permit is about to expire and you want to stay in Canada as a visitor after finishing your studies, you must apply for a visitor record. To change your immigration status to visitor, you can apply online or by paper from within Canada. The application must be submitted within 90 days of the program’s completion.
Any new application for a study permit or work permit must be made outside of Canada once you have switched to a visitor record and can be made at the Canadian Consulates in Los Angeles (study permits only), New York (work permits only), or a visa office that serves your country of citizenship (for both study or work permits).
Note: After switching to a visitor record, you cannot apply for a post-graduation work permit.
How To Stay In Canada After Graduation Permanently
Some students choose to apply for permanent residency (PR) in order to remain in Canada permanently as immigrants. Although there are exceptions, most students apply after completing their studies at UBC.
International Student Advisors at UBC provide free immigration advice to international students. We are not PR experts, and we do not offer PR advice because we want you to get the best advice possible.
As a starting point, consult the following resources:
- BC PNP Presentation to UBC students (PDF)
- Permanent Residency Pathways for International Students (PDF)
- Finding an Authorized Immigration Representative
PR applicants must demonstrate their English proficiency as part of the application process.
At UBC, International Student Advisors offer a limited range of student-related immigration advice to UBC international students and their immediate family members at no cost. Learn more about authorized private immigration representatives.
I am a student from another country. How can I remain in Canada once I graduate?
If you qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, you may be able to remain in Canada.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is available to graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions who have completed an 8-month program. The work permit is valid for the same number of years as your academic program, up to a maximum of three.
NOTE: To see if you qualify for financial assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, please visit the government of Canada’s Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) page.
Eligibility Criteria For Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada
To be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, you must have the following qualifications:
- Full-time studies in Canada and completion of an academic program lasting at least eight months;
- You successfully completed your program and were notified that you are eligible to receive your degree, diploma, or certificate; and
- Graduated from a public or private post-secondary institution or a private institution authorized to award degrees (and you were in a degree program).
Application Process To Stay In Canada After Graduation
To apply for a Work Permit, you must have a valid student visa and apply within 90 days of receiving written confirmation that you have completed the requirements of your academic program.
You must submit the following documents with your application:
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710)
- A photocopy of your passport pages displaying your passport number, dates of issue and expiration, name and date of birth, and a stamp from Canadian authorities on your most recent entry into Canada.
- A document indicating that you have completed the requirements of your academic program, such as a final transcript, letter from your institution, or formal notification of graduation.
- The application fee receipt
- A completed document checklist
If you receive a job offer before receiving your Post-Graduation Work Permit, you can begin working immediately. But, that is if you have a valid off-campus work permit.
SEE: Easy Ways To Move To Italy And Get a Job | Jobs in Italy
How Long is a Post-Graduation Work Permit Valid After Graduation?
The duration of your PGWP is determined by the length of your study program. Click here to check the validity of PGWP.
Find Your Way to Permanent Residence
You’ve studied in Canada and may even have work experience there. You’d like to live here permanently now. There are ways for you to become a permanent resident!
The Come to Canada tool can assist you in exploring your options. You can also compare programs using the cheat sheet below. The program’s eligibility page can be found here below.
Here are two key terms to understand before comparing programs:
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
The Canadian standard for describing, measuring, and recognizing adult immigrants’ and prospective immigrants’ English language ability who intend to live and work in Canada or apply for citizenship. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) are used to assess French language abilities.
National Occupation Code (NOC)
The National Occupation Classification is a comprehensive list of all occupations in the Canadian labor market. It categorizes each job based on training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER). These are the main job categories for immigration purposes:
- TEER 0: management jobs
- TEER 1: professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university
- TEER 2 or 3: technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice
- TEER 4: intermediate jobs that usually call for high school or job-specific training
- TEER 5: labor jobs that usually give on-the-job training
| Program | Language skills | Type of work experience | Amount of work experience | Job offer | Education |
| Atlantic Immigration Pilot | You have intermediate English or French skills (CLB 4) | Not required | Not required | Required Job offer must
| You must have graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada The program must have been at least 2 years |
| Canadian Experience Class | You have intermediate or strong English or French skills (CLB 7 if your TEER is 0 or 1) (CLB 5 if your TEER is 2 or 3) | Canadian experience in 1 of these TEER categories:
| 12 months (combination of full-time or part-time work) | Not required, but you can get points for having a valid offer | Not required, but you can get points for your secondary or post-secondary education You can get extra points if your education is Canadian |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | You have intermediate English or French skills (CLB 5 for speaking and listening) (CLB 4 for reading and writing) | Experience in a skilled trade under key groups of TEER 2 or 3 | 2 years within the last 5 years | Required:
| Not required, but you can get points for your secondary or post-secondary education You can get extra points if your education is Canadian |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | You have strong English or French skills (CLB 7) | Experience in TEER
| 1 year continuous (combination of part-time, full-time, or more than one job) | Not required, but you can get points for having a valid offer | Secondary education is required. You can get more points for your post-secondary education You can get extra points if your education is Canadian |
| Provincial Nominee Program | You have strong English or French skills Levels vary by province | It depends on the province but includes all TEER categories | It depends on the province | It depends on the province | It depends on the province |
| Rural Northern Immigration Pilot | You have intermediate English or French skills (CLB 6 if your TEER is 0 or 1) (CLB 5 if your TEER is 2 or 3) (CLB 4 if your TEER is 4 or 5) | International students who studied in the community may be exempt from work experience requirements | Not required International students who studied in the community may be exempt from work experience requirements. | Required You must have a permanent job offer to work in one of the participating communities | Variable See the eligibility requirements for more information. |
Can international students stay in Canada after graduation?
Yes, just apply for a post-graduate work permit. learn more about how to apply and the application requirements here.
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