May 1, 2008 - The Government of Canada has introduced changes to work permits for international students who graduate from eligible programs at certain Canadian post-secondary institutions.

Effective immediately, these international students will be able to obtain an open work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, with no restrictions on the type of employment and no requirement for a job offer. In addition, the duration of the work permit has been extended to three years across the country. Previously, the program only allowed international students to work for one or two years, depending on location.

This new program applies only to graduates of Canadian universities and colleges and will allow international students to work for any employer, an opportunity Canada feels will allow it to retain its skilled individuals and increase its competitiveness. People currently on post graduate work permits may extend their work permits to reach the 3 year period and ‘unrestricted’ employment permitted by this program. There are a few restrictions however, so please contact our office if you have any specific questions or would like additional information.