
Permanent Residency:
Family Sponsorship
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Programs
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
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Express Entry
Express Entry system have different eligibility criteria. The programs are: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class. Thus ability to qualify under one of these categories is the first requirement under Express Entry.
The Express Entry involves two steps:
- Complete an online Express Entry profile, be placed in pool of candidates
- Receive invitation to apply for permanent residence from IRCC
Candidates in the pool are raked using a point-based system (CSR).Getting into Express Entry doesn’t guarantee invitation to apply, since applicants have to meet all eligible and admissibility requirements. Upon entering the pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors including education, work experience, language ability, and other criteria. Highest-ranking candidates are regularly selected from draw and invited to apply for permanent residence.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a permanent resident category for individuals who had already established themselves as skilled workers in Canada. CEC program opens the door to Canada for foreign students and foreign workers.
For many international graduates, Canadian Experience Class may be fastest option for achieving Canadian permanent residence. One of the objectives of the CEC is to increase the supply of skilled workers in Canada. Please note that any work experience acquired in Canada without valid work authorization will not be considered.
Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as on a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program. CEC application will take some time to process. If you are currently working in Canada and you have applied for permanent residence under CEC class, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit if your work permit will expire in four months or less. This means you can keep working while IRCC makes a decision on your permanent resident application.
The Canadian Experience Class is a popular immigration pathway designed for skilled individuals who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
Here are the five main steps in the CEC application process:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Determine if you meet all the program’s requirements.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork and supporting evidence.
- Create Your Express Entry Profile: Submit your details to the pool of candidates.
- Receive an Invitation: Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Submit Your Permanent Residence Application: Complete and send in your final application package.
Step 1: Are You Eligible for the Canadian Experience Class?
To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry, you generally need to meet two key requirements:
1. Official Language Requirements
You must take an approved language test (English or French) that assesses your proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Your required score depends on your job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level:
- For NOC 0 (management) or A (professional) jobs: You need at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four language abilities.
- For NOC B (technical/skilled trades) jobs: You need at least a CLB 5 in all four language abilities.
2. Canadian Work Experience Requirements
You must have completed at least 1,560 hours of skilled work experience in Canada within the three yearsbefore you submit your application. This work must have been gained legally while you were living and working in Canada as a temporary resident with proper work authorization.
You can meet the 1,560-hour requirement in a few ways:
- Full-time work: 30 hours per week for 12 months (can be with one or multiple employers).
- Part-time work: For example, 15 hours per week for 2 years (which equals 1,560 hours).
- Multiple jobs: You can combine hours from different jobs to reach the total.
Important Note on Hours: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will only count a maximum of 30 hours per week. So, even if you work 40 hours per week, only 30 of those hours will count towards the 1,560-hour total for that week. This means working 40 hours a week still requires a full year to meet the minimum.
Your work experience must be in a skilled occupation, which falls under one of these National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels:
- NOC 0: Management jobs (e.g., restaurant managers, mine managers).
- NOC A: Professional jobs that typically require a university degree (e.g., doctors, architects, software engineers).
- NOC B: Technical jobs and skilled trades that usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training (e.g., chefs, electricians, plumbers).
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Canadian Experience Class, you’ll only have 60 days to submit your full application. Because of this tight deadline, it’s crucial to have most of your documents ready before you even submit your Express Entry profile to the IRCC pool.
While the exact documents needed can vary based on your specific situation, you’ll likely need some or all of the following:
- Passport: A valid passport is essential.
- Language Test Results: Your scores from an approved English or French language test.
- Educational Credentials: An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign education, or proof of your Canadian education (if applicable).
- Provincial Nomination: If you’ve received one, this is a significant advantage.
- Job Offer: A written job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Proof of Work Experience: Detailed evidence showing you performed all essential duties and most main duties listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) description for your skilled work in Canada.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your family upon arrival (though often waived for CEC applicants already working in Canada).
- Police Certificates: From every country where you’ve lived for a certain period since age 18.
- Medical Exam: Results from an immigration medical examination.
- Civil Documents: Such as your birth certificate (especially if declaring dependent children) and proof of relationship (for spouse/partners or dependents).
- Recent Digital Photos: Meeting specific immigration photo requirements.
- Proof of Name Change: If your name has changed.
- Use of Representative Form: If you’re using an authorized immigration representative.
Having these documents prepared in advance will significantly streamline your application process once you receive that exciting ITA!
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Canada offers permanent residence to skilled workers who are well-positioned to find employment and support themselves here.
To determine eligibility, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses various factors, including your:
- Education
- Professional experience
- Official language proficiency (English and/or French)
- Amongst other criteria.
Eligible skilled workers are then assigned a ranking within the Express Entry system. The highest-ranked candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), part of Canada’s Express Entry system, is designed for skilled professionals who are likely to find work and thrive in Canada. It offers a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Here are the five main steps to apply:
- Assess Your Eligibility: Determine if you meet the FSWP’s core requirements.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork in advance.
- Submit Your Express Entry Profile: Enter the pool of candidates.
- Receive an Invitation: Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: Submit your complete application to IRCC.
Step 1: Confirming Your Eligibility for FSWP
To be eligible for Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must score at least 67 points based on six selection factors. These requirements are set to attract highly skilled, educated professionals who can contribute to Canada’s economy permanently.
Your points are calculated based on the following factors:
Education (Up to 25 points)
The points you receive for education depend on your highest qualification. For example, a doctorate (Ph.D.) earns more points than a bachelor’s degree, which in turn earns more than a high school diploma.
If you completed your education outside Canada, you’ll need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an authorized provider to verify its Canadian equivalent. Approved organizations include:
- Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service
Work Experience (Up to 15 points)
To qualify for FSWP Express Entry, you must have at least one year (1,560 hours) of continuous, paid, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years. The more relevant professional work experience you have, the more points you can earn.
- Full-time: 30 hours per week for 12 months.
- Part-time equivalent: For example, 15 hours per week for 24 months.
Your work must be in an occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) as:
- NOC 0 (Management jobs): Such as restaurant managers or mine managers.
- NOC A (Professional jobs): Typically require a university degree (e.g., doctors, architects, software engineers).
- NOC B (Technical jobs and skilled trades): Usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training (e.g., chefs, electricians, plumbers).
Official Language Skills (Up to 28 points)
Language proficiency is crucial. You must take an approved language test in English or French (or both) and achieve a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
If you have strong French skills and score CLB 5 or higher in all four abilities on a French test (even if English is your primary language), you can earn additional points.
Age (Up to 12 points)
You receive points based on your age when your application is submitted to IRCC. Applicants between 18 and 35 years old receive the maximum 12 points. Points gradually decrease by 1 each year after you turn 36, reaching 0 points at age 47 or older.
Age | Points |
Under 18 | 0 |
18-35 | 12 |
36 | 11 |
37 | 10 |
38 | 9 |
39 | 8 |
40 | 7 |
41 | 6 |
42 | 5 |
43 | 4 |
44 | 3 |
45 | 2 |
46 | 1 |
47 or older | 0 |
Valid Job Offer (Up to 10 points)
You can earn points if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. To be considered ‘valid,’ the offer must be for continuous, full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week) for a period of at least one year.
Adaptability (Up to 10 points)
You may receive additional points for factors that indicate you’ll adapt well to life in Canada. These can include:
- Previous work or study experience in Canada.
- Arranged employment in Canada.
- Your spouse or common-law partner’s official language proficiency or their Canadian work/study experience.
Step 2: Preparing Your Documents
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have only 60 days to submit your complete application. This tight deadline means it’s essential to have most of your required documents ready before you even submit your Express Entry profile.
While specific requirements can vary, you may need some or all of these documents:
- Passport
- Language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report or proof of Canadian education
- Provincial Nomination (if applicable)
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer (if applicable)
- Proof of work experience (detailing duties performed)
- Proof of funds (showing you can support yourself and your family)
- Police certificates (from countries where you’ve lived)
- Medical exam results
- Birth certificate (especially for dependent children)
- Proof of relationship (for spouse/partners or dependents)
- Recent digital photos
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- Use of a Representative Form (if you’re using an immigration consultant)
Step 3: Submitting Your Express Entry Profile
After you’ve gathered your documents, you’ll complete an online form to confirm your eligibility for Express Entry (this typically takes about 15 minutes).
If you meet the FSWP eligibility criteria, you’ll be prompted to create an online account and fill out your comprehensive Express Entry profile. At this stage, you’ll receive your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is calculated differently from the 67 points needed for initial FSWP eligibility.
Your CRS score is out of 1,200 points and includes:
- Core Points (Up to 600 points): Based on your education, work experience, age, and language proficiency. Your spouse’s/partner’s factors (language skills, education) are also considered here.
- Additional Points (Up to 600 points): You can earn extra points for factors like a valid job offer, a provincial nomination, a sibling living in Canada (citizen or permanent resident), strong French language skills, or a Canadian degree/diploma/certificate.
The CRS score needed to receive an ITA changes regularly, but it’s not uncommon for candidates with scores of 450 or higher to receive an invitation under this program.
Step 4: Waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once your profile is in the Express Entry pool, you can actively work on improving your CRS score while you wait for an ITA. Strategies include:
- Securing a valid job offer.
- Retaking language tests to improve scores.
- Gaining more work experience.
- Seeking a provincial nomination.
Remember to keep your Express Entry profile updated with any new information or changes.
Step 5: Submitting Your Application for Permanent Residence
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), congratulations! You will then have 60 days to submit your complete and accurate application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) serve as an expedited immigration option for skilled professionals, experienced entrepreneurs, and their family members who have a desire to establish themselves permanently in a particular Canadian province.
Your immigration journey via a PNP starts by applying to the province of your choice and fulfilling its distinct nomination criteria. Provinces evaluate candidates based on their language abilities, educational background, and relevant work experience, ensuring alignment with their local economic and workforce demands. A successful provincial nomination then enables you to apply for Permanent Residency with the federal government.
Applicants meeting minimum criteria, Federal Worker Skilled Class utilizes a point system to determine the applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada. Applicants need at least 67 points to be eligible to apply.
Skilled workers are chosen as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, English/French language skills, and other factors. If you score 67 or higher (out of 100), you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker. If you score lower, than the pass mark of 67 points, you won’t qualify to immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker.
In addition to selection criteria, applicant should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds available for resettlement in Canada. Once IRCC has determined that an applicant is a member of the Federal Skilled Worker Class, both the principal applicant and their family members, whether accompanying or not, must complete medical examinations if required, and pass criminal and security checks.
Express Entry for Skilled Trades Workers in Canada
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a fast-track pathway to Canadian permanent residence (PR) for experienced tradespeople. If you have at least two years of experience in eligible skilled trades, and meet specific language, experience, and qualification/job offer requirements, you could receive your PR in as little as six months through Express Entry.
Which Trades Qualify for Express Entry?
Canada’s FSTP covers over 300 skilled trades. Generally, these fall under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups:
- NOC Group 72: Electrical, industrial, and construction trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters).
- NOC Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades (e.g., heavy equipment operators, mechanics).
- NOC Group 82: Natural resources, agriculture, and production trades (e.g., agricultural service contractors, supervisors, drillers).
- NOC Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities trades (e.g., central control and process operators).
- NOC Group 632: Chefs and cooks.
- NOC Group 633: Butchers and bakers.
Your Application Process: 5 Key Steps
Applying for the Federal Skilled Trades Program via Express Entry involves these main steps:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the specific FSTP criteria.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork in advance.
- Submit Your Express Entry Profile: Enter the pool of candidates.
- Receive an Invitation: Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Apply for Permanent Residence: Submit your complete application to IRCC.
Step 1: Confirming Your Eligibility for the FSTP
To be eligible for the FSTP Express Entry program, you must, at a minimum:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply.
- Show that your experience aligns with the job role requirements outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your trade.
- Hold an eligible full-time job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade from a Canadian province or territory.
Here’s how to meet these requirements:
Official Language Testing for Skilled Trades Express Entry
You must take an official language test (English or French) and achieve a minimum score of:
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening.
- CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Work Experience in a Skilled Trade
You’ll need to provide documentation proving at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in your skilled trade within the last five years. It’s crucial to demonstrate experience in all essential duties and most main duties outlined in the NOC description for your trade; failure to do so can lead to your application being refused.
Qualifying Full-Time Job Offer Requirements
If you don’t have a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province/territory, you must have a valid job offer to be eligible. The offer needs to be:
- From up to two Canadian employers.
- For continuous, full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week).
- For a period of at least one year.
Often, such job offers require the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA demonstrates that there’s a shortage of Canadian workers for that position and that the employer first attempted to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Certificates of Qualification for Skilled Trades
Obtaining a certificate of qualification for a skilled trade varies by province. A key point to remember is that these certifications cannot be issued to individuals outside Canada.
You should decide which province you want to live and work in before applying for a certificate of qualification, as these certificates are generally not transferable between provinces. This also implies that moving between provinces for work might be difficult if your certification isn’t recognized across borders. Some trades are federally regulated, while others fall under provincial regulation.
For those looking to move to British Columbia, the process for certification is typically:
- Review your trade’s requirements.
- Complete the necessary forms.
- Apply and pay the fee.
- Await application verification (this can take over 6 weeks for international applicants).
- Receive application approval.
- Schedule and write certification exams.
- Receive your certificate of qualification.
Important Note: If you hold a certificate of qualification but do not have a qualifying job offer or current work status in Canada, you’ll need to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family. (Specific amounts for proof of funds are typically updated by IRCC; the amount as of July 15, 2021, would be available in the official IRCC guidelines).
Step 2: Documents Required for Your FSTP Application
Since you’ll only have 60 days to submit your complete application once invited, it’s vital to have your documents ready before you submit your Express Entry profile. While requirements can vary, you’ll likely need some or all of these:
- Passport
- Official language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report or proof of Canadian education (if applicable)
- Provincial nomination (if you have one)
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer (if any)
- Proof of work experience (detailing duties)
- Certificate of qualification (if applicable)
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates
- Medical exam results
- Birth certificate (if declaring dependent children)
- Proof of relationship (if applicable)
- Recent digital photos
- Proof of name change (if applicable)
- Use of Representative Form (if you use a consultant)
Step 3: Applying for Express Entry Under the Skilled Trades Program
To apply, you’ll create and complete an Express Entry profile. Having the documents outlined above prepared beforehand is crucial. Once submitted, you’ll receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines your rank among other eligible candidates. A higher score increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Your CRS score (out of 1,200 points) is calculated by adding:
- Core Points (Up to 600 points): Based on your education, work experience, age, and language proficiency. Your partner’s factors (language skills, education) are also considered.
- Additional Points (Up to 600 points): You can earn extra points for a valid job offer, a provincial nomination, a sibling living in Canada (citizen or permanent resident), strong French skills, or a Canadian degree/diploma/certificate.
Step 4: Waiting in the Express Entry Pool for an Invitation to Apply
While your profile is in the Express Entry pool, use this time to improve your score! You can do this by:
- Securing a valid job offer.
- Retaking a language test to boost your score.
- Gaining more work experience.
- Seeking a nomination from a Canadian province.
Always ensure your Express Entry profile details remain accurate and up-to-date.
Step 5: Submitting Your Permanent Residence Application
If you receive that exciting Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have 60 days to submit your complete and accurate permanent residence application to IRCC.
Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members for Canadian permanent residency. This includes your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent children (including adopted children), and other eligible relatives like parents or grandparents.
Once granted permanent residency in Canada, you gain the right to live, study, and work anywhere in the country. As a permanent resident, you are expected to make every reasonable effort to support yourself and your family’s essential needs.
If you choose to sponsor a relative, you take on the financial responsibility for them upon their arrival in Canada. This means ensuring your sponsored family member won’t need to rely on government financial assistance.
Additionally, some provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island have their own family sponsorship programs. If you have a close relative residing in one of these provinces, they might be able to sponsor you and your family, provided they meet the specific program requirements.
Like other immigration categories, family class sponsorship has certain requirements, such as minimum necessary income which should be met by sponsor. If you are wondering how to sponsor someone to Canada, you should start from reviewing family sponsorship applications, eligibility and requirements.
You may be eligible to sponsor a child, spouse or a common-law partner living outside or inside Canada if you are 18 years of age or older, and you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Spouse Open Work Permit
Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students with a valid study permit may apply for an open work permit. An open work permit will enable the spouse or common-law partner of the international student to work.
Your spouse/partner will not require a job offer to apply, and his/her permit will be valid for the same period as your study permit
Super Visa
The Super Visa Program allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada as long-term visitors. Thus successful applicants will not be required to renew their visitor visa every six months, as they will be granted a multi-entry visitor visa valid for two years at a time with expiry date up to 10 years.
You can apply online or on paper to get a parent and grandparent super visa. There are also specific requirements that you must meet to be able to apply.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
If you already have a job offer, it’s time to process an LMIA. With our, the process of your Labor Market Impact Assessment will be carefully prepared. We will present to the authorities detailed and accurate documentation with which you will increase your chances of getting a positive LMIA.
We have helped 10’s of companies finding right employees and you can be next.
Study Permit
Studying in Canada is an exciting and rewarding experience for many international students. Once you’ve decided what to study, you need to consider entry dates, application deadlines, student visa processing times and English language requirements. Aside from BA, MBA, PhD, certificate and diploma programs, Canadian colleges and universities have a variety of short-term summer language courses, continuing education and exchange programs.
The main intake is in September each year, though many colleges and universities have a smaller intake in January or summer term. Most foreign nationals require a study permit to study in Canada.
Student Direct Stream (SDS): Your Faster Path to Study in Canada
The Student Direct Stream offers a quicker way for eligible international students to get their Canadian study permit processed. If you’re living in one of the designated countries, your application can typically be processed in under 60 days.
SDS Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SDS, you must:
- Have an Attestation Letter: As of January 22, 2024, most students need to include this document from the specific Canadian province or territory where they plan to study. Provinces and territories are developing their issuance processes, expected to be in place by March 31, 2024.
- Hold an acceptance letter from a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Be living outside Canada when you apply.
- Provide proof of tuition payment for your first year of study (if you’re studying outside Quebec).
- Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$20,635.
- (If studying in Quebec) Have an Attestation of Issuance (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.
- Complete a medical exam before applying (if required).
- Obtain a police certificate before applying (if required).
- Provide your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s).
- Achieve the minimum score on one of the qualifying language tests (English or French).
Note: Depending on your country of application, additional documents may be necessary.
What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a secure, fixed-term investment offered by many Canadian banks. For SDS study permit applications, your GIC and the issuing bank must meet specific Canadian immigration criteria:
- The institution must issue a document confirming your GIC purchase.
- They must hold the GIC in an investment or student account that you cannot access until you arrive in Canada.
- You must confirm your identity before any funds are released.
- Upon arrival in Canada, the funds will be released to you as an initial lump sum, with the remainder disbursed in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months.
Getting your GIC is usually a straightforward process, often completed online.
Need help applying for a GIC or navigating your study permit application? We offer comprehensive assistance with school applications and study permits. With arrangements with over a thousand Canadian educational institutions, we can help you find the most suitable program for your needs.
Can You Work in Canada as an International Student?
Yes, in most cases, international students are permitted to work in Canada while pursuing their studies. Your study permit will clearly indicate whether you are allowed to work.
International students can typically work:
- During Studies: On or off-campus after starting their study program.
- As Co-op Students or Interns: If their program includes a work experience component as part of the curriculum.
- After Graduation: If they are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Eligibility to Work On-Campus:
To work on campus, you must:
- Be a full-time post-secondary student at:
- A public post-secondary school (like a college, university, or CEGEP in Quebec).
- A private college-level school in Quebec operating under the same rules as public schools and at least 50% funded by government grants.
- A Canadian private school legally authorized to award degrees under provincial law.
- Possess a valid study permit.
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Eligibility to Work Off-Campus:
To work off-campus, you must:
- Be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only).
- Your study program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have started studying.
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Eligibility for a Co-op Work Permit:
To qualify for a co-op work permit, you must:
- Hold a valid study permit.
- Have work that is required to complete your study program in Canada.
- Possess a letter from your school confirming that all students in your program need to complete work placements to earn their degree.
- Ensure the co-op placement or internship makes up 50% or less of your total study program.
Eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must:
- Have completed a PGWP-eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Eligible programs include academic, vocational, or professional training programs that are at least eight months long and grant a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have completed at least 50% of your study program in Canada
- Have studied full-time (taking at least three courses per semester) in each semester, except possibly the final one.
- Have received your educational credential, transcripts, or a letter of program completion from your DLI.