How International Students Can Stay in Canada After Graduation

Canadian graduates can secure a Post-Graduation Work Permit, pursue further studies, and apply for permanent residency to stay in Canada.

Graduating in Canadian universities for overseas student universities marks a major turning point in their lives since it opens doors to residency, professional progression, and permanent ties to a nation renowned for its excellent educational system. This guide covers five essential pathways for staying in Canada after graduation, including securing a post-graduate work Permit, extending a stay with a visitor record, and pursuing further studies.

International graduates often opt for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which permits up to three years of work experience in Canada. Programs lasting two years or more are eligible for a validity term based on their length. Within 180 days, applications must be submitted.

A visitor record can be used as a temporary measure if your transcript or study permit expires before your PGWP decision. It's determined by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada or Canada Border Services Agency officers. Apply at least 30 days before your permit expires.

The International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are Canada's two work visa programs for graduates from other countries. Employers can sponsor specific permits for specific employment offers under TFWP, whereas IMP enables job freedom.

Taking a new course of study can bring you more academic understanding. A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is necessary for pursuing a second undergraduate degree or enrolling in a college course. The cost of living requirement has risen to $20,635 for single students. Students at the graduate level are exempt.

By gaining Canadian work experience through Express Entry programs like the Canadian Experience Class, international students can strengthen their application for permanent residence. Consider working in high-demand fields and using PGWP or other work permits to establish their network and gain expertise in Canada as early as possible.

International graduates can work, live, and move to permanent residency in Canada in a supportive environment that offers a variety of choices based on career aspirations and immigration readiness.