The process of applying for a Canadian Work Permit is considered to be a difficult one, and given the fact that it involves a few different steps, it is not surprising. This document will provide you with all the relevant information that you need in order to successfully apply for a Canadian work permit if your country of citizenship is other than Canada, and you are currently enrolled as a full-time post-secondary student at an accredited learning institution.

The majority of international students that come to study in Canada are interested in getting a Canadian student visa or a study permit. As a result, when they get here, they look forward to finding a full-time job and applying for a work permit as soon as possible. Attaining work experience while still studying can certainly be beneficial for students because it provides an opportunity to gain valuable skills which will help them to secure good jobs upon graduation.

Canadian Work Permit For Students

The Government of Canada has been making many changes to the immigration system. They are positive changes for all those looking to immigrate to Canada. Gone is the visitor visa category, allowing foreign students to convert their immigration status faster without having to leave Canada.

Canada Work Permit For Students

Foreign students who have a valid Canada study permit, and are enrolled in a Canadian educational institution, have many different options when it comes to working in Canada. Not all jobs will require students to get a work permit. Most off-campus jobs do require a work permit, though some are subject to certain work permit/LMO exemptions.

Below is a list of Canada work permit options for students:

1. On-Campus Work Permit Exemption: Full-time foreign students with a valid Canada study permit seeking to work on campus do not require a Canadian work permit.

2. Off-Campus Work Permits: Foreign students studying full time on a valid Canada study permit may be authorized to work off-campus if their school participates in an off-campus work permit program through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

3. Co-op Programs & Internship Work Permits: Foreign students who are studying in a program that requires work experience such as through a co-op or internship program.

4. Post-Graduate Work Permits: Foreign students who have graduated from an academic program in Canada which lasted a minimum of eight months, they may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. Generally, the Canada work permit will be valid for the same duration as your Canada study permit was.

5. Work Permits for the Spouse of a Foreign Student: A spouse accompanying a foreign student on a valid Canada study permit is also entitled to a Canadian study permit or an open work permit, which does not require a job offer or Labour Market Opinion.

Canada seeks to facilitate the integration of foreign students into Canadian society. For this reason there are many options for students seeking to work in Canada.

Not only is it easier for students with a valid Canada study permit to obtain authorization to work in Canada, they may also become eligible for various Canadian permanent residency programs.

FWCanada is a Montreal-based immigration law firm that provides professional legal services on Canadian immigration. For more tips and updates on Canadian immigration follow FWCanada on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.