Work after your studies

Post-graduation work permit

If you want to work in BC after you graduate from your studies you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit of up to three years in length.

Am I eligible?
To apply for a work permit after your graduation, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have been enrolled in full-time studies in BC;
• You must have successfully completed a program that lasted at least eight months from a public institution such as a college, trade/technical school, university or a degree program at a private institution;
• If you are taking studies that lead to a degree in a private institution, it must be approved and authorized by the province of BC;
• You must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving a transcript or an official letter from your institution indicating that you have met all academic requirements for your program;
• You must have completed and passed your program of study and have received a notification from your institution saying you are eligible to obtain your degree, diploma or certificate; and,
• You must have a valid study permit when you apply for your work permit.

For more information about the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

View the list of designated learning institutions and programs in BC that are eligible for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

How do I apply?

Apply online

1. Determine if you are eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
2. Collect all required documents.
3. Register for, or log into, your MyCIC account.

Paper application

If you can’t apply online, you can complete and mail a paper application.

Become a permanent resident after graduation

If you would like to become a permanent resident of Canada, and intend to work and reside in BC after you study, you may qualify to apply to the international student stream of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).

The BCPNP allows nominees to apply for Permanent Resident status through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the fast-tracked Provincial Nominee stream – which can be faster than applying through many federal immigration streams.

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the BCPNP website.

Express Entry

This IRCC initiative manages applications for permanent residence in Canada under specific federal economic immigration programs. Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool for a portion of their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in order to meet local labour market needs.

International student graduates may apply under Express Entry if they meet the requirements.

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the IRCC website.

How do I apply?

1. Determine if you are eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry.
2. Fill out an Express Entry profile online for entry into a pool of candidates.
3. Await an invitation to apply for permanent residence from IRCC.