Employment and Immigration in Canada

For international students in Canada, it is possible to work part-time during studies and remain in Canada to work and apply for permanent residency after graduating from a college or university program.

Please refer to the useful information below and contact us for timely consultation and support.

EMPLOYMENT

While studying, students are allowed to:

• Work up to 24 hours per week while studying, and
• Work full-time during scheduled breaks (see details)

After graduation, students may stay and work full-time under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): 

• Programs of 8 months to less than 2 years: Graduates may receive a PGWP for the same length as their study program.
• Programs of 2 years or longer: Graduates may receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years. 
• Eligible master’s programs: Graduates may receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years, even if the program is less than 2 years.

In-demand fields of employment:

Canada currently focuses on workers in Healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), Skilled Trades, Transport, and Agriculture & Agri-food. French-speaking candidates are also prioritized.

• Express Entry – Category-Based Selection: Lists the priority occupation categories chosen by IRCC for targeted invitation rounds: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html 
• National Occupational Classification (NOC): Look up your occupation code, job description, and TEER category to check if your field is in-demand: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html 

IMMIGRATION (PERMANENT RESIDENCY)

Graduates of eligible professional programs may apply for permanent residency if they meet the required criteria.

• Priority immigration occupations – 2025: http://www.immigration.ca/fast-track-high-demand-occupations/

• Additional list of 50 skilled occupations: http://www.nissaimmigration.com/skilled.htm

PROVINCIAL IMMIGRATION PATHWAYS (PNP)

Below is an overview of selected provincial programs for international graduates:

1. British Columbia (BC)

International students may become a Canadian Permanent Resident under one of the following categories:

a. Post-Graduate / Master’s / PhD graduates (no job offer required):

• Program length of at least 2 years;
• Field of study in Natural, Applied, or Health Sciences, such as: Agriculture, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, High Technology, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Resource Conservation & Research, Physics;
• Intention to live and work long-term in British Columbia.

b. Graduates with job offers:

• Possess a degree, diploma, or certificate;
• Program length: at least 8 months;
• Have a full-time job in British Columbia;
• Intend to reside in any province except Québec.

2. Ontario

International students may apply for PR under one of the following programs:

a. International Students (General Stream):

• Hold a full-time job offer;
• Completed at least 50% of their program;
• Studied at a public college or university;
• Pursued a 2-year program or a postgraduate program.

b. Pilot program for students in Aviation (“Pilot Pathway”):

• Studied in Aviation / Pilot Training;
• Intend to live and work in Ontario;
• Hold a Master’s degree from a public university in Ontario;
• Apply within 2 years of graduation;
• Show proof of sufficient financial resources for self/dependents;
• Meet English/French language requirements;
• No future study plan required;
• Clean legal record.

c. Master’s Graduate Stream:

• Graduated from a public university in Canada;
• Apply within 2 years of graduation;
• No legal violations.

3. Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is relatively straightforward and does not operate on a points-based system. Applicants only need to meet the following criteria:

• Age 21-55 and seeking employment in Nova Scotia;
• Hold a full-time job (30 hours/week);
• Ideally in NOC 0, A, B occupations; if NOC C, must have worked 6+ months for a designated employer;
• Have 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience—can be earned in any country;
• Meet English language requirement: IELTS 6.0+;
• Hold a post-secondary degree (preferably from Nova Scotia, but equivalent institutions are acceptable);
• Demonstrate a clear intention to settle in Nova Scotia (evidenced through study and work history in the province).

Nova Scotia Express Entry Pilot (started January 2015):

• Job must fall under the occupations included in the province’s targeted list (mainly economic and engineering sectors);
• Operates under a provincial points-assessment method;
• For students with paid co-op / internship programs, such as at Cape Breton University (CBU): A 12-month internship counts as 1,560 hours of work experience. Students then need only 6 additional months of NOC C employment to qualify for PR.

For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact us HERE:

Duc Anh EduConnect

Hotline: +84 9887 09698  | +84 9630 49860 | +855 12 205 775

Email: info@educonnectgroup.com 

Website: ducanhduhoc.vn | educonnectgroup.com