Switching From Study Visa to Work Visa in Canada

Yes, it is possible to enter Canada on a study visa and later apply for a work permit, but there are certain steps and conditions that need to be met. Here's how the process generally works:

1. Entering Canada on a Study Visa

• When you first enter Canada on a study visa, you are allowed to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and may be permitted to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during your studies and full-time during breaks (depending on your specific study program and visa conditions).

2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• After completing your studies in Canada, if you’ve graduated from a recognized DLI, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows international students to stay and work in Canada for a period of time equivalent to the length of their study program (up to a maximum of 3 years).

• Eligibility for PGWP:

o You must have completed a program of at least 8 months of full-time study.

o Your program must have been at a recognized DLI.

o You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days (6 months) of receiving your final transcript or graduation certificate.

3. Switching from a Study Permit to a Work Permit

• If you are already in Canada on a study visa and want to switch to a work visa before graduation, you generally cannot directly transition from a study permit to a work permit while still studying. However, you may be able to:

o Apply for a work permit after completing your studies through the PGWP route (if you meet eligibility criteria).

o Alternatively, if you find a job related to your field of study before graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit through the employer-specific work permit process. But, in most cases, this would require a job offer from a Canadian employer and may need you to leave the country to apply for a work permit (depending on the situation).

4. Employer-Specific Work Permits

• If you want to work in Canada during your studies (other than through the work rights under your study visa), you would need to apply for an employer-specific work permit. To qualify, you would need:

o A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

o A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (unless the job is exempt from this requirement).

5. Options for Permanent Residency (PR)

• If you work in Canada for a while on a work permit after completing your studies, you may be able to transition to Permanent Residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Having Canadian work experience can significantly improve your chances of qualifying for PR.

Key Points to Remember:

• PGWP is the most common and straightforward way for international students to transition from a study visa to a work permit.

• To apply for a work permit or PGWP, you must have completed your studies (unless applying for certain work permits that don’t require graduation).

• Work while studying is allowed under certain conditions, but it does not automatically lead to a work visa after graduation unless you apply for the proper permits.

If you plan to switch from a study visa to a work visa after you graduate, it's important to keep track of the timelines for applying for a PGWP and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. You may also want to seek guidance from a Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer for specific advice related to your situation.