Completing a certification from a Canadian designated learning institution is a fantastic option for people who want to work and settle in Canada. You may want to work in Canada at some point during your studies. The procedure of How to Convert a Study Visa into a Work Visa? will differ depending on where you are in your program.
Work while studying
If you are presently enrolled in full-time studies at a Canadian educational institution, you may be qualified to work part-time or even full-time, in some cases.
Holders of a study permit may work up to 20 hours per week or full-time during a scheduled break. To work part-time as a Canadian study visa holder, you do not need to apply for a separate work permit. However, the fact that you are authorized to work in Canada must be indicated on your study permit. In case you are eligible to work, but your study visa does not state that you are permitted to work or accept employment in Canada, you can apply to have your permit amended.
As part of their programs of study, certain educational programs in Canada require students to complete a co-op or internship work placement. You may be competent to work full-time for part of your studies if you meet the necessities for a co-op or intern work permit.
Changing to a work permit after completing your studies
You may be capable of applying for a post-graduation work permit after completing a credential at a designated learning institution (DLI). International scholars who graduate from a DLI are granted post-graduation work permits that are valid for up to three years.
A post-graduation work permit has the advantage of not being tied to any specific employer, occupation, or location. This is also referred to as an open work permit. You can work in any role, anywhere in Canada, with an open work permit.
You have 180 days from the fulfillment of your studies to apply for an open work permit. A candidate for a post-graduate work permit can be made from anywhere in the world or from within Canada.
Changing to a work permit before completing your studies
With few exceptions, obtaining a work permit in Canada will require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if you decide to stop studying in Canada before completing your credential. This entails locating a legitimate Canadian job offer from an employer willing to support your work permit application by obtaining an LMIA.
An LMIA demonstrates that the Canadian employer was unable to fill the position with a permanent resident or citizen. Individuals with closed work permits have less mobility than those with open work permits. A closed LMIA work permit, as opposed to an open post-graduate work permit, is tied to a specific employer, role, and location.
It is essential to note that once you stop studying, your study permit will no longer be considered valid. As a result, you must inform Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your studies are coming to an end. In case you do not have legal status in Canada, you must leave the country while your work permit application is being processed.
