Study Permit Changed to a Work Permit in Canada

Obtaining a diploma from a Canadian-designated institution is an excellent option for individuals planning to work and settle in Canada eventually. At some point, while studying, you may want to start working in Canada. Converting a study permit to a work permit depends on where you are in the program. 

Work during the course 

Research students at Canadian institutions may be eligible for part-time or full-time employment. Research permit holders can work up to 20 hours a week or full-time during scheduled breaks. You do not need to apply for a separate work permit to work part-time as a Canadian student permit holder. However,  your study permit must clearly state that you are permitted to work in Canada. If you can work, but your research permit does not state that you can work in Canada or accept employment, you can request a change in your permit. 

Specific Canadian educational programs require students to complete an internship or internship as part of their degree program. If you meet the requirements for a co-operative or intern’s work permit, you may be able to work full-time as part of your research.  

Transition to  work permit after graduation 

You may be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit after obtaining a qualification from a particular educational institution (DLI). International students can receive a graduate work permit after completing the DLI for up to three years. The advantage of a post graduate work permit is that you are not tied to a particular employer, profession, or location. This is known as an open work permit. With the Open Work Permit, you can work anywhere in Canada in any position.  

You must apply for an open work permit within 180 days of meeting your research requirements. You can apply for a graduate work permit abroad or from within Canada. 

Move to work permit before graduation. 

If you decide to stop studying in Canada before graduating, you will need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to obtain a work permit in Canada, with a  few exceptions. This means finding a valid Canadian job with an employer willing to support your work permit application by securing an LMIA.

LMIA indicates that  Canadian employers were unable to find permanent residents or citizens. People with a closed work permit are less mobile than those with an open work permit. The LMIA closes work permits associated with specific employers, jobs, or locations.

Please note that your study permit will be invalid after you finish studying. Therefore, you must notify Immigrants, Refugees, and Canadian Citizenship  (IRCC) that you have completed your study. While awaiting your work permit application, you will need to leave Canada if you don’t have status.