EMPLOYMENT AND IMMIGRATION IN CANADA
Thứ Ba - 02/12/2025
For international students in Canada, it is possible to work part-time during studies and remain in Canada to work and apply for permanent residency after graduating from a college or university program.
Please refer to the useful information below and contact us for timely consultation and support.
EMPLOYMENT
While studying, students are allowed to:
- Work up to 24 hours per week while studying, and
- Work full-time during scheduled breaks (see details)
After graduation, students may stay and work full-time under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- Programs of 8 months to less than 2 years: Graduates may receive a PGWP for the same length as their study program.
- Programs of 2 years or longer: Graduates may receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years.
- Eligible master’s programs: Graduates may receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years, even if the program is less than 2 years.
In-demand fields of employment:
Canada currently focuses on workers in Healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), Skilled Trades, Transport, and Agriculture & Agri-food. French-speaking candidates are also prioritized.
- Express Entry – Category-Based Selection: Lists the priority occupation categories chosen by IRCC for targeted invitation rounds: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html
- National Occupational Classification (NOC): Look up your occupation code, job description, and TEER category to check if your field is in-demand: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html
IMMIGRATION (PERMANENT RESIDENCY)
Graduates of eligible professional programs may apply for permanent residency if they meet the required criteria.
- Priority immigration occupations – 2025: http://www.immigration.ca/fast-track-high-demand-occupations/
- Additional list of 50 skilled occupations: http://www.nissaimmigration.com/skilled.htm
PROVINCIAL IMMIGRATION PATHWAYS (PNP)
Below is an overview of selected provincial programs for international graduates:
1. British Columbia (BC)
International students may become a Canadian Permanent Resident under one of the following categories:
a. Post-Graduate / Master’s / PhD graduates (no job offer required):
- Program length of at least 2 years;
- Field of study in Natural, Applied, or Health Sciences, such as: Agriculture, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, High Technology, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Resource Conservation & Research, Physics;
- Intention to live and work long-term in British Columbia.
b. Graduates with job offers:
- Possess a degree, diploma, or certificate;
- Program length: at least 8 months;
- Have a full-time job in British Columbia;
- Intend to reside in any province except Québec.
2. Ontario
International students may apply for PR under one of the following programs:
a. International Students (General Stream):
- Hold a full-time job offer;
- Completed at least 50% of their program;
- Studied at a public college or university;
- Pursued a 2-year program or a postgraduate program.
b. Pilot program for students in Aviation (“Pilot Pathway”):
- Studied in Aviation / Pilot Training;
- Intend to live and work in Ontario;
- Hold a Master’s degree from a public university in Ontario;
- Apply within 2 years of graduation;
- Show proof of sufficient financial resources for self/dependents;
- Meet English/French language requirements;
- No future study plan required;
- Clean legal record.
c. Master’s Graduate Stream:
- Graduated from a public university in Canada;
- Apply within 2 years of graduation;
- No legal violations.
3. Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) is relatively straightforward and does not operate on a points-based system. Applicants only need to meet the following criteria:
- Age 21-55 and seeking employment in Nova Scotia;
- Hold a full-time job (30 hours/week);
- Ideally in NOC 0, A, B occupations; if NOC C, must have worked 6+ months for a designated employer;
- Have 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience—can be earned in any country;
- Meet English language requirement: IELTS 6.0+;
- Hold a post-secondary degree (preferably from Nova Scotia, but equivalent institutions are acceptable);
- Demonstrate a clear intention to settle in Nova Scotia (evidenced through study and work history in the province).
Nova Scotia Express Entry Pilot (started January 2015):
- Job must fall under the occupations included in the province’s targeted list (mainly economic and engineering sectors);
- Operates under a provincial points-assessment method;
- For students with paid co-op / internship programs, such as at Cape Breton University (CBU): A 12-month internship counts as 1,560 hours of work experience. Students then need only 6 additional months of NOC C employment to qualify for PR.
The above information is accurate at the time of publication. Please contact us for the most up-to-date immigration and employment regulations.
Duc Anh EduConnect
Hotline: 09887 09698, 09630 49860
Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn
Website: ducanhduhoc.vn/



