How to get a job in Canada after graduation?

Posted by Sneha chawla on June 30th, 2022

Canada is undoubtedly one of the most preferred overseas study destinations in the world. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), over 450,000 international students enroll in world-renowned Canadian universities and colleges in the Great White North. 

While Canada is a perfect destination for overseas education – it also is an ideal place for graduates wanting to work and settle in the country. The Canadian government has opened up numerous permanent residency options, as well as, high demand jobs in Canada for international graduates. 

But – 

How to work in Canada after you graduate?

You will need to follow 3 key steps, in order to land a job in Canada after your graduation. 

STEP 1: Understand the Canadian rules & regulations

Just like every other country, Canada brings in mandated rules and regulations for international students wanting to work in Canada during or after their studies. Here are the important ones you should know about:

  • Working during Graduation

For On-campus: You can work on-campus only after your study program or course has started. Your study visa Canada should also mention a condition justifying that you are allowed to work on or off-campus. If it doesn’t say so, you can ask for this change to be made – free of cost. You won’t require a work permit to work on-campus if you are a full-time post-secondary student, have a valid study permit, and/or have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). 

For Off-campus: You can work off-campus only after your study program or course has started. Your study visa Canada should also mention a condition justifying that you are allowed to work on or off-campus. You won’t require a work permit to work off-campus if you are a full-time student at a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI), if you are enrolled in a post-secondary study program or course, your study program or course lasts a minimum of 6 months, you have a valid study permit, and/or have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). 

  • For Working after Graduation

You may be allowed to work in Canada after graduation. There are two ways through which this is possible: You can either apply for a work permit or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before your study visa Canada expires or you enroll in a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI). The processing time for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is around 2 months, and depending on your study program or course – your PGWP can be valid for anywhere between 9 months and 3 years. 

STEP 2: Decide where you want to work in Canada

Once you’ve met the Express Entry Canada requirements and other work permit prerequisites – it is time for you to decide where you want to work. For instance, if you want to work on-campus during your studies – your options are limited. You might be able to land a job at a library, hospital, research facility, assistance, and such jobs. 

Working off-campus opens a plethora of job opportunities. You might even land a job in one of the high demand jobs in Canada. The Canadian government is a top student employer and offers attractive high-paying job options to local and international students. Some of the key ones include:

  • Federal Student Work Experience Program

  • Research Affiliate Program

STEP 3: Visit job websites and start applying

This step can be a bit tiresome, time-consuming, or even boring. But going through job listings is essential. Here are a few examples of the best resources available to land a job in Canada:

  • Job Bank

  • Job Bank for Youth

  • Talent Egg

  • Charity Village

  • Good Work

You can also visit local job fairs or directly call the employer to see if there are any vacancies that match your academic experience. 

How to increase your chances of getting a job in Canada?

Here are some result-oriented tips you can follow:

  • Get involved in student organizations and associations. 

  • Join internships, seminars, competitions, or workshops related to your academic background. 

  • Volunteer in programs and activities. 

  • Start networking and interacting with like-minded people. 

  • Keep an open mind. 

Working in Canada

Regardless of the type of off-campus, on-campus, or high demand jobs in Canada you plan on working in – meeting the and other work permit prerequisites is the key. 

Canada offers great employment prospects to local and international graduates wanting to work in Canada. With its quick processing time and minimum eligibility requirements, Canada is the place to be. 

Like it? Share it!


Sneha chawla

About the Author

Sneha chawla
Joined: June 27th, 2022
Articles Posted: 20

More by this author