New Work Permit Options For International Grade Ineligible For PGWP

For international graduates who are no longer eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), or whose PGWPs are set to expire, there are other pathways available to maintain legal work status in Canada. These options can be crucial for those looking to stay and work in the country after completing their studies.

A variety of work permits cater to different situations and may provide a solution. Here are some of the key options available:

Foreign nationals from countries that have free trade agreements with Canada may qualify for work permits through these agreements. The Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), for example, allows individuals from member countries to apply for a work permit under the International Mobility Program. Each agreement has its specific eligibility criteria, so it’s important to verify whether you qualify.

The International Experience Canada (IEC) offers a chance for youth from certain countries to work in Canada. To qualify, applicants must be citizens of countries that have a youth mobility agreement with Canada and be under the age of 30 or 35, depending on the country. There are three types of IEC work permits:

• Working Holiday: This is an open work permit that allows holders to work for any employer in Canada.
• Young Professionals: For individuals who have a job offer in a position that contributes to professional development.
• International Co-op (Internship): A work placement required for your post-secondary studies.

The Working Holiday option is popular but often highly competitive, with a lottery system for available spots.

For those who aren’t eligible for free-trade or IEC work permits, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) could be an option. This program requires the support of an employer who must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) showing that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. TFWP work permits are employer-specific, meaning you can only work for the employer listed on your permit.

For those interested in settling in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) could provide a route to both work and permanent residency. You must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces, and the employer needs to get the job offer endorsed by the province. Applicants must also meet certain language, education, and work experience requirements.

Another option for work permits comes through provincial nominee programs (PNPs). For example, some provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba allow candidates nominated for PNPs to obtain work permits. These programs are temporary and often come with specific eligibility criteria, including obtaining a support letter from the province.

If your spouse is studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution or is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring you for permanent residency, you might qualify for an open work permit. The eligibility depends on your spouse’s status and whether they are enrolled in a qualifying program or have sponsored you for permanent residence.

Graduates who have completed their studies can start working immediately while awaiting their work permit application decision, provided they have applied for a work permit before their study permit expires and meet other requirements.

The Canadian government has changed the eligibility criteria for PGWPs as of November 1, 2024. Students enrolled in college or university vocational programs may only qualify if their field of study meets Canada’s labor market needs. However, university bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs remain eligible without these restrictions.

These options provide valuable alternatives for graduates looking to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies, even if they no longer qualify for a PGWP.