Student Program: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit to do an EMS/placement in Canada? 

Students may be eligible to enter Canada for an unpaid EMS under a work-permit exemption with the possibility of staying in Canada for a maximum of 30 consecutive days during this time.  Our team will provide support to ensure you have the information and documentation needed for this process. 

May I work in Canada during my school breaks if I am a non-Canadian/Permanent Resident? 

Depending on your citizenship and whether you have worked in Canada in the past, you may be eligible to participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. At this time, we are unable to provide financial assistance or guidance in applying for this type of visa. Please note, this program has limitations for how frequently it can be used and using it for school holidays may limit your options for future immigration should you wish to come to Canada for work after graduation. 

We have a limited number of paid summer positions each year.  We hope to open applications in January 2025 and have more information at that time. 

Do you offer accommodations or financial support for students to participate in unpaid EMS placements? 

We have a small number of clinics which can provide accommodations during your stay.  These accommodations vary in type (shared room in a staff member’s house, space at the clinic, etc.) and are available on a first come, first served basis.  It is important to note that most of the accommodations are not found in large, city centers which may limit public transportation and require you to consider options for navigating from airports, to/from the clinic, and sight-seeing. 

At this time, we are unable to provide additional financial support during your placements. 

Do you hire new graduates in your clinics? 

We love welcoming new grads into our clinics and would be happy to chat about opportunities based on your aspirations and passions! Providing strong mentorship is a priority for us, so not all of our openings will be the right fit for an early career veterinarian. For this reason, we meet with you one on one to understand what you are looking for and can help introduce you to clinics that we think could be a great match. 

Not from Canada or a Canadian Permanent Resident? No worries! We will collaborate closely with our Global Mobility Specialist to understand your unique visa and immigration needs, providing you with comprehensive support throughout your journey to Canada, including integration and onboarding once you are in Canada. 

More questions?  Book a one on one with us amy.butler@vetstrategy.com.