You may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after completing an eligible program at an eligible designated learning institution.

Not every program offered by a designated learning institution qualifies. Eligibility can depend on the institution, program, length of study, language results and, for certain programs, the field of study. Confirm PGWP eligibility before enrolling

Eligible international students may generally work:

• Up to 24 hours per week off campus while regular classes are in session
• Unlimited hours off campus during scheduled academic breaks
• On campus, provided they meet the applicable study-permit conditions

Students cannot begin working before their program starts. Working more than the permitted hours can violate the conditions of a study permit.

Yes. International students should ensure they have health insurance throughout their stay.

Most international students are not automatically eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, known as OHIP. Colleges and universities often provide or require a private student health plan. Confirm when coverage begins, what it includes and whether dependants are covered.

People with other immigration statuses may qualify for OHIP if they meet Ontario’s eligibility requirements.

There is no single recommended amount. Bring enough readily accessible money for immediate expenses such as:

• Transportation from the airport
• Temporary accommodation
• Food and essential supplies
• A telephone plan
• Rental deposits
• Local transportation

Avoid carrying unnecessarily large amounts of cash. Anyone bringing currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more must declare them to the Canada Border Services Agency.

A new Ontario resident may generally use a valid licence from another province or country for 60 days. After that, an Ontario driver’s licence is required.

The testing and licence-exchange process depends on where the original licence was issued and how much documented driving experience the person has.

An International Driving Permit is a translation of an existing valid driver’s licence. It is not a driver’s licence on its own.

Visitors who plan to drive in Ontario for more than three months should obtain an International Driving Permit in their home country before travelling. New Ontario residents must still follow the 60-day requirement for obtaining an Ontario licence.

Common first steps include:

• Arrange temporary or permanent accommodation
• Obtain a Canadian telephone number
• Open a Canadian bank account
• Apply for a Social Insurance Number if authorized to work
• Arrange health coverage and apply for OHIP if eligible
• Review Ontario driver’s-licence requirements
• Register children for school, where applicable
• Locate a nearby newcomer or settlement organization
• Keep immigration and identification documents secure
• Learn how to recognize rental, employment and newcomer scams

The order will depend on your immigration status, family needs and accommodation arrangements.

Consider your budget, commuting needs, access to public transportation, nearby schools and whether you need temporary or long-term housing.

Before paying a deposit:

• View the property in person or through a reliable live video tour
• Confirm the landlord or property manager’s identity
• Read the lease carefully
• Confirm which utilities and services are included
• Keep copies of advertisements, messages, receipts and agreements
• Never send money merely because someone is pressuring you to act immediately

Be cautious when someone refuses to show the property, claims to be outside Canada or requests payment through an unusual method.

Not automatically.

Spouses or common-law partners of some international students may qualify for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on the student’s program and other immigration requirements. Open work permits are no longer available to the spouses of all international students.

Spouses of temporary foreign workers may also qualify in certain circumstances, depending on the principal worker’s occupation, immigration pathway and permit validity.

Permanent residents may be eligible to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program if they also meet Ontario residency, financial-need, institution and program requirements.

Canadian citizens and protected persons may also qualify. International students studying under a study permit are generally not eligible for regular OSAP assistance.

A Canadian job search may include:

• Preparing a Canadian-style résumé
• Tailoring each application to the position
• Using the Government of Canada Job Bank and reputable employment websites
• Networking through LinkedIn, professional associations and community groups
• Attending newcomer employment programs and job fairs
• Having international credentials assessed where relevant
• Checking whether your profession or trade is regulated
• Exploring bridging programs for internationally trained professionals
• Practising interviews and learning Canadian workplace expectations

Legitimate employers should not require you to pay money to obtain a job. Be cautious of cheque-deposit schemes, requests to purchase equipment with transferred funds and job offers made without a credible interview.

Do not assume that having a study permit or work permit automatically permits the purchase of residential property.

Federal restrictions on purchases by many non-Canadians currently remain in effect until January 1, 2027, although specific exemptions may apply. Additional federal, provincial or municipal taxes may also apply.

Anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident should obtain current legal and financial advice before signing a purchase agreement.

An adult applicant must generally have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years immediately before applying.

Some time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident may count as half-days, up to the applicable maximum. Applicants may also need to meet tax-filing, language and citizenship-test requirements.

Use Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s physical-presence calculator before applying.

Before enrolling, confirm that:

• The institution is a designated learning institution
• The specific institution and program are PGWP-eligible
• The program meets the required duration and study conditions
• You understand the full-time study requirements
• You will meet the application deadline after graduation
• You meet the applicable language requirement
• Your field of study qualifies, where that requirement applies
• The program’s delivery format will not affect your eligibility

Most applicants applying after November 1, 2024 must provide qualifying English or French language results. Field-of-study requirements also apply to some programs, and the eligible field list is frozen for 2026.

Government-funded newcomer and settlement organizations may assist with:

• Housing and community orientation
• Employment preparation
• Language assessment and classes
• School registration
• Accessing government services
• Referrals to legal, health and social services
• Pre-arrival and settlement planning

Eligibility for individual services varies.

For advice about a specific immigration application or legal situation, consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or an authorized immigration representative. Community volunteers can provide practical support and friendship, but should not replace qualified immigration or legal advice.