Studying in Hamilton

After Graduation

The City of Hamilton welcomes and encourages our international students to remain here to work after graduation. If you are here on a student/study visa, you will have to apply for a work visa (Post Graduation Work Permit) upon graduation. A work visa allows you to work in Canada for as many as three years after you graduate. Find out more about attaining a work visa

Jobs and business opportunities

Students in Hamilton can connect to job opportunities through the annual Jobs Canada Job Fair.
Hamilton HIVE is one of the strongest young professional networks in Canada, focusing on talent development and business networks.
The City of Hamilton’s Small Business Enterprise Centre, Innovation Factory and others offer support to business start-ups.

School resources

Your school has resources to help you find work after graduation:

Community resources

Other resources in the community help you find employment, including:

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce MAGNET - MAGNET is an online matchmaking platform that connects job seekers with employers.
CareerEdge - an online job developer that helps connect International Students with paid internship opportunities.
Connect To Careers Job Fair - the city’s largest job fair happens once a year.

Online resources

Online and free job boards can also be helpful. A small sampling of job boards available:

Know Your Legal Rights

Permanent Residency & Citizenship

Immigrate

In Canada, we follow Common Law. The Legal system is complex with many different opportunities and challenges that can be challenging to navigate. Luckily, some organizations may be able to help you out.

Legal Aid Ontario - provides legal aid services for low income individuals. Services are funded by the Province of Ontario to provide services including summary legal advice for family and criminal law matters.
Hamilton Community Legal Clinic - a community based not for profit agency whose diverse team of caring professionals and volunteers provides legal services to low income individuals and communities to promote access to justice and to improve quality of life. The Clinic provides services like summary advice and referral, representation, community development, law reform and public legal education.

The City of Hamilton welcomes and encourages our international students to stay and work in Canada after graduation. If you are here on a student/study visa, you will have to apply for a work visa upon graduation. A work visa allows you to work in Canada for up to three years following graduation.

Some resources to help you understand how to apply to be a permanent resident in Canada:

Settlement.org
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
International Student Connect is an excellent resource for international students, from before you arrive, during your studies, and after you graduate.
Applying for Canadian Citizenship

Canada is making it easier for international students to remain in Canada permanently after completing your studies.

If you have a job offer from an employer, you may have the opportunity to live and work permanently in Canada. Masters Graduates and PhD Graduates are not required to have a job offer. You could also be eligible to work in Ontario with a post-graduation work permit for up to three years after you graduate. You may be eligible to stay permanently in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class, Opportunities Ontario Program, or another program.

Date modified

September 16, 2022