Maple News reports that recent and soon-to-be international student graduates in Canada who are ineligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or whose PGWPs are expiring, still have several alternative pathways to legally continue working in Canada.
One major route to consider includes work permits tied to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between Canada and other countries. These agreements, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), allow eligible foreign nationals to obtain work permits without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), under the International Mobility Program.
Graduates under the age of 35 (30 for some nationalities) may qualify for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program if they are from countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada. This program provides a temporary open work permit that allows young individuals to gain Canadian work experience.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is another option, although it requires employer involvement. Applicants must have a job offer from a Canadian employer who has received a positive or neutral LMIA. Employers must meet additional criteria depending on the stream used.
Graduates in Canada’s Atlantic provinces can explore the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), provided they have a job offer from a designated employer. Similarly, those nominated or being considered under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may be eligible for employer-supported work permits depending on the specific requirements of each province.
For those with Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouses, a Spousal Open Work Permit may be available. This can be applied through either a spousal sponsorship stream or when the spouse is enrolled in eligible post-secondary studies in Canada.
International graduates may also begin working full-time immediately after completing their academic program if they meet specific conditions: they were authorized to work off-campus during their studies, they submitted a work permit application before their study permit expired, and they maintain valid status in Canada while awaiting a decision.
In summary, while loss of PGWP eligibility can be a hurdle, several alternate paths remain for skilled graduates to stay, work, and eventually transition to permanent residency in Canada. According to Maple News, early planning and understanding of these pathways are crucial to remain in legal status and maximize post-graduation opportunities.