Post Graduate Work Permit Checklist in Canada

If you have finished your studies and wish to remain in Canada to work there, you can apply for a post-graduate work permit. This temporary status will replace your study permit. International students of a Canadian diploma of 8 months or more are entitled to a post-graduate work permit for the same duration as their studies. Details about the post graduate work permit checklist and eligibility are in this article.

Postgraduate work permit checklist to apply for a work

There are several options to request this permission. Many do not know about the differences between each one. The details are essential to take into account, especially since if the application is not made well or on time, the student could lose the status and the right to work.

When is the post-diploma work permit applied for?

The request must be made within 180 days of the end of your studies. Your study permit extension document must have been valid at some point during those 180 days.

The right to work

A student can work without waiting for the work permit as such, but only after applying. If you have already obtained a job after you have graduated, it is essential to ask for the work permit as soon as you have the final report card and the confirmation of graduation.

The diploma takes typically time to issue, and it is not mandatory to present it. And it is essential to apply before your permit expires of studies.

Important: the accompanying spouse can have access to an open work permit if the graduate student is working in a qualified level position ( NOC 0, A or B ) and has at least three proof of salary.

If you are in Quebec and have the CSQ, there is an alternative to obtain a work permit without relying on the graduate student. The same applies if you have a nomination from another province or approval in principle in the Express Entry system.

Requirement

The post-graduate work permit is valid for a period equivalent to the program of study, i.e., for a minimum of 8 months and a maximum of 3 years. If you have an open work permit in Canada and fulfill the document checklist which helps you to obtain a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate, its validity is three years.

To be eligible, you must have met all of the requirements of your program of study, including, if applicable, linguistic requirements, internships, final deposit, and defense.

In paper format within Canada

This option is the least recommended because it is the most delayed (it takes about four months). But in some instances, it could be indicated if there is a need to gain additional time. For example, for lack of any requirement that can be updated within a few months, or If you need more time to accumulate work experience after graduation.

Online within Canada

The process takes about 2-3 months, and it is not necessary to send any paper document. Everything is done through the federal government’s online system, and the permit is received by physical mail.

This option is advantageous specifically for people who have studied an 8 to 23 months program. If for example, the studies were 12 months, and you go to customs to request permission, this would be valid for 12 months.

But if you require it on the same day online, for making the process a few months, the permit would be valid for 12 months from the date of issue, not the application. In this way, you gain additional time of legal stay.

This makes a big difference in waiting for permanent residence or for those who need 12 months of Canadian work experience to qualify for residency. Once the permit is approved, if you need a visa to travel, you can apply for it, and it will be issued for the same duration as your permit.

Online/paper outside of Canada

If you have left the country after graduating and wish to return to work, you can apply for a work permit at the embassy responsible for your country of residence within six months after graduation.

If you need a visa to enter Canada, it will be issued along with your permission. You can work only after obtaining authorization as such.

Documents generally required for obtaining the post-diploma work permit:

• Certificate of success for your study program AND final transcript
• Study permit
• Passport
• ID photo
• Other documents required depending on your situation (medical examination, etc.)

Conclusion

In most provinces, the post-graduate work permit entitles you to government medical insurance. But it is vital to ensure that the license mentions below that it is post-graduate. Otherwise, individual provinces do not issue government medical insurance without this mention. Therefore, to apply for work, the Post Graduate Work permit checklist in Canada should be followed.