Work permit alternatives for international grads ineligible for PGWPs

Highlights: Canada work permit options for international grads ineligible for PGWPs

• As of November 1, 2024, the Canadian government has updated the eligibility criteria for the PGWPs.
• Graduates not eligible for PGWPs can apply for IEC, TFWP, AIP, PNP, and SOWP work permits.
• These other alternatives will also provide legal status for working in Canada.
• Free-trade Agreement-based work visas will also be eligible for applicants working in Canada.

 

*Want to work in Canada? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

 

What is PGWP?

The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows Canadian post-secondary international graduates to work in the country. Candidates who are enrolled in a DLI program are eligible for a PGWP that is valid for three years.

 

Eligibility Criteria to apply for a PGWP

As of November 1, 2024, Canada has changed the eligibility criteria for the PGWP. PGWP application before November 1, 2024, whoever has been enrolled in full-time post-secondary programs at DLIs greater than 8 months in length will qualify for PGWP. However, after November 1, 2024, if they are enrolled in a college or university vocational program aligned to the field of study with Canada’s labor market needs, they will be eligible for a PGWP.

 

*Want to study in Canada? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

 

International Graduates have alternatives instead of PGWPs

The recent international and upcoming graduates have options to consider instead of post-graduation work permits that will help them gain legal status to work in Canada, such as:

 

• Free-trade agreement-based work permits;
• International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits;
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permits;
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permits;
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominee or candidate work permits.
• Spousal open work permit - post-secondary studies;
• Spousal open work permit - family sponsorship.

 

Eligible to work after finishing studies in Canada with a Canada work permit

After students have completed their study program, they can start working full-time immediately once they meet all the following requirements:

 

• Valid status to apply for a Canada work permit
• Allowed to work off campus during their studies
• Applied for a work permit before the study permit expires
• Awaiting for a decision on a work permit application

 

Work Permit Type	Description	Eligibility criteria
Free-trade agreement based	The free trade agreement is a unique work permit for foreign nationals based on their citizenship of the country with a free trade agreement with Canada.  Canada has several free trade agreements that allow work permits for eligible foreign nationals under the International Mobility Program (IMP).	Must be from an eligible country with a free trade agreement with Canada
		Requirements will vary depending on the agreement
International Experience Canada (IEC)	The IEC is a government program that will allow citizens of a particular country to work and travel in Canada for two years.	Applicants must be from eligible bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada.
		Aged below 35
Temporary Foreign Worker Program	Temporary foreign worker program work permits are employer-specific work permits that allow an applicant to work only for the employer specified on the work permit.	Must have a positive or neutral labour-market-impact assessment (LMIA).
		Employer must meet the criteria depending on the stream
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway that provides permanent residency and work permits to eligible candidates. An applicant can apply if they have a job offer from a designated employer from Canadian provinces	Have a job offer and sponsorship for AIP.
		Must have an endorsed job offer.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidate work permits	The PNP is an immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate people to live and work in the region.	PNP program candidate
		Requirements will be different depending on the PNP
Spousal open work permit – post-secondary studies	This work permit is for a common-law partner whose spouse is enrolled as a student in a study permit at a Canadian post-secondary institution.	Must be enrolled in a qualifying program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Spousal open work permit – family sponsorship	This open work permit is for candidates who Canada PR or citizens are sponsoring for PR applications.	Their spouse must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have sponsored you to submit a PR application.

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance to migrate to Canada? Talk to Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Australia.

 

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration News!