Can a Study Permit Be Changed to a Work Permit in Canada?

Are you an international student studying in Canada and hoping to start your career after graduation? If so, you might be curious whether you can convert your study permit to a work permit. The answer is Yes!!

Converting your study permit to a work permit will help you get useful job experience in Canada. Also, it can lead to permanent residency. Though the procedure might be difficult, it is important to abide by the rules and guidelines established by the Canadian government.

This article will help you to go through the specifics of changing your study permit to a work permit in Canada, giving you the knowledge and information you need to be successful.

Eligibility for Changing a Study Permit to a Work Permit

You must be eligible when changing from a study to a work permit. Below is a list of eligibility criteria to change a study permit into a work permit in Canada.

Complete Study Program

The student must have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to be qualified to convert a study permit to a work permit.

It indicates that the student must hold an academic credential from a Canadian educational institution, such as a diploma, degree, or certificate.

Valid Study Permit

When applying, the applicant must have a valid study permit. It is crucial to remember that the student must apply for a work visa before their study permit expires. Once the study permit has expired, you can not apply for a work permit in Canada.

Valid Job Offer

A valid job offer from a Canadian firm is required for the student. The employment offer must be for a skilled position like (National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill category 0, A, or B) and be for a minimum of six months.

Labor Market Impact Assessment (LIMA)

The employer must fit into one of the following groups to be exempt from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):

International agreements

LMIAs are not required for employers covered by international agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Canadian Interests

Companies are exempt from obtaining an LMIA if they can show that hiring a foreign worker would significantly impact Canadian citizens or permanent residents positively, culturally, or economically.

Additional exemptions

Other programs, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, the International Mobility Program, and the Intra-Company Transferee Program, are free from the LMIA requirement.

It is important to remember that fulfilling these qualifying conditions does not assure the issuance of a work permit. The student must still satisfy all other prerequisites for a work permit, such as admissibility requirements and support themselves financially.

How to Apply for a Work Permit from a Study Permit?

It is significant to note that the application procedure may change based on the kind of work permit being requested and the student’s specific circumstances. Below are the specifics on how to apply for a work permit in Canada using a study permit:

Gather Documents

The student must gather all the documents when applying for a work permit. They must have all necessary papers, such as their passport, study permission, job offer letter, LMIA exemption paperwork, and others, with them.

Submit Application

There is a work permit application on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The student must fill out and apply online. Besides, the application must contain all necessary data and files.

Biometrics

Biometrics are the biological characteristics used to identify individuals. A student must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of the application process.

Moreover, the student may be required to undergo a medical exam. The biometrics charge is $85 per person. Anyone applying with families pays a maximum fee of $170.

Fees payment

Once the student applies, they must pay the fees. The process fees depend on the type of work permit and processing time.

The fees for work permits are as follows:

• Global talent Work Permit: $155
• International Mobility Program Work Permit: $155
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: $255
• Employer-specific Work Permit: $355

Processing time 

The student must wait for the application to be processed after submitting it and paying the costs. The type of work permit and processing time will determine how long it takes to process the application.

• Global talent Work Permit: 2 weeks
• International Mobility Program Work Permit: 2 weeks
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: 15 to 27 weeks
• Employer-specific Work Permit: 11 to 28 weeks

Receive Decision

The student will receive the outcome of their work permit application once the application has been processed. The student will be given a letter of introduction if the work visa is accepted, which they must show a border services officer when they land in Canada.

Conclusion

In conclusion, international students can convert their study permit into a work permit to work in Canada after their education. Although the procedure may be difficult, it is a great chance for people who want to work and move on to a permanent residency in Canada.

Students may make the most of their time in Canada and develop a prosperous career in their field of study. With the right preparation and careful planning, one can change the study permit to a work permit in Canada.

FAQs

Can I convert my study permit to a work permit in Canada?

If you are qualified and have received approval for a study permit, you may apply for a PGWP outside Canada. You do not need to have a current study permit at any time when studying online from outside of Canada. After graduating, you have up to 180 days to apply for a PGWP.

Which is better, a work permit or a study permit in Canada?

Part-time employment (less than 20 hours per week) is permitted for international students with study permits. You must apply for a work permit to work full-time or be part of a work placement as a student.

How much GPA is required for a work permit in Canada?

No, your GPA is not important to PGWP. You may apply for a PGWP if you have completed at least eight months of full-time study and hold an accredited degree from an Ontario university. Your GPA will not impact your application in any manner.

Can you work for 40 hours with a study permit in Canada?

You can work 20 hours a week at maximum. You violate the terms of your study permit if you work more than 20 hours per week. If you do this, you risk losing your student status, and your study or work visa can be denied. You could even need to leave the country.

Which province is easy to get PR in Canada?

Overall, Saskatchewan is a great option for international students settling permanently in Canada. The province provides several advantages and initiatives that make it a desirable option for anyone wishing to live and work in the nation.