I'm planning to study in the US for college, but I'm interested in working in Canada afterward. What's the process for an international student like me to work in Canada after studying in the US?
Sure, it's possible to work in Canada after studying in the U.S., but you'll have to navigate some visa and immigration processes.
Firstly, you'll need a work permit to work legally in Canada. The most common route for university graduates is the Express Entry system that manages applications for Permanent Residence under these classes: Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and the Canadian Experience Class.
To qualify for Express Entry, certain conditions such as skills, education level, language proficiency, and work experience will be assessed. After entering the Express Entry pool, you're ranked based on a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for Permanent Residence.
Another option is to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), but this is typically for students who've completed a program of study that lasted at least eight months in Canada.
Finally, the Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada. Being nominated can expedite the PR process.
To wrap it up, while it's feasible to study in the U.S. and work in Canada later, you'll need to meet specific requirements and likely go through immigration procedures. It's a good idea to consult with an immigration expert for personal assistance tailored to your situation.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.