Work after your studies

Studying in B.C. can be a very exciting once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some students return home after their studies, others stay and look for work here.

Post-graduation work permit

If you want to work in Canada after you graduate from your studies, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit of up to three years in length.

For more information about the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

View the list of designated learning institutions and programs in British Columbia that are eligible for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
 

Become a permanent resident after graduation

Provincial nominee program

If you would like to become a permanent resident of Canada, and intend to work and reside in B.C. after you study, you may qualify to apply to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).

The BCPNP allows nominees to apply for Permanent Resident status through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the fast-tracked Provincial Nominee stream - which can be faster than applying through many federal immigration streams.

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the BCPNP website.

Express Entry

This IRCC initiative manages applications for permanent residence in Canada under specific federal economic immigration programs. Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool for a portion of their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in order to meet local labour market needs.

International student graduates may apply under Express Entry if they meet the requirements.

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the IRCC website.

How do I apply?

  1. Determine if you are eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry.
  2. Fill out an Express Entry profile online for entry into a pool of candidates.
  3. Await an invitation to apply for permanent residence from IRCC.

Career resources

Check out potential careers including the main duties, educational requirements, workforce trends and job prospects.

  • WorkBC
    a one-stop window to the world of work in B.C.
  • Explore Careers in BC
    explore 500 career profiles and get all the details you need, from job duties and wages to projected demand in your region, based on National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupation classifications
  • Career Trek
    follow two hosts as they travel across B.C. and bring 52 jobs to life.
  • Job Bank
    search through job descriptions, wage rates, skill requirements, and training and job opportunities within specific geographic locations.