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6 Student to Work Canada Visa Options You Should Try

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Canada is a popular destination for international students, thanks to its high-quality education system, affordable tuition, and welcoming environment. International students who want to work in Canada before or after graduation have several visa options available to them. In this article, we will discuss six of the most popular student to work Canada visa options.

We will start by discussing the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is the most common visa option for international students who want to work in Canada after graduation. We will then discuss the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is a pathway to permanent residency for international students who have worked in Canada for a certain number of years. We will also discuss the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which allows international students to work in Canada for up to two years.

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In addition to the PGWP, CEC, and IEC programs, there are several other visa options available to international students who want to work in Canada after graduation. We will discuss these other options in more detail later in the article.

Whether you are just starting your studies in Canada or you are about to graduate, this article will provide you with valuable information about the different student to work Canada visa options available to you. By understanding your options, you can make an informed decision about the best way to stay in Canada and build your career before and after graduation.

Table of Contents

6 Student to Work Canada Visa Options

1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit that allows international students to work in Canada after they graduate from a Canadian post-secondary institution. Students can first move to Canada on a study permit and then apply for the PGWP.

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Did you know that you can qualify for permanent residency in Canada if you complete at least one year of study after high school at a Canadian school? This is possible through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.

3. International Experience Canada (IEC)

The IEC program is a temporary work visa program for young people aged 18 to 35 from participating countries.
The IEC program has three streams:

  • Working Holiday: This stream allows you to work in Canada for up to two years.
  • Young Professionals: This stream allows you to work in Canada for up to three years.
  • International Co-op: This stream allows you to work in Canada as part of a co-op or internship program.

To be eligible for the IEC program, you must:

  • Be a citizen of a participating country
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 35
  • Have a valid passport
  • Have no criminal record
  • Meet the language requirements for the stream you are applying for

4. Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that aims to fast-track the study permit application process for eligible international students.

Students who are accepted to a participating Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet the SDS eligibility requirements may be able to receive their study permit within 20 calendar days.

5. Global Talent Stream (GTS)

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a great option for international students from India who were not able to obtain an H-1B visa. The GTS is a part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill positions that they cannot find Canadian or permanent resident workers to fill. The GTS is designed to fast-track the application process for foreign workers in high-demand occupations. This makes it easier for international students from India to find work in Canada after graduation.

6. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the most popular visa options for international students who want to work in Canada after graduation. The FSWP is a points-based system that evaluates applicants on a variety of factors, including their education, work experience, language skills, and age. Applicants who score enough points are invited to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

What you need to study in Canada

To study in Canada, you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • Acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is a school that is authorized to accept international students. You can find a list of DLIs on the Government of Canada website.
  • Proof of funds. You must show that you have enough money to cover your tuition, living expenses, and return transportation. The amount of money you need will vary depending on the length of your studies and your personal circumstances.
  • Criminal record check. You must provide a police certificate from your home country that shows you have no criminal record.
  • Medical exam. You must undergo a medical exam to ensure that you are healthy enough to study in Canada.
  • English language proficiency test. You must prove that you have a good command of English. The minimum required score for most programs is 6.5 on the IELTS test.
  • Statement of purpose. You must write a letter that explains why you want to study in Canada and what you hope to achieve by doing so.

Once you have met all of the requirements, you can apply for a study permit. The study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada legally. You can apply for a study permit online or by mail.

The application process for a study permit can take several months, so it is important to start the process early. You can find more information about the study permit application process on the Government of Canada website.

Frequently Asked questions

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The PGWP is a visa that allows international students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution to work in Canada for up to three years. The PGWP is the most common visa option for international students who want to work in Canada after graduation.

How can I apply for a PGWP?

You can apply for a PGWP online or by mail. You will need to provide proof of your graduation, your study permit, and your Canadian work experience. You can find more information about how to apply for a PGWP on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

What are the eligibility requirements for a PGWP?

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must:

  • Have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution
  • Have a valid study permit
  • Have completed at least a two-year program of study
  • Have a minimum CGPA of 6.0 (on a 10-point scale)

What are the benefits of a PGWP?

The PGWP has many benefits, including:

  • It allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience
  • It can help you to qualify for permanent residency in Canada
  • It can give you a competitive edge in the Canadian job market
  • It can help you to network with Canadian employers

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The CEC is a pathway to permanent residency for international students who have worked in Canada for a certain number of years. To be eligible for the CEC, you must:

  • Have a valid work permit
  • Have worked in Canada for at least one year in a skilled occupation
  • Have a minimum language proficiency level
  • Have a settlement plan

What are the benefits of the CEC?

The CEC has many benefits, including:

  • It is a fast-track to permanent residency in Canada
  • It does not require you to have a job offer from a Canadian employer
  • It is a great option for international students who want to stay in Canada permanently

What is the International Experience Canada (IEC) program?

The IEC program is a temporary work visa program for young people aged 18 to 35 from participating countries. The IEC program has three streams:

  • Working Holiday: This stream allows you to work in Canada for up to two years
  • Young Professionals: This stream allows you to work in Canada for up to three years
  • International Co-op: This stream allows you to work in Canada as part of a co-op or internship program

What are the benefits of the IEC program?

The IEC program has many benefits, including:

  • It is a great way to experience Canadian culture and meet new people
  • It can help you to improve your language skills
  • It can give you a competitive edge in the Canadian job market
  • It can lead to permanent residency in Canada