The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Honourable Diane Finley
announced changes to work permits for international students who graduate from
eligible programs at certain Canadian post-secondary institutions, making it
easier to attract foreign students to Canada. Effective
April 21, 2008, and for the first
time, these international students would be able to obtain an open work permit
under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, with no restrictions on the
type of employment and no requirement for a job offer. In addition, the
duration of the work permit has been extended to three years across
Canada. Previously, the program only allowed international students to work for
one or two years, depending on location.
The new changes will also help retain skilled workers in Canada. The
increased flexibility offered by the expanded program will benefit graduates and
employers alike as the program will help international students get important
work experience while responding to Canada's labour market needs. Canada will
benefit in the long run as the professional experience gained will help
graduates meet the requirements to stay permanently in Canada. Canadas ability
to retain international graduates with Canadian qualifications, work experience
and familiarity with Canadian society will help increase our
competitiveness and benefit Canada as a whole.
"The Government of Canada wants more foreign students to choose Canada and we
want to help them succeed," said The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration .
"Open and longer work permits provide international students with more
opportunities for Canadian work experience and skills development. This will, in
turn, help make Canada a destination of choice, and help us keep international
students already studying in Canada."
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows most international students
who have graduated from an eligible program at a post-secondary institution to
gain valuable Canadian work experience. A minimum of one year of work experience
in managerial, professional or technical positions is necessary to apply to
stay permanently through the Canadian Experience Class. To be eligible for the
program, international students
- Must have studied full-time for the eight months preceding the completion
of their program of studies and have graduated from:
- Must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written
confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from the
institution that they have met the requirements of the academic program.
- Must have completed and passed the program of study and received a
notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma or
certificate.
- Must have a valid study permit when they apply for the work permit.
