Working after graduation

We are currently updating this page. Please refer to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for up to date procedures.

Description

The post-graduation work permit is valid for the same duration as the last study program that you have completed. It entitles students to work full time after their studies and therefore to change their status by becoming workers.

This application cannot be renewed, even for another diploma. Students can apply by mail or online.

Students will need a Social Insurance Number to work: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml.

Application requirements

Student must have successfully completed a program of study and obtained all final grades. They must obtain an end of study attestation or a final transcript from the Registrar’s Office.
Student must have a valid study permit at the time of application.
Application deadline: 90 days after the end of your program.

How to apply

For all details about this program, consult the CIC website: www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp

Applying online (strongly suggest)

You can apply for your post-graduation work permit online! Follow this link for all the details:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp

Applying by mail

Procedure

Print the checklist (IMM 5583)
Complete the form (IMM5710)
Print your payment receipt ($150)
Photocopy your passport (main pages, Canadian stamp of last entry into Canada and all other stamped pages)
Photocopy your valid student permit
Get a copy of your final transcript or end-of-study attestation from the registrar's office
Mail all the documents to:

Citizenship and Immigration
Canada – Work Permit
CPC – Vegreville
6212-55^th avenue, Unit 555
Vegreville, Alberta
T9C 1X6

PLEASE NOTE: The average processing time to receive your post-graduation permit is 30 days (check the current processing time at the time of your application).

MEDICAL COVERAGE: You can be insured by the RAMQ for the entire duration of your post-graduation work permit. Once you receive your permit, you must go in person to the RAMQ with your passport and the permit. A three-month waiting period may be required between the time when you apply to the RAMQ and the moment when you will actually be insured if you haven’t been insured by the RAMQ in the 45 days prior to the beginning of the post-graduation work permit. Make sure you have medical coverage for the months that you will not be insured by RAMQ.

FAQ

Do I need a job offer to apply for a post-graduation work permit?

No, since April 21, 2008, you don't need to have a job before applying for this work permit. To obtain all the information about these changes, please follow this link. Graduates who already have a work permit as per the old regulations and who are currently working can request an extension of their post-graduation work permit.

How much does the application cost and what are the methods of payment?

The application costs $150. Two (2) methods of payment are available:

Payment in a financial institution or bank using the IMM5401 receipt (available at the International Student Affairs Office)
Credit card payment online

The waiting period is too long for my employer. How can I start working sooner?

Students who have a valid off-campus work permit and who have graduated less than 3 months before may start working full-time for an employer while they wait for their post-graduation work permit.

Should I renew my CAQ before applying for my post-graduation work permit?

No, you don’t need to renew your CAQ in order to apply for your post-graduation work permit.

I am asked to provide a confirmation from HRSDC. What is that?

In this very specific case, students don’t need a confirmation from HRSDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada).

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