Canada is a top destination among Indian students looking to study abroad due to quality education and the chance to work during their course. The interlinked study and post-graduate work permit in Canada makes it particularly attractive for those seeking both educational and professional growth.
One of the best parts of studying in Canada is the opportunity to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows graduates to gain hands-on work experience in Canada. Here’s everything you should know about the study permit and post-graduate work permit in Canada.
Key highlights:
- Study Permit & Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada - Understanding the basics
- Study Permit in Canada – Eligibility Criteria
- Post-Graduation Work Permit for International Students in Canada – Eligibility Criteria
- Long-term Benefits of Working in Canada with Study Permit
Study Permit & Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada - Understanding the Basics
| Feature | Study Permit in Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | An official document that allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. | A work permit for international students who have graduated from a Canadian DLI to work in Canada. |
| Purpose | To study in Canadian educational institutions. | To gain Canadian work experience after completing studies in Canada. |
| Duration | Usually up to the length of your study programme plus an extra 90 days to prepare to leave or extend your stay in Canada. | 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of your completed study programme. |
Study Permit in Canada – Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a study permit in Canada, you must fulfil the following conditions:
- You must have a valid passport as a travel document.
- Provide an official letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Show you have enough readily available funds to cover your first year’s tuition and living costs in Canada for yourself and any accompanying family, including return transportation.
- A medical proof of your good health
- A police clearance certificate proving a clear criminal record
Since the study permit process can take time, it’s best to apply as soon as you receive the official letter of acceptance from your chosen institution.
Also Read: Understanding the New PGWP Rules in Canada
Post-Graduation Work Permit for International Students in Canada – Eligibility Criteria
Before knowing the eligibility criteria, you must understand that you can apply for a post-graduate work permit in Canada, only if:
- You have studied in a PGWP-eligible DLI, as not all DLIs in Canada are eligible to offer PGWP.
As per the latest update, as of 1 November 2024, if your study programme has a field of study requirement, you will have to graduate from a course linked to career avenues facing labour shortages such as Agriculture, Education, Health Care, STEM, Trade and Transport.
- Basic Requirements for Post-Graduate Work Permit in Canada
- Proof that you have graduated from a full-time programme of at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec) at any DLI
- Have maintained full-time student status throughout your studies (with an exception for your final semester, which can be part-time).
- Applied for your PGWP within 180 days of getting confirmation that you completed your programme and ensured your study permit was valid at some point during this 180-day period.
The work permit for international students in Canada helps create pathways to advance their careers that would otherwise be difficult to access.
Long-term Benefits of Working in Canada with a Study Permit
- Full-time work privileges: While on a study permit, you can work up to 24 hours weekly during school terms and full-time during breaks. However, after graduation, you can take up unrestricted full-time employment with a PGWP.
- Employment flexibility: No job offer is needed to apply for a PGWP. You can work for any employer, in any location across Canada, and in almost any field, regardless of your study programme.
- Career advancement: You gain valuable Canadian work experience that employers worldwide recognise and respect.
Studying in Canada offers more than a world-class education. It builds a strong foundation for a global career. With a study permit, you can gain valuable experience through a post-graduation work permit and give wings to your career.
At Avanse Financial Services, we help make this dream achievable with our student-friendly education loans for abroad studies. Our education loans come with benefits such as 100% financing, quick loan sanctions and flexible repayment options. You can also use our online calculator to calculate EMI for an education loan and plan your repayment better. If you have any queries, feel free to connect with us today!
