Work In Canada | Impel Overseas Consultants Limited

Work in Canada for International Students

Canada provides ample opportunities for international students to gain work experience while studying and after graduation.

Working While Studying

1. On-Campus Work

International students do not need a separate work permit to work on campus if they meet the following criteria:

Must be enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
Must have a valid study permit that allows on-campus work.

On-campus jobs may include positions in libraries, research labs, administrative offices, or food services.

2. Off-Campus Work

International students are eligible to work off-campus without a separate work permit if they:

Are enrolled full-time at a DLI in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional program.
Have a valid study permit with authorization to work.
Are studying in a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate and is at least six months long.

Work Hour Limits:

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session.
Students can work full-time (40 hours per week) during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer/winter holidays).
Temporary change (until April 30, 2024): Some students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week under specific conditions.

Important: Violating work-hour rules could impact future visa or work permit applications.

Co-op and Internship Programs

Some academic programs include mandatory work experience as part of the curriculum. In these cases, students must apply for a Co-op Work Permit, which allows them to:

Work full-time in a field related to their studies.
Gain practical experience while earning academic credits.

To qualify for a Co-op Work Permit, students must:

Have a valid study permit.
Have a letter from the institution confirming that work experience is a required part of their study program.

Note: If co-op work makes up more than 50% of the study program, the application may be rejected.

Working After Graduation

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates to work in Canada and gain valuable work experience.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have completed a full-time program at an eligible DLI in Canada.
Program must be at least 8 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving the final transcript or graduation letter.

Work Permit Duration:

8-month program → 8-month work permit
1-year program → 1-year work permit
2+ year program → Up to 3-year work permit

Key Benefit: PGWP holders can work full-time for any employer without needing an additional job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Permanent Residency Pathway

Gaining Canadian work experience through PGWP boosts eligibility for permanent residence through programs like:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) (part of Express Entry).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

Why Choose Impel for Work & Study Guidance?

At Impel Overseas, we assist students with:
✅ Selecting the right DLI and program to ensure work eligibility.
✅ Guiding on co-op/internship programs for hands-on experience.
✅ Helping with PGWP applications and work permits.
✅ Providing career and immigration support for a successful future in Canada.