Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking higher education. While pursuing their studies, many students also wish to gain work experience and earn money to support their education and living expenses. Fortunately, Canada offers a variety of work permit options to students on a study permit, enabling them to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency in Canada. Canada Work Permit
Here are the various work permit options available to students in Canada:
On-campus work permit:
International students are eligible to work on their college or university campus without a work permit. This work is limited to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays. This work permit is automatically included in the study permit.
There is also a temporary policy in place for international students allowing them to work unlimited hours. This is only applicable to students if they submitted their study permit application on or before October 7, 2022, and entered Canada before December 31, 2023.
Off-campus work permit:
International students may work off-campus without a work permit for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays. However, students must apply for an off-campus work permit, which is valid for the duration of the study permit.
Co-op or internship work permit:
Many academic programs in Canada require students to complete a co-op or internship as part of their coursework. International students in these programs may be eligible for a co-op or internship work permit. This permit allows students to work full-time during their co-op or internship term and is valid for the duration of the work term.
Post-graduation work permit:
International students who have completed their studies in Canada may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This permit allows students to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The length of the permit depends on the length of the student’s academic program, up to a maximum of three years.
Bridging open work permit:
International students who have applied for permanent residency in Canada but are waiting for their application to be processed may be eligible for a bridging open work permit. This permit allows students to work in Canada while their application is being processed.
It is important for students to ensure they are eligible for these work permits and to apply for them in a timely manner. Each work permit has specific eligibility requirements and application procedures that must be followed.
Additionally, students must ensure they are complying with the conditions of their study permit while working in Canada. Violating these conditions could result in the revocation of the study permit, which could affect the student’s ability to work and study in Canada.
How to apply for an Open work permit in Canada before completing studies
International students studying in Canada may be interested in applying for an open work permit before completing their studies. An open work permit allows a person to work for any employer in Canada, except for certain jobs that require a specific type of work permit. Here are the steps to apply for an open work permit in Canada before completing studies:
Check Eligibility
Before applying for an open work permit, students should ensure they are eligible to do so. To be eligible, they must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a full-time program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada.
Gather the required documents
When applying for an open work permit, students must provide certain documents, including their passport, study permit, and proof of enrollment in a full-time program of study. They may also need to provide additional documents depending on their specific situation.
Pay fees
There are fees associated with applying for an open work permit. Students should ensure they have the funds to pay these fees before submitting their applications.
Submit application
Once all required documents are gathered and fees are paid, students can submit their open work permit application online. The application will be reviewed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Wait for the decision
After submitting the application, students will need to wait for a decision from IRCC. The processing time for an open work permit application can vary, but most applications are processed within a few months.
Receive open work permit:
If the open work permit application is approved, students will receive an open work permit that allows them to work in Canada for the length of the permit. Students can use this work experience to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency in Canada.
It is important for students to ensure they are eligible for an open work permit before completing their studies and to apply for the permit in a timely manner. Applying for an open work permit is an important step for international students who wish to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency in Canada.
However, students should also ensure they are complying with the conditions of their study permit while working in Canada. Violating these conditions could result in the revocation of the study permit, which could affect the student’s ability to work and study in Canada.
Some FAQs About Canada Work Permit Options
Q: Can international students work in Canada while studying?
A: Yes, international students in Canada with a valid study permit are generally allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer vacation.
Q: What are my options for obtaining a work permit after completing my studies in Canada?
A: After completing studies in Canada, international students may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that allows them to work in Canada for up to three years. They can also apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada, before completing their studies.
Q: What is the processing time for a work permit application?
A: The processing time for a work permit application can vary, but most applications are processed within a few months. It is recommended to apply well in advance of the desired start date of employment.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residency in Canada through a work permit?
A: Yes, gaining work experience in Canada through a work permit can be valuable when applying for permanent residency. The Canadian government offers several programs that allow international workers to transition to permanent residency.
Q: How many times can I apply for a work permit in Canada?
A: There is no limit to the number of times a person can apply for a work permit in Canada. However, each application will be assessed based on its individual merits and whether the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.
Q: Can I work in any job with an open work permit?
A: An open work permit allows a person to work for any employer in Canada, except for certain jobs that require a specific type of work permit. These include jobs in the sex industry, escort services, and strip clubs.
Conclusion
Canada offers a variety of work permit options for international students on a study permit. These permits allow students to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency in Canada. However, it is crucial for students to understand the eligibility requirements and application procedures for each permit and to ensure they are complying with the conditions of their study permit while working in Canada.