Employers are critical partners of the Career Services and Co-operative Education Department and central to the work we do in supporting students in their career journeys. These frequently asked questions aim to address common employer questions and concerns regarding hiring international students and graduates.
For more information on hiring international co-op students, please visit our Hiring International Co-op Students page.
An international student has authorization from the government to pursue an education in Canada. International students are neither citizens of Canada, nor permanent residents. Many apply to stay in Canada to pursue employment after graduation and/or permanent residency.
A domestic student is enrolled in a post-secondary institution, while holding either Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
Both international and domestic students at Centennial College are highly diverse individuals, each bringing with them a unique set of life experiences, skills, and assets. There are common misconceptions about hiring international students and grads. The primary distinction of hiring an international student versus a domestic student is their status in Canada. Employers can review a student’s eligibility to work and request documentation from the student/graduate that details their permissibility to work during and after the completion of their studies.
With over 137 countries and 80 languages represented across five campuses and eight academic schools, Centennial’s diverse student population provides a candidate pool that truly reflects today’s global workforce. Centennial students develop their skills through innovative curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, such as capstone projects, lab courses, applied research projects, co-ops, internships, and field placements.
Many of our students bring with them a rich background of valuable knowledge and experiences, such as multilingualism, unique in-demand skill sets, strong cross-cultural awareness, as well as previously attained post-secondary credentials and relevant work experience. It can be noted that:
- Over 50% of programs include work-integrated learning; employers can hire students who have gained applied experience within their field of study
- All students can access Career Services, to receive one-on-one employment and career advising; employers can hire students that are job ready
- Many programs formally embed employment skill sets in the curriculum, which can include an overview of workplace expectations, such as teamwork and problem-solving, health & safety, and pre-employment preparation
- Students join us at various stages of their career journey, from more junior talent eager to enter the labor market, to more experienced professionals who have attained robust work experience and degrees/diplomas from Canadian and internationally recognized institutions
Eligible international students who hold a valid study permit are allowed to work during the academic year and during scheduled breaks. Employers can confirm the eligibility to work through reviewing the student’s study permit and checking that the student meets all the eligibility requirements to work off-campus.
When hiring a new international graduate, you can review the following:
- Valid study permit with authorization to work off-campus
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Passport or other government-issued photo identification
- School enrollment document (i.e., transcript or enrollment letter)
Students hired for a co-op or field placement as a part of their academic program may additionally require a co-op work permit. For more information on hiring international co-op students, please visit our Hiring International Co-op Students page.
When hiring a new international graduate, you can review the following:
- Valid work permit or a confirmation of Post-Graduation Work Permit submission and their most recent study permit
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Passport or other government-issued photo identification
There is no specific requirement for employers to notify IRCC when hiring an international student who is eligible to work off-campus.
The employee may be eligible to continue working while transitioning from student to Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holder.
An employer may be able to support an international graduate to stay in Canada beyond their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), by sponsoring an employer-specific work permit, or through various immigration programs such as Provincial Nominee Programs. It may be helpful to seek assistance from an immigration representative to understand the options and processes.
To advertise opportunities for students, new grads and alumni, including both domestic and international students, please visit our online job posting portal, ExperienceCentennial to register for your free account to post your own opportunities. To host a recruitment session or table, or participate in a job fair, please visit our career events webpage.
Students and new graduates at Centennial College have access to International Student Advisors from whom they can receive assistance and clarification.
For more information, please contact:
Career Services: careerservices@centennialcollege.ca
Co-operative Education: cooped@centennialcollege.ca