Work Permit Options for International Graduates No Longer Eligible for PGWPs

If you're an international student graduate who is no longer eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or if your PGWP is expiring, don't worry—there are still options available to work legally in Canada. Let's go through some of these options in simple terms to help you understand what might be the best fit for you.

Other Work Permit Options for International Graduates

If you can't get a PGWP, you can explore the following types of work permits:

1. Free Trade Agreement-Based Work Permits: If you come from a country that has a free trade agreement with Canada, you might qualify for a work permit under that agreement. For example, citizens from countries involved in the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) can apply under specific terms.
2. International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits: This program is available to young people (usually aged 18-35, depending on the country) from countries with youth mobility agreements with Canada. There are different types of work permits under IEC, like the Working Holiday visa, which allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, they may support you by applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive or neutral LMIA allows you to apply for a work permit to work for that specific employer.
4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Work Permits: If you have a job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada's Atlantic provinces, you may qualify for a work permit under the AIP. This is also a pathway to permanent residency.
5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permits: Some PNPs offer work permits if you are nominated by a province. This can also be a step toward permanent residency. Make sure to check specific requirements based on the province.
6. Spousal Open Work Permits: If your spouse is studying at a qualifying post-secondary institution or if they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring you, you may be eligible for an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
   
   

Working After Completing Your Studies

If you've completed your studies and want to start working while awaiting your work permit, you can start working full-time immediately if:

• You were allowed to work off-campus during your studies.
• You've applied for a work permit before your study permit expired.
• You're waiting for a decision on your work permit application.

You must maintain valid status in Canada to apply for a work permit from within the country.

Free Trade Agreement-Based Work Permits

Canada has agreements with several countries that allow citizens of those countries to get work permits through the International Mobility Program (IMP). For example, the CUSMA agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico allows eligible citizens to apply for special work permits. If you're from a country with a free trade agreement with Canada, this could be a good option to explore.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Program

The IEC program offers work permits to young people from countries with youth mobility agreements with Canada. There are three types of permits under IEC:

• Working Holiday: Allows you to work for any employer and is an open work permit. You need to show proof of financial resources and health insurance.
• Young Professionals: Requires a job offer and is an employer-specific permit. This is suitable if you want to gain professional work experience related to your field.
• International Co-Op (Internship): Requires a job offer for a work placement related to your studies. This is also an employer-specific permit.

Your eligibility for these permits will depend on your nationality, age, and other conditions.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

If you're not eligible for an IEC or free trade agreement-based work permit, the TFWP might be an option. You'll need a job offer and an LMIA from your employer. This LMIA confirms that hiring you won't negatively impact the Canadian job market. For some occupations, the Global Talent Stream allows for faster processing, but certain requirements must be met.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP is a pathway to permanent residence and also provides work permits to eligible candidates. To qualify, you need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island). You must also meet requirements for language skills, education, and work experience, and your job offer must be endorsed by the province.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permits

Several provinces offer work permits to candidates who are nominated through PNPs. This allows you to work in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed. Some provinces, like British Columbia, provide work permit support letters to nominees, allowing them to apply for work permits.

Spousal Open Work Permits

There are two types of spousal work permits:

• Spousal Open Work Permit (Post-Secondary Studies): If your spouse is studying at a Canadian post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for an open work permit.
• Spousal Open Work Permit (Family Sponsorship): If your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and has sponsored you for permanent residency, you can apply for an open work permit to work while waiting for your application to be processed.
  
  

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes

The PGWP is an open work permit for international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions. However, from November 1, 2024, the eligibility criteria have changed. Now, graduates of vocational or college programs will only be eligible if their field of study aligns with Canada's labour market needs, while university degrees (bachelor's, master's, PhD) are not affected by these new restrictions.

If you're no longer eligible for a PGWP, consider exploring one of the work permit options mentioned above to continue your journey in Canada.