If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is coming to an end, it doesn’t necessarily mean your time working in Canada has to. According to Maple News, many international graduates have the option to remain in the country and continue their employment by transitioning to a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to address labour shortages when no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role. Under this program, work permits are employer-specific, meaning the permit holder is only authorized to work for the employer named on the permit.
One of the essential requirements in this process is obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that confirms the need for a foreign worker and that no qualified Canadians are available to fill the position. A positive or neutral LMIA is mandatory before an applicant can apply for a TFWP work permit.
Only employers can apply for an LMIA, and they must meet stringent criteria including advertising the job across multiple channels and proving that they’ve made efforts to hire domestically. Some occupations and industries qualify under streamlined processes like the Global Talent Stream, which can shorten processing times.
While the process can be more complex than other immigration routes, the TFWP is open to workers in a wide range of industries and individuals from all nationalities, making it a flexible, though regulated, option. It’s worth noting that having an LMIA opens the door not only to a work permit but potentially to permanent residence pathways as well.
If you’re an international graduate with a soon-to-expire PGWP and you wish to stay in Canada, it’s critical to begin discussions with your current or prospective employer about the LMIA process and evaluate if they are willing to support your application.
Maple News encourages graduates to prepare early, as the process—from obtaining an LMIA to applying for and receiving the work permit—can take several weeks or even months. Early planning and an open dialogue with your employer are key to a successful transition.
Understanding the TFWP and its requirements can not only extend your stay in Canada but also solidify your employment prospects and set the foundation for longer-term immigration goals.