Work after your studies
Studying in British Columbia can be a very exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some students return home after their studies, others stay and look for work here.
Studying in British Columbia can be a very exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some students return home after their studies, others stay and look for work here.
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:
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.
Apply online
Paper application
If you can’t apply online, you can complete and mail a paper application.
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.
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?
Check out potential careers including the main duties, educational requirements, workforce trends, and job prospects.