Highlights: Canada offers work permit alternatives for PGWP-ineligible international grads
- Canada offers multiple pathways for international graduates to gain legal work status.
- The Canadian government recently announced PGWP changes effective from November 1, 2024.
- International grads in Canada who are ineligible for a Post-graduate work permit can explore other work permit alternatives.
- Some alternate work permit options are IEC, TFWP, AIP, PNP, Spousal open work permit—family sponsorship, and Free-trade agreement-based work permits.
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Canada Announced Changes to PGWP starting November 2024
The Canadian government has recently announced changes to the eligibility criteria for post-graduate work permits. PGWP applications that were submitted before November 2024 and enrolled in a post-secondary program longer than 8 months can be eligible for the PGWP, while those who submit applications after November 1, 2024, are eligible only if they have studied in a vocational or college program in a study course that aligns with the Canadian labor market needs.
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Work Permit Options for International Grads Ineligible for PGWP
As per the new PGWP eligibility criteria, some international graduates may not qualify to apply for a PGWP. Canada offers other pathways for graduates to gain legal work permit status.
Some of the alternative work permit options for international graduates who are ineligible for PGWP are as follows:
- International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permits
- Free-trade agreement-based work permits
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominee or candidate work permits
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permits
- Spousal open work permit - post-secondary studies
- Spousal open work permit - family sponsorship
*Looking for assistance to work in Canada? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end guidance with the process.
Eligibility criteria for other Canadian Work Permit Alternatives
The table below has the eligibility criteria required to qualify for Canada work permit alternatives:
|
Type of work permit |
Eligibility Criteria |
|
International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits |
Must be 35 years of age or less. |
|
Must be from a country that has a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada |
|
|
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permits |
The Canadian employer must have a neutral or positive LMIA |
|
The employer must fulfill other eligibility criteria for the stream |
|
|
Free-trade agreement-based work permits |
Must be national from a country that has free trade agreements with Canada |
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidate work permits |
Must be enrolled in the PNP program |
|
Must fulfill the requirements that vary based on the chosen PNP program |
|
|
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permits |
Have a valid job offer and a sponsorship from the employer |
|
The province must be willing to endorse your employment offer |
|
|
Spousal open work permit - post-secondary studies |
The spouse must be enrolled in a program at a post-secondary institution in Canada |
|
Spousal open work permit - family sponsorship |
The spouse must be a PR holder or a Canadian citizen and must have sponsored you for a PR application. |
*Looking to work in Canada? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
Requirements to work full-time after completing your study program
International students can work full-time after the completion of their study program if they fulfill the below criteria:
- Have been authorized to work off-campus during your academic studies
- Have applied for a work permit before the expiry of your Canada study permit
- Have been waiting for the status of your work permit application
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canadian immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in UAE!
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