Update: Foreign Student work initiatives

CIC News
Published: May 1, 2005

Off-Campus Work

Since announcing expansion of the off-campus work program, which allows foreign students to work off-campus while completing their studies at public post-secondary institutions, many individuals have been wondering how the Government will implement the program.

In last month’s announcement, CIC and HRSDC promised to build upon the existing program, which applies to students studying at institutions in provinces that have signed agreements with CIC. These provinces include Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Quebec.

The new program commits the Government to negotiating with each of the provincial authorities so that students across the country in all provinces and territories will be able to work off-campus during their studies.

Post-graduation employment

The new post-graduation work program will give students the opportunity to work for up to two years in Canada after graduation, instead of only one year.

The post-graduation work permit is issued to new grads for employment in their field of study. Interested foreign students should apply within 90 days of confirming that they have met the requirements of their program and while their study permit is still valid.

Graduates can qualify whether or not they completed a degree, a diploma or a certificate program, so long as the graduated from a post-secondary institution authorized by provincial authorities.

The second year of authorized work in Canada is available to students who completed at least two years of full-time study in Canada before graduating. Otherwise, a one-year post-graduation work permit is still possible.

New graduates are eligible for the second year so long as they both found employment and graduated from an institution outside of the metropolitan areas of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Students wishing to undertake post-graduate or off-campus employment still require a work permit. However, they will be able to qualify for one without having to obtain a labour market opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Alberta holds first provincial selection of 2025, New Brunswick provides processing updates
Celebrating 60 years: 10 fascinating facts about Canada’s maple leaf flag
IEC work permit holders see earlier cut-off for bonus CRS points for valid job offers under Express Entry
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Express Entry
IEC work permit holders see earlier cut-off for bonus CRS points for valid job offers under Express Entry
Two young professionals working in a modern looking office
How Canada uses the CRS to select permanent residents
A beautiful winter landscape featuring mountains in the far distance, snowy trees on the left and right, and a frozen river in the centre. The sun is washing over the mountain tops.
February 2025: State of the Express Entry pool
The Canadian flag waving in the wind with snow-speckled mountains in the backdrop.
IRCC issues more CEC invitations in second Express Entry draw of the week
A view of Lake Minnekawa somewhere in the Canadian wilderness.
Link copied to clipboard