Work permit alternatives for international grads ineligible for PGWPs

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.

 

To know more about how Canada offers the best immigration path for students, also read…

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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

 

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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!

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