Is It Possible to Convert a Canadian Student Visa to a Work Permit?
For Canadian students looking to work and settle in Canada, earning a credential from a designated learning institution is an ideal option. That said, converting your study permit to a work permit at some point in your program could also be beneficial. The procedure will differ depending on where you are in your studies, so ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Study and Work Simultaneously
If you are already enrolled in college, you may be able to work while still studying. Part-time work is permitted to foreign students from Canada’s countries with a study visa agreement, so long as they do not need further work authorization. However, it must be specified on your Canadian study permit that you are authorized to work in Canada. If you only need employment authorization, you can apply for an amendment of your permit regardless if it states or does not state that you can work.
Conversion from a Student Visa to a Work Permit
You may be eligible to get a work permit if you graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and are authorized as international. The DLI could approve you for up to three years to work in your field of study.
Post-graduation work permits are allowed if you obtain an open work permit, enabling you to do any job for a Canadian employer. It will not be tied to any specific occupation or location.
Changing to a Work Permit before Graduating
If you want to work in Canada but do not have a credential or are waiting for your work permit to be cleared, you will need to secure an LMIA through a particular application. Employers must apply and attest to supporting the process of obtaining a work permit, and few exceptions exist.
If you did not leave Canada with a valid status or obtain a study permit while studying, you’d need to ensure that your legal status doesn’t make your work permit application fail. If you are in Canada without a permanent resident card, you must leave the country until your work permit application has been processed under strict health and safety protocols.
