Recent alterations to Canada’s Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) scheme have allowed several international students to wonder about their future occupational opportunities. While the PGWP remains a beneficial alternative for graduates from specific educational courses, investigating optional routes to acquiring lawful work status is essential.
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Understanding The New Post-Graduation Work Permit
Qualification
Beginning 1 November 2024, the qualification measures for the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) have been restricted. While university certificates remain qualified, college diplomas and professional certificates must match Canada’s labor market requirements to be eligible for a PGWP.
Work Permit Alternatives For Foreign Graduates In Canada
For people who do not satisfy the new Post Graduation Work Permit measures or whose existing Post Graduation Work Permit is expired, so many other work permit alternatives can be regarded to operate in Canada:
Free Trade Agreement-Based Work Permits
Qualified graduates from nations with free trade agreements, such as CUSMA, can apply for professionalized work permits under the International Mobility Program. Qualifications and requirements differ depending on the agreement between Canada and the candidate’s home nation.
Hint
Check certain consensus to check if your country and type of job is eligible.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits
The International Experience Canada (IEC) provides work permits for youth from nations with bilateral consensus with Canada. Based on the country, applicants between 18 and 35 can apply for Working Holiday, Young Experts, or International Co-op permits, each with special measures and advantages.
The types of IEC permits:
- Working holiday visa
- Young professionals
- International Co-op
Qualified nations:
Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others.
Age cap:
Naturally between the ages of 18 to 35, though most nations possess a cut-off at the age of 30/
Understand that the Working Holiday permit is famous but uses a lottery system. Employer-specific passes usually have higher success percentages.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program Work Permits
Graduates can apply for employer-specific passes under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Employers are required to acquire a favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to ensure that employing an international employee will not negatively influence Canadian employment. Specific streams, such as the Global Talent Stream, expedite processing.
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Steps:
- The employer makes an application for an LMIA
- Favorable or neutral LMIA permits international employees to apply for a permit.
Fast track:
The global Talent Stream expedites requests for specific tech and highly skilled positions.
Know that low-income stream LMIAs are presently on hold in high-unemployment regions.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Work Permits
The Atlantic Immigration Program permits graduates to operate in Canada’s Atlantic regions. Candidates require an employment offer from an assigned employer and regional authorization. This route also results in permanent residence, given that additional measures, including language and living finances, are satisfied.
Conditions
- Employment offer from an assigned employer
- Regional authorization
- Language, education, and employment skill measures.
Advantages:
Provides a route to permanent residence
Provincial Nominee Program Work Permit
The Provincial Nominee Program permits applicants to work in specific regions with high-request experiences. Candidates are required to get a nomination and letter of sponsorship from the region. Current guidelines enable quicker processing for applicants in Manitoba, Alberta, and Yukon via temporary public standards.
Provincial nominee program work permits are obtainable for applicants assigned by a region. The regional nomination can result in permanent residency quickly.
Major Considerations For Foreign Graduates
- Study your alternatives: Carefully assess each alternative to specify your qualifications and prospective advantages.
- Meet with an Immigration advisor: Look for expert recommendations to navigate the problematic relocation procedure.
- Plan on time: This is primarily for programs with longer processing durations.
- Leverage your connection: Link with other international students, sector experts, and alums.
- Be up-to-date on immigration guidelines: Be updated on the modifications in relocation laws.
Navigating Canada’s work permit alternatives can be challenging; however, several routes are available beyond the Postgraduate. Knowing your qualifications and enticing very fast can guarantee that you remain on track to get employed and settle in Canada.
