Minister of Immigration Updates Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

On April 21st, Canada's Minister of Immigration announced changes to the program which allows certain foreign students to work in Canada following their graduation. The program, which is effective immediately, changes the maximum duration of such work permits from two years to three. It also removes the requirement of a job offer consistent with the field of study by allowing for issuance of open work permits.

Program requirements for international students as follows:

• Must have studied full-time for at least eight months preceding the completion of their program of studies and have graduated from:
• a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, university or CEGEP (in Quebec); or
• a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and that receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify); or
• a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees.
• 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 (notice of graduation).
• 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.

The following foreign students are not eligible for the program:

• Students participating in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or a Government of Canada Awards Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
• Students receiving funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and participating in a distance learning program.
• Students who have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit after any other program of study. However, note that graduates who are already working with a work permit issued under the previous rules are eligible to apply for an extension.