This article is like your go-to buddy for figuring out how to kickstart your career in Canada after graduation.From snagging work permits to diving into the job market and even settling into Canadian work culture.Knowing the ins and outs of working in Canada after graduation is a game-changer, especially if you're an international student. Canada's got loads of job opportunities and a booming economy,as well as its very diverse society and different cultures.That's why getting the lowdown on work permits, job hunting tips, and Canadian work vibes is super important.Let's, together, dive into some insights to help you kickstart your career.
To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a post graduation work permit (PGWP),So let's get right into it.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is essentially a work permit issued by the Canadian government to international students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada. It allows them to remain in the country and gain valuable work experience after graduation.
To qualify for a PGWP, applicants must have completed a full-time program of study that lasted at least eight months. The program must have been at a designated learning institution and must have led to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, applicants must have maintained full-time student status during their studies and must possess a valid study permit at the time of applying for the PGWP.
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According to Canada.ca, starting February 15, 2024, students who graduate from master’s degree programs of less than 2 years (8 months minimum) may be eligible for a 3 year PGWP.The length of your PGWP depends on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.
If your passport expires before your PGWP, make sure your passport is valid for the entire length of time you should be eligible.If your passport expires earlier
You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside Canada or from another country, as long as you’re eligible.You have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply for a PGWP.
When you apply, you must confirm the following:
You can confirm these by submitting any of the following (Documents required):
Some additional requirements might be required.For example, if you are to work in a field that requires medical exam, you will need to get the upfront medical exam in a period of less than 90 days before you apply.If your study permit will expire before you get your marks, you have 2 options :
5. How applying online helps you ?
It's better financially, as no courier fees will be applied, no mail delivery time and is much more quicker.You will also get the chance to check your application status from the screen of your laptop and the comfort of your home.If you are inside Canada and you will apply online for the PGWP, make sure firstly to read the Instructions guide , make sure to also have an activated credit od debit card, as well as a scanner to convert your documents into electronic copies.
Now let's move to the actual job market,the key industries that are thriving in Canada,emerging job trends, and areas of growth.Technology,healthcare, green energy, finance and e-commerce are currently booming industries, particularly in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.With very high competition in the market among candidates, you will need to utilize some tools and strategies to find the suitable job for yourself after graduation.
Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are popular job search platforms in Canada, featuring thousands of job postings across various industries. Graduates can create profiles, set up job alerts, and use advanced search filters to find relevant opportunities.
Industry-Specific Websites: Many industries have dedicated job boards and websites where companies post job openings. For example, Workopolis cater to a wide range of industries, while specialized platforms like Dice focus on tech jobs and BioTalent Canada specializes in biotechnology and life sciences roles.
Company Career Pages: Directly visiting the career pages of companies of interest is a proactive approach to uncovering job opportunities. Many companies list job openings exclusively on their websites before posting them on external job boards.
Professional Associations and Networks: Joining professional associations and networking groups related to one's field of study or industry can provide access to exclusive job postings, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.
Government Job Portals: Government websites such as Job Bank and the Government of Canada's Public Service Jobs portal list job opportunities across various sectors, including public service, healthcare, and education. These portals also provide information on employment trends, labor market data, and career development resources.
Lastly, let's navigate through the candian work culture. Canadian workplace culture is characterized by a blend of professionalism, inclusivity, and respect for diversity. It values collaboration, open communication, and work-life balance.In addition, cultural sensitivity and awareness are essential in navigating diverse workplaces. Graduates should educate themselves about different cultures, customs, and traditions to avoid misunderstandings. Being open-minded, empathetic, and accepting of diverse viewpoints fosters collaboration and enriches the workplace experience for everyone.
As you, graduates, embark on your post-graduation journey in Canada, we hope this guide works as a roadmap for you to connect you with valuable rsources and introduce you to helpful information.With a proactive mindset, success in the Canadian job market is surely within your reach.So, go ahead, polish up that resume, perfect your networking game, and get ready to embark on an exciting new chapter in the Great White North.
Reem Mahmoud
Student