Work permits for students: Working after graduation - How to apply
If you want to work after completing your studies in Canada, you must apply for a post-graduation work permit, if you meet all of the eligibility requirements.
Did you know that you can now apply online for your post-graduation work permit?
If you prefer to continue with the paper forms, there are five steps to apply for the post-graduation work permit:
- Obtain an application kit.
- Read the guide.
- Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
- Mail the application form and documents.
1. Obtain an application kit.
The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.
2. Read the guide.
Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, So make sure you are eligible for the post-graduation work permit before you apply.
Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep the working copy for your records.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
The application form contains instructions. Read those instructions and provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed. The Document Checklist in the application kit will tell you what documents to include.
Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Answers can be typed or handwritten (print clearly in black ink). Incomplete applications will not be processed, but will be returned to you.
Note: You must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation that you have met the requirements of your academic program (such as a degree, diploma, transcript, or official letter from the institution where you were studying).
If you have a valid off-campus work permit (these are usually issued for the same period as your study permit, for instance, a period of study plus 90 days), you can start the job while waiting for your work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
If you do not have authorization to work off campus while waiting for your post-graduation work permit, you must wait until the permit arrives to begin your new job. It is illegal to work in Canada without a valid work permit.
When you apply for a post-graduation work permit, you do not have to get a labour market opinion from Service Canada.
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
The application processing fee is payable in Canadian funds only.
Payment of fees on the Internet is the preferred method of payment.
To pay your fees on the internet, you must:
- Have a PDF Reader.
- Have a printer.
- Have a valid email address.
- Have a Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express® credit card.
- Print the “receipt of payment” page and include it with your application.
- Pay your fees on the Internet when you are ready.
To pay your fees at a financial institution in Canada, you must:
- Obtain an original payment receipt form (IMM 5401). Order it online or contact the Call Centre.
- Fill the receipt form and bring it with you when you go to pay your fees.
- Include the completed payment receipt form (IMM 5401) with your application.
For more detailed instructions, read the “Pay the fees” section of the application guide.
5. Mail the application form and documents.
The application kit contains the mailing address where you must send your application.
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