Examine the many work permit alternatives available to foreign graduates in Canada, such as spousal, IEC, TFWP, AIP, and PNP. Keep abreast of PGWP modifications.

There are a number of different work permit options available to recent graduates who are no longer eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or who have PGWPs that are about to expire. International grads can continue to work in Canada and keep their legal status thanks to these options. An organized guide to comprehending these choices can be found below.

Work Permit Pathways

1. Free-Trade Agreement-Based Work Permits

– Eligibility: Accessible to nationals of nations that have free trade agreements with Canada.

– Details: Certain agreements, like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), have different conditions.

2. International Experience Canada (IEC)

– Eligibility: for nationals of nations with which Canada has bilateral youth mobility agreements.

– Age Limit: Usually 35 or under (30 in some countries).

Work Permit Types:

– Working Holiday: Less restrictive open work permit.
– Young Professionals: Employer-specific; a job offer is necessary.
– International Co-op (Internship): connected to academic standards and particular to the employer.

3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

– Eligibility: Needs a favorable or neutral Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and the backing of the employer.

– Details: Work permit that is customized to the employer and has different standards depending on the employment stream. Under the Global Talent Stream, there are certain exclusions.

4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

– Eligibility: Offer of employment in one of the Atlantic provinces (Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland and Labrador) from a designated employer.

– Details: Permits an employer-specific work permit while seeking permanent residency and has provincial endorsement.

5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permits

– Eligibility: With a letter of provincial endorsement, candidates nominated under a PNP may apply for a work permit.

– Updates: In some areas, PNP candidates are eligible to apply for work permits under a temporary policy that will be in effect until December 31, 2024.

6. Spousal Open Work Permits

– Post-Secondary Studies: If your spouse is enrolled in an approved post-secondary program, they are eligible.

– Family Sponsorship: Eligible if a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors your application for permanent residence.

PGWP Updates and Alternatives

What is a PGWP?

Graduates of qualified post-secondary programs in Canada are permitted to work in Canada under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Up to three years is the maximum duration of the permit, which is determined by the length of the program.

Changes to PGWP Eligibility

The following are the updated PGWP qualifying requirements as of November 1, 2024:

– Pre-November 2024: Most post-secondary full-time programs lasting more than eight months were eligible.

– Post-November 2024: Programs in colleges and vocational universities must be in line with the demands of the Canadian labor market.

– Programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are unaffected.

Working While Awaiting a Decision

Graduates can start working full-time as soon as they finish their education if:

– Permitted to work off campus while pursuing their studies.

– Before the study permit ended, they applied for a work permit.

– Keeping a valid status in Canada while awaiting a decision on the work permit application.

Summary Table of Work Permit Options