One of the advantages of studying in Canada is that if you have a study Permit to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) (Memorial University of Newfoundland or College of North Atlantic), you can work both on and off campus while you have a study permit. You do not require a working permit to work in Canada during your studies. If your degree does offer Co-op (you will work as part of your studies—frequently in engineering, business, and computer science), you will require a Co-op working permit.
The minimum wage in Newfoundland & Labrador is $15.60 per hour as of January 1, 2025.
Read more on IRCC's website for official news and ad-hoc immigration updates: Here!
After you graduate from your program of studies, you may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada.
11.5% Unemployment Rate as of March 2019
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%.
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 growth in NL. This has caused a great surge of support of entrepreneurship, and it is now a great time to start a business in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Read more about Entrepreneurship: Here!
Good tools for finding jobs are Indeed, and Career Beacon as well as Kijiji (usually for more entry-level positions). However, a lot of the jobs aren't posted, so a good networking and relationship-building plan is always a good idea. It is also important to know how to network and learn how to start a business; our program, Atlantic Canada Study and Stay™ NL, can help you with this during our program.
Learn about Study and Stay NL: Here!
Up to 3 years of a Post-Graduate Work Permit
Students who have completed a degree or an eligible diploma can obtain a Post Graduation Work Permit. The Post Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit that requires no job offer, that is of up to 3 years (depending on the official length of program completed) and makes you eligible for Provincial Healthcare.
If your program was less than 8 months, you aren’t eligible for a PGWP.
If your program was more than 8 months but less than 2 years, CIC may give you a PGWP that’s valid for up to the same length as your study program.
If your program was 2 years or more, CIC may give you a PGWP that’s 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!
Newfoundland and Labrador is actively trying to incentivize international students to study and stay in Newfoundland and Labrador. With such comes a number of programs to help you immigrate to NL.
The most standard way how international students get Permanent Residency in Canada is by going through the International Graduate Stream. Below is a list of things to keep in mind if you want to immigrate to Canada through this program.
Read more on the IRCC's official website: Here!