I am an International Student with a valid student permit currently doing my final year of high school. I'm 18 and I've recently acquired a job offer from a big retail clothing store. My student visa expires 30/9/2010 but I will renew this as I will be attending a university here.
I've always wanted to work here and I needed the experience to graduate high school.

How likely is it that my work permit will be approved? How long will it take?

Thank you.

Provisions exist for issuance of work permits to foreign students who must work in order to graduate. In some provinces, there are also exemptions from the requirement of a work permit in similar cases. You should speak to you school and/or the school board, who should be able to best advise you.