International Canadian Student Work Permit

by Gloria
(Waterloo / Canada)

Hi Sharon,

I am an international student and I am currently on my co-op term.

I am returning to university this fall 2011 to finish up my 4th year - i will be graduating in April 2012.

The company that I am currently working for asked if I would like to apply for an interview to get hired for full time position. However, they pointed out that the company does not sponsor international students nor their work visa. Also, I would have to be legally allowed to work in Canada to even be eligible for an interview.

The interview will take place in end of august 2011, and upon acceptance, work will commence in July 2012. I am really keen on working for this company. The hiring process is very rigid such to be able to work in 2012, there is only one interview cycle for engineering students which will take place in August through September 2011.

I understand that there exists a post-grad work permit, however, I can only apply for that in April 2012 when I have my official results. That will be too late since the company starts hiring in Aug/Sept. I don't wish to miss out this great opportunity and I have confidence that I will be able to get an offer since I have been asked to return for a 2nd co-op term.

Many colleagues are supportive of me working full time, however, the only constraint is the HR policy where the company does not sponsor nor will they make any special arrangements such as a conditional offer. I totally understand where they are coming from.

So, my question is, what can I do in order to have a valid work permit? The post grad work permit allows me to work full time in July 2012, but I won't be able to get proof nor apply for it now to be eligible for the interview process.

Anything thing to note is that I have been married to a Canadian Permananet Resident since September 2009. Should have applied for sponsorship, but apparently I did not and I am wondering if it is too late as it is July 2011 already.

I thought of the off campus work permit since I can work full time during "scheduled breaks".

Advice? Or you think there is a legitimate lawyer or person I can seek advice from to resolve this issue?

Thanks,
Gloria