Work permit alternatives for international grads ineligible for PGWPs

Highlights: Work permit options for international students who are no longer eligible for PGWPs

• Canada has recently updated the eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduate Work Permit.
• International students ineligible for PGWP can apply for other work permits in Canada.
• Recent international grads can apply for IEC, TFWP, AIP, and SOWP to work in Canada legally.
• Other alternatives to gaining legal work status in Canada include free-trade agreement-based work permits.

 

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Who is no longer eligible for PGWPs?

According to Canada's new rule from 1st Nov for foreign work visa and permits, international students who were enrolled in a college program or a vocational program would only be eligible for PGWP if their study program align with the demands if Canadian labor market.

Under the updated eligibility criteria for PGWP, college graduates are required to score a minimum of CLB 5 or equivalent in language proficiency test. International students not fulfilling the above criteria are no longer eligible to apply for Canada PGWP upon graduation in Canada.

 

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Types of Canada work permits for ineligible PGWPs

 

The table below lists the types of work permits in Canada you can apply for if you are ineligible for Canada PGWP:

Type of Work Permit	Who can apply?
International Experience Canada	Candidates aged below 35 years from countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada
Temporary Foreign Worker Program	Candidates having an LMIA-approved job and meeting other requirements as per the stream
Atlantic Immigration Program	Candidates having  a valid job offer endorsed by the province and an employer willing to sponsor them
Provincial Nominee Program Candidate Work Permit	PNP Candidates fulfilling the  requirements of the specific province
Spousal Open Work Permit (post-secondary studies)	Spouses of international students enrolled in a qualifying program at a Canadian post-secondary institution
Spousal Open Work Permit (family sponsorship)	Spouses of Canadian citizens or PRs and have already applied for Canada PR visa
Free-trade agreement-based work permit	Candidates from a country that has a free trade agreement with Canada

 

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When can international students start working after applying for a Canadian work permit?

 

You can start working immediately after completing your study program in Canada. However, you must meet the requirements stated below:

• Your Canadian study permit allows you to work off-campus during your course
• Your work permit application was sent before the expiry of your study permit
• You are waiting for a decision on your work permit
• You have a valid status to apply for a Canadian work permit

 

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