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? |
|
Candidates aged below 35 years from countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada |
|
|
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 |
*Want to apply for Canada visas? Y-Axis is here to provide end-to-end assistance!
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
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canada Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
For recent immigration updates on Canada, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration Updates!
