Canada Study and Work Visa Requirements | Generated by AI
To study or work in Canada, you typically need the following types of visas or permits:
1. Study in Canada
- Study Permit: Required for most international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Eligibility: Acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of sufficient funds, no criminal record, and sometimes a medical exam.
- Duration: Valid for the length of your study program + 90 days.
- Work while studying: Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions, full-time during breaks).
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After graduation, you may qualify for a PGWP to work in Canada.
2. Work in Canada
- Work Permit: Required for most foreign nationals to work in Canada.
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: Tied to a specific employer and job.
- Open Work Permit: Allows you to work for any employer in Canada (e.g., for spouses of skilled workers/students, international graduates, or under specific programs like International Experience Canada (IEC)).
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): For employers to hire foreign workers to fill labor shortages.
- International Mobility Program (IMP): For work permits that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Express Entry: For skilled workers who want to immigrate permanently. Includes programs like:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Provinces nominate individuals for permanent residency based on local labor needs.
3. Study + Work Pathway
- Many students use the Study Permit → PGWP → Permanent Residency (PR) pathway to transition from studying to working and eventually settling in Canada.
Key Requirements for Both
- Language Proficiency: English (IELTS/CELPIP) or French (TEF/DELF).
- Proof of Funds: To support yourself (and dependents) during your stay.
- Medical Exam: Sometimes required.
- Police Certificate: To prove no criminal record.