Those students who complete a post secondary education in Canada are eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit. This is an Open Work Permit which allows them to work in any job, without restrictions. A Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA and a Confirmation of job offer are not required to apply.

Once studies have been accomplished in an eligible program at an eligible Canadian Post Secondary Institution, international graduates can apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit allowing them to work in Canada. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit, international students must:

• Have studied full time for the 8 months preceding the completion of their program and must have graduated from one of the following; 
  • A public post secondary educational institution such as a University or College
  • A private post secondary educational institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and receives at least half of its funding for operations from government grants
  • A Canadian private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees
• Apply for a Work Permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation from their academic institution that hey have met the requirements of their program.
• Have completed and passed the program of study and received written notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma or certificate. 
• Have a valid Study Permit when they are applying for their Work Permit

If a graduate does not apply within 90 days or falls out of status by allowing their study permit to expire, they will not be eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit. If your Study Permit will expire before you graduate it is very important that you apply for an extension before this time. 

Important Information on The Post Graduate Work Permit 

• The program of study must be a minimum of 2 years in order for the graduate to obtain the three year work permit, however if the program was less than 2 years but longer than 8 months the graduate can still apply and obtain a Work Permit for the same duration as the program of study. In cases where a student has received a 1 year degree or diploma from an accredited educational institution within 2 years of having successfully completed a previous accredited Canadian Post Secondary degree or diploma, he or she may qualify for a 3 year Open Work Permit. 
• A student must have been studying full time in the 8 months preceding the date of application for an Open Work Permit, an exception is made in the case where a student fulfills all the requirements except full time study in the last session of their program.