Canada Stay Back Options After Graduation: Insights For Students & Graduates

Dreaming of studying in Canada and staying to work? Discover how to stay in Canada after graduation. Evaluate all rules about how to stay in Canada after your student visa expires and navigate Canadian visitor records. This article explores Canada stay back options, securing a work permit, and building a career in this vibrant country. From Montreal's arts scene to Vancouver's natural beauty, find out how to transition from student to professional in Canada. Join us as we unravel how to stay in Canada after graduation.

How To Stay in Canada After Graduation?

International students can stay in Canada after graduation to explore various employment opportunities. There are various ways to stay in Canada post graduation:

1. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) allows you to stay in Canada after graduation with a work permit for up to 3 years, depending on your course duration.
2. If you want to continue your studies, you can apply for a visa to study in Canada after post-graduation.

This stay-back period boosts international students' careers significantly. For instance, a 1-year course may make you eligible for a 1-year stay, while a 2-year course allows you to stay in Canada for up to 3 years.

How To Stay in Canada After Bachelors?

International students can stay in Canada after graduation, depending on the course duration.

• PG Diploma courses of 2-3 years and Bachelor's degrees of 4 years allow you to stay back in Canada for up to 3 years.
• Programs over 8 months qualify for a work permit.

To know how to stay in Canada temporarily as a visitor after your student visa expires, it's essential to understand Canadian visitor records. This information ensures a smooth transition from student to professional life.

How To Stay in Canada After Masters?

Many international students choose Canada for post-graduation studies each year. There is a stay-back option in Canada after master’s. Most master's programs in Canada are 1-2 years.

• A 1-year program allows for a 1-year stay in Canada.
• A 2-year master's grants a 3-year stay.

Many students apply for a work permit after an MBA in Canada due to abundant job opportunities. Stay-back periods in Canada after graduation depend on the program duration.

How to Stay in Canada After Your Student Visa Expires?

You are permitted to remain in Canada as a temporary resident if your student visa expires until Canada's IRCC processes your new permit application. However, it's crucial to ensure that you have applied for the new permit before the expiration of your original one.

Alternatively, to stay in Canada after your student visa expires, if you wish to remain temporarily as a visitor following the completion of your studies, you must apply for a visitor record. This application can be submitted either online or by paper from within Canada to adjust your immigration status to that of a visitor.

Here is a step-by-step guide to obtain your Canada PR with ease. Read and Understand the blog for a smooth transition to Canada!

What is a Canadian Visitor Record and How to Get One?

A Canadian visitor record is a document that extends your stay in Canada beyond the initial visa expiry date. For students whose visas have expired, it allows them to legally remain in Canada while they renew their study permits or prepare to return home.

Understanding how to stay in Canada after a student visa expires and the details of Canadian visitor records is crucial for maintaining legal status. A temporary resident should apply at least 30 days before their status expires by submitting an application to IRCC with the appropriate fee to obtain a Canadian visitor record. The table below shows the fees for Canadian Visitor Records:

Fees For Canadian Visitor Records

If temporary resident status is lost, a restoration application can be made within 90 days. Eligible applicants will receive a visitor record, detailing restoration conditions and the length of stay, typically extending for 6 months.

International Student Work Permit After Graduation in Canada

A post-study work permit is one of the best facilities provided by the Canadian government to international students, offering immense opportunities to gain work experience and apply for permanent residence if you choose to stay in Canada after graduation. The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada is highly beneficial for career development.

International students with a valid study visa can work full-time after completing their studies while applying for temporary citizenship. This allows them to live, study, and work anywhere in Canada, along with receiving social benefits.

If you've completed your studies at a recognized institution, apply for a PGWP to stay and work in Canada. International students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and start full-time work (30+ hours per week) after their final semester, provided their study permit is still valid.

Know the Top 15 Reasons Why Students Choose Canada For Study!

Eligibility Criteria For Application of Post-Study Work Permit in Canada

To stay in Canada after graduation and gain valuable work experience, international students must meet specific eligibility criteria for a post-study work permit. Here's what you need to know:

1. Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Study Duration: You must have studied in Canada for at least the last 8 months without a break.
3. Program Completion: You must have completed a full-time degree program from a reputed Canadian institute.
4. Authorization Letter: You need an authorization letter or document from your institute confirming the successful completion of your degree program. This is one of the most crucial requirements for a post-graduate work permit in Canada.
5. Application Timing: Apply for the work permit within 3 months of completing your study program.
6. Valid Study Visa: Ensure you have a valid study visa when applying for a work permit in Canada after graduation.

Understanding these requirements is essential for a seamless transition from student life to a professional career in Canada.

Documents Required To Apply For PGWP Program in Canada

To stay in Canada after graduation, applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is essential. Knowing how to stay in Canada after graduation involves understanding the documentation needed for this process.

Here are the key documents you need to apply for the PGWP program:

• A Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
• Passport-sized Photos: Provide 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself and any accompanying family members.
• Proof of Job Requirements: Documentation proving you meet the job requirements for your intended employment in Canada.
• Proof of Relationships: Evidence of your relationships with spouses, children, or common-law partners, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409): A completed form if you are in a common-law relationship.
• Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295): Required if you are applying for the work permit from outside Canada.
• Document Checklist (IMM 5488): A checklist to ensure you have all necessary documents for your application.
• Application for Temporary Resident Visa: Complete this form if a visa is required for your stay.
• Family Information (IMM 5645): A form providing details about your family members.
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476): If you are using an immigration representative, this form must be completed.

Here is the full information provided for List of Documents Required For Canada PR, Keep a check of these documents before you make a move to Canada.

Work Permit Rules for Canada Stay Back After Study

Understanding the rules and regulations is crucial before deciding on your stay back in Canada after graduation. Here's a rough overview to help you get started:

1. If you complete a 2-year course from a reputed Canadian institute and have 1 year of work experience in any skilled position, you are eligible to apply for PR under the Canadian Experience Class system.
2. Additionally, you might be eligible for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program.
3. A point system, introduced in November 2016, awards 15 points to international students who complete a full-time 1-2 year degree program after secondary education.
4. Completing a full-time Master’s program, enrolling in a doctoral fellowship, or completing a 3-year post-secondary course grants you 30 points.

Processing Times For PGWP in Canada

Understanding the processing time for a PGWP in Canada is vital for international graduates planning their professional journey. According to the Canadian government, the estimated processing time is between 83 to 90 days.

However, this can vary based on factors like application completeness, individual circumstances, and additional documentation requirements. Knowing these details helps in planning how to stay in Canada after graduation and ensuring a smooth transition to your professional career.

Want to Get Your Canada PR? Increase your chances of getting it by following this guide.

Summary of Durations For Canada Stay Back Options

Understanding how to stay in Canada after graduation is crucial for international students planning their future. Knowing the stay-back durations based on your course can help in planning your career.

The table below provides details of different courses and the corresponding stay-back periods, helping you navigate your options to stay in Canada after your student visa expires.

Ensure a Smooth Process To Obtaining Canada PR With GetGIS

To ensure a smooth process for obtaining Canada PR, consider utilizing GetGIS. Their expert guidance can help you navigate the intricacies of applying for a post-graduate work permit. Understanding how to stay in Canada after graduation and ensuring your application is complete and accurate can significantly impact the processing time.

GetGIS offers personalized support to manage your documentation and individual circumstances, helping you transition seamlessly from a student visa to permanent residency in Canada.

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