Stay in Canada after graduation
After you graduate from your program of studies, you may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada.
Work in Canada temporarily after you graduate
To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit.For for Canada Post-graduation work permit the work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence.
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for this work permit.
Other types of work permits
If you’re not eligible for a PGWP, you may still be able to work in Canada after you graduate.
Find your path to permanent residence
You’ve studied in Canada and maybe you even have Canadian work experience. Now, you’d like to live here permanently. We have options for you to become a permanent resident!
The Come to Canada tool can help you explore your options. You can also use the cheat sheet below to compare programs. Visit the program’s eligibility page to get all the details.
Before you compare programs, here are two key terms you need to know:
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
The Canadian standard used to describe, measure and recognize English language ability of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants who plan to live and work in Canada, or apply for citizenship. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) is used to assess abilities in the French language.
National Occupation Code (NOC)
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a list of all the occupations in the Canadian labor market. It describes each job according to skill type and skill level. For immigration purposes, these are the main job groups:
- Skill Type 0 (zero): management jobs
- Skill Level A: professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university
- Skill Level B: technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice
- Skill Level C: intermediate jobs that usually call for high school and/or job-specific training
- Skill Level D: labour jobs that usually give on-the-job training
| Eligibility criteria | Canadian Experience ClassFootnote* | Federal Skilled Workers ProgramFootnote* | Federal Skilled TradesFootnote* | Provincial Nominee Program | Atlantic Immigration Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language skills | You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 7 if your NOC is 0 or A CLB 5 if your NOC is B) |
You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 7) |
You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 5 for speaking and listening CLB 4 for reading and writing) |
You have strong English or French skills
Levels vary by province |
You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 4) |
| Type of work experience | Canadian experience in one of these NOCs:
|
Experience in NOC
|
Experience in a skilled trade under key groups of NOC B | It depends on the province, but includes NOC 0, A, B, C or D | Not required |
| Amount of work experience | 12 months (either combination of full-time or part-time work) | 1 year continuous (combination of part-time, full-time or more than one job) | 2 years within last 5 years | It depends on the province | Not required |
| Job offer | Not required, but you can get points for having a valid offer | Not required, but you can get points for having a valid offer | Required:
|
It depends on the province | Required. Job offer must:
|
| Education | Not required, but you can get extra points for your Canadian education | Secondary education required. You can get more points for your post-secondary education | Not required, but you can get extra points for your Canadian education | It depends on the province | You must have graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada. Program must have been at least 2 years. |
| Other | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Job offer must be for an employer in Atlantic Canada |
Program is managed through the Express Entry online application system