Working while studying

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One of the advantages of studyingin Canada is that if you have a Study Permit to a Designated LearningInstitution (DLI) — such as Memorial University of Newfoundland or College ofthe North Atlantic — you can work both on and off campus while you havea Study Permit. You do not require a working permit to work in Canada duringyour studies. If your degree does offer Co-op (you will work as part of yourstudies — frequently in engineering, business, and computer science), you willrequire a Co-op Working Permit.

The minimum wage in Newfoundland& Labrador is $16.00 per hour as of April 1, 2025.

Note: Theminimum wage increases annually on April 1, adjusted in line with theConsumer Price Index (CPI).

📄 Source: NL Labour Standards Regulations

Please note the followingrestrictions on working while studying:

You cannot work in Canada unless authorized to do so if your study program is less than six months in duration.
You cannot work in Canada unless authorized to do so if you are enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program.
You cannot start working while studying in Canada until you start your study program.

Read more on IRCC’s website for official newsand immigration updates: Here!

Working after graduation

After you graduate from your program of studies, you may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada.

Job Market in NL

10.4% Unemployment Rateas of November 2025 (year-to-date average: 10.1%)

📄 Source: Statistics Canada; NL Government Finance Dept
‍

Employment Trends

The table below gives prospective students a quick snapshot of average salaries by sector, helping them understand earning potential in NL after graduation.

Sector	Avg. Annual Salary	Share of NL Employment
Oil, Gas & Mining	$100,000 – $130,000	~3%
Health Care & Social Assistance	$60,000 – $90,000	~17%
Construction	$65,000 – $95,000	~9%
Retail Trade	$35,000 – $55,000	~16%
Technology & Innovation	$65,000 – $100,000	Growing
Education	$55,000 – $85,000	Stable

Oil and mining related careers, that account for about 3% of all employment in NL have brought it the greatest chunk of GDP, and have on average the highest salaries. Other significant employers in the province are Health Care and Social Assistance (16.9%), Retail accounts for about 15.7% of all employment and Construction is the third highest with 9.4%.

★ Importantly, Newfoundland and Labrador’semployment reached record highs in 2024, with +6,700 net new jobs addedto the provincial economy — a strong signal of sustained growth and opportunityfor international graduates.

📄 Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey

Some of the greatest growth has been seen in the tech sector over the past few years, fuelled by an increase in private equity investment in NL. This has created a surge of entrepreneurial activity, making it an exciting time to launch a business in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Where and how to find jobs?

Good tools for finding jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador include Indeed, LinkedIn, Career Beacon, and Kijiji (usually for more entry-level positions)

However, many of the best jobs are never posted publicly, so a strong networking and relationship-building strategy is always a good idea. Learning how to network and build professional connections is a corepart of our Study and Stay NL™ program

Learn about Study and Stay NL: Here!

Tips for a Successful Job Search in NL

The Canadian job market has its own norms. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Resume format: Canadian resumes are typically 1–2 pages and do not include a photo, age, or marital status.
Networking: Up to 80% of jobs in Canada are filled through referrals. Attend local events, join LinkedIn groups, and connect with IENL alumni.
Cover letters: A strong, personalized cover letter can make a significant difference. Tailor each one to the company and role.
International credentials: If your degree was earned outside Canada, consider getting it assessed by World Education Services (WES) to help employers understand your qualifications.

Post-Graduate Work Permit

Up to 3 years of a Post-Graduate Work Permit

Students who have completed a degree or an eligible diploma can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP is an open work permit that requires no job offer, is valid for up to 3 years (depending on the official length of the program completed), and makes you eligible for Provincial Healthcare.

Requirements and more info

If your program was less than 8 months, you are not eligible for a PGWP.
If your program was more than 8 months but less than 2 years, IRCC may give you a PGWP valid for up tothe same duration as your study program.
If your program was 2 yearsor more, IRCC may give you a PGWP valid for 3 years.

You have 180 days after your school issues your final marks to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).To be eligible, your study permit must have been valid at some point during these 180 days.

Read more on the IRCC's official website: Here!

Path to Permanent Residency in Newfoundland and Labrador

Here’s a simplified overview of the steps most international graduates take in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Step	Timing	Action
1	Final year of study	Begin job search; attend networking events and Study and Stay NL™ workshops
2	Within 180 days of final marks	Apply for Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
3	Immediately after graduation	Start working full-time on PGWP; build Canadian work experience
4	6–18 months into work	Apply for PR via International Graduate Stream or Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
5	PR Approved	Settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador - welcome home!

Immigration in General

Newfoundland and Labrador is actively working to incentivize international students to study and stay in the province. A number of programs exist to help you make the transition from student to permanent resident.

International Graduate Stream for Immigration

The most standard pathway for international students to achieve Permanent Residency in Canada is through the International Graduate Stream. Below is a checklist of requirements:

Have completed at least half of your studies in Canada and have graduated from an eligible publicly funded Canadian university or college
Have completed a minimum of a two year diploma or degree program on a full-time basis
Have a full-time job offer in your field of study
Apply to the nomination program within two years of receiving your degree or diploma
Be able to legally work in Canada
Have the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador
Have the language requirements
Demonstrate sufficient financial ability to establish oneself and any dependents in Newfoundland and Labrador

Read more on the IRCC's official website: Here!

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program is another popular pathway for international graduates who have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. Unlike the International Graduate Stream, the AIP does not require you to apply for provincial nomination separately — your employer acts as your sponsor.

Key eligibility highlights:

You must have a full-time,non-seasonal job offer from a designated Atlantic employer
You must have at least oneyear of work experience (or a post-secondary credential from an Atlanticinstitution)
Language requirements: CLB 4 or higher for most positions