There are many benefits to gaining work experience abroad and a country like Canada offers great career opportunities. Your route to becoming a professional in Canada depends on your current work experience and academic qualifications. Consider some of the options available to you below.
Whether you plan to enter Canada as a student or a skilled professional, an IELTS test will be part of your visa application requirements. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is accepted in Canada by all visa categories, major healthcare regulators and the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Post-graduation work permit
If you complete your studies at an eligible designated learning institution in Canada, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit. This permit allows students to remain in the country and gain much-needed work experience after graduation.
The length of your permit will depend on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport. Find out more about the post-graduation work permit and whether you will be eligible to apply for one on the Canada immigration website.
Employment-driven study programs
There are some courses offered by universities in Canada that include work experience as part of the curriculum. You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if you meet the criteria, which includes:
- Having a valid study permit
- A requirement to work to complete your study program
- A confirmation letter from your school
- Your co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of your study program
Find out more about working as a co-op student or intern in Canada on the Canada immigration website.
Express Entry
There is a growing demand for skilled workers in Canada, with roles available in a variety of industries including healthcare and education. The government of Canada uses an online system called Express Entry to manage immigration applications of skilled workers. You can apply if you fit into one of three different programs:
- Canadian Experience Class: for skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: for skilled workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.
Read more about the different programs on the Government of Canada’s immigration website.
When you take IELTS, you can unlock exciting career opportunities in Canada. Register now and go further with IELTS!