Student Visas in Canada

Getting a student visa to obtain a post-secondary degree in Canada can serve as an effective first step towards Canadian permanent residency. We work with international students throughout the immigration process, and have particular expertise assisting with overcoming visa rejections, judicial reviews, and most importantly mapping out paths to permanent residency.

What Are The Benefits Of Studying In Canada?

Can International Students Work In Canada?

Studying in Canada offers enhanced pathways towards Canadian permanent residence as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which governs point allocation under the Express Entry scoring system, favours applicants who are under 30 years old with a Canadian degree and work experience.

International students may pursue permanent residency through programs such as:

International students can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while in school, and on a full-time basis during school breaks. After successfully completing their program of studies, students can apply for a post-graduation work permit, which lets them legally work in Canada for three years.

Working In Canada After Graduation under a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

International students who complete their studies are eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) which allows them to stay and work up to three years in Canada.

This permit allows students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian DLI to obtain an open work permit to gain Canadian work experience. The advantage of a PGWP is it allows the student to stay and work without requiring a valid job offer and- applicants can work for any Canadian employer in any industry. The work permit can later be used to secure a job offer, and if necessary, obtain an Labour Market Impact Assessment with your employer, strengthening their position towards permanent residency.

In order to be eligible, international students must have these requirements.

The student’s spouse or common-law partner qualifies for an open work permit which is valid for the same duration as the PGWP. A post-graduate work permit cannot be renewed. In some cases we have helped students transition to visitor status prior to the expiration of the work permit while they awaited the receipt of an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Can International Students Bring Their Spouse Or Partner To Canada?

International students who enter Canada on a student visa can be accompanied by their spouse or common law partner, who are eligible to obtain a dependent study permit or an open work permit that is valid for the duration of the main applicant’s studies. International students may also be accompanied by minor children, who are also able to apply for a study permit and attend school.