As an international student in Canada, your journey after finishing your studies will depend on several factors, such as your immigration status, your employment prospects, and your personal goals.
However, before looking ahead we must acknowledge the challenges international students face ranging from Cultural Differences, Financial Barriers, Homesickness, Academic Pressure, immigration rules…. the list just goes on. At the core of all struggles international students wants to complete their education successfully and fulfill their purpose of coming to Canada. When you have a status with a set expiry date, time is of utmost essence as temporary residents in Canada, such as international students, visitors, and workers, are granted a specific duration of authorized stay in Canada based on their visa or permit. They must leave Canada or apply to extend their stay before their visa or permit expires. The question of processing time for any application is always an ongoing concern. Let’s look at some factors that could speed up the process of receiving work permit’s for international students-
Documentation – One of the key metrics of having your immigration application processed quicker is submitting your application, for this situation let’s focus on Post graduate work Permit, with all the required and important documents. We have often come across students with study permit expiry date overlapping with the end date of their program. In such situations international students have a small timeline to apply for their work permit before their study permit expires. This way their prior conditions continue to apply until a decision on their post graduate work permit is made and helps them costing their implied status in Canada. To do so the international students require all required documents and correctly completed application kit including transcripts, copy of their current status and proof of program completion.
Applying for work permit at Border – Applying for your Post graduate Work Permit at the border is an effective way to expedite your application process. You choose to apply at the border such as at the airport when flying into Canada or at the border crossing when travelling by land. In such scenarios the application will be processed by a Border Services agent and the permit will be issued on the spot. However, it is evaluating the risks associated with applying at the border. A lot would depend on your country of origin and the expiry date of your study permit. For non-employer specific work permits the officers will look into your eligibility requirements, passport and proof of medicals for your application. You can also include your spouse in your application.
Academic Performance – If you have completed a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a Canadian designated learning institution, you may be eligible for a PGWP. This permit allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after completing your studies, depending on the length of your program. Though your academic performance does not directly impact your eligibility for your work permit, however they may have an impact. The procedure of Academic Performance evaluation varies across educational instates. Some of the common factors that could impact your program completion is your Cumulative Grade Point Average score, inactive studies, retaking courses and discontinuing your program. All these factors add up to impact the timeline of you getting your work permit.
If you wish to stay in Canada permanently, you can apply for permanent residency through several immigration programs, such as the Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program, or the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. You may need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as work experience, language proficiency, and education level.
If you want to continue your education, you can also apply for a higher-level program in Canada or another country. You can also explore online courses or certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge. All your applications and eligibility are connected and intertwined. So, completing each step with guidance is vital to your Canadian immigration success. Regardless of the path you choose, it’s essential to take informed decision or seek competent professional support. This can help you build a strong professional profile, expand your opportunities, and achieve your personal and career goals.