Students > International students > Working in Canada > Applying for a post-graduation work permit

Applying for a post-graduation work permit

As an international student, you may apply for a work permit after you finish your studies. This process is simple and straightforward. Here are the things to keep in mind.

Are you eligible?

To receive a post-graduation work permit, you must have been studying full-time in Canada on a continuous basis.

How to qualify

Exemptions

Working while you wait

Even before you apply for a permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week.
Once you’ve applied online for a work permit, you will be allowed to work full-time, on the condition that you hold a valid study permit..
If your study permit has expired and you have not yet received your work permit, as long as you live in Canada, you will be living with what’s called implied status. That means you can continue to work in Canada until a decision is made. Find out more about what happens if you leave Canada.

Before applying for your permit

It’s not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended that you have a valid study permit when you apply for a work permit.
Request a proof of graduation letter and your final transcript. Both are needed for your post-graduation work permit application. Contact Zone Info if you haven’t yet received them and your permit is about to expire.
Work permit eligibility may extend to your partner or spouse. Find out what steps to take.

Do you need to provide your biometrics?

COVID-19 – As of July 15, 2020 and until further notice, Immigration Canada is exempting applicants who are currently in Canada from the requirement to give their biometrics with their application. Please read the Ministère’s instructions carefully.

Applying

You can apply online from within Canada, from abroad or at the US border.

Find out about processing times

Check processing times by answering questions as indicated below.

Que demandez-vous?

Apply online from within Canada

There is a fee for this service: List of fees

Read the instruction guide

Step 1: Log in or create your MyCIC account by clicking on “Continue to Sign-In Partner” or “Continue to GCKey.”
Forgot your sign-in details? Create a new account by using one of these two ways to sign in.

Step 2: Click on “Apply to come to Canada”.

Step 3: The system will take you through a series of questions.

The form that students complete to request this type of document should look like the one below.

Que souhaiteriez-vous faire au Canada?

You should end up with the below result.

Permis de travail postdiplôme - au Canada

Step 4: At the end of the questionnaire, you will need to upload the required documents. The designated learning institution number for HEC Montréal is O19359011058. You do not have to sign the IMM5710 form.

Applying from outside Canada

To apply

Applying at the US border

While we do not recommend it, you can apply at the US border. Check the operating hours of the border offices.

Bring the following documents:

A valid passport
A valid study permit (If you have one)
A proof of graduation letter and your transcript
Money for the required fees

After you receive your permit

You will be covered by the Quebec Health Insurance Plan for as long as your post-graduation work permit is valid.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or renew the one you already have.
If needed to enter Canada, your temporary resident visa (TRV) can be renewed.
Find out about your tax obligations.

Need help?

Contact Zone Info

Make an appointment for an immigration consultation online

This online summary, dated February 27, 2019, holds no official standing. Changes may occur without notice. Quebec laws and regulations, as well as information emanating from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, take precedence over this document.