MBA: Canadian Visa Rules

Although the Trudeau government has rechristened the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the rules for MBA and post-graduate International students have remained the same. For MBA students, the route to finding opportunities is through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program.

When should you apply (PGWP)?

Within 90 days of completing your courses, you should apply for PGWPP, confirming that you have met the minimum requirements (Course Credit, Grades) for the academic program. For Business Schools, the date of completion will be different from the date of convocation. Don’t wait till the official ceremony. Apply when your student visa is valid.

How many years (months) is the PGWP valid?

The rule is simple – you cannot get PGWP with validity longer than the program’s duration. If you are completing your 2-year Full-time MBA from say Rotman School of Management, the validity of the post-graduation work permit will be a minimum of three years.


 
You are not eligible for PGWP if:

• You Availed the Canadian Common Wealth Scholarship Program(funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC))
• You are Part of the Government of Canada Awards Program (funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC))
• You Received Funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
• You are part of the Canada-Chile Equal Opportunity Scholarship
• You are part of the Canada-China Scholars Exchanges Program
• You are part of the Organization of American States Fellowships Program
• You are part of a Distance Learning Program within Canada

Can I get multiple PGWP with different courses?

You can apply only once for PGWP in your lifetime. Strategically use the work permit depending on your post-MBA destination.

Can I work with the study permit while awaiting PGWP?

No.

Can I work on-campus and off-campus with the study permit?

Yes, you can, but with conditions.


 
Can I work as an Intern during the course of my MBA program?

Almost all top Canadian MBA programs have internship as an essential part of the curriculum. For international students, it means getting both work and study permit.