For recent and upcoming graduates who are not eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) or those with expiring PGWPs, alternative pathways are available to maintain legal work status in Canada.
Work Permit Options for Recent International Graduates
If you’re a recent or upcoming graduate no longer eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or facing an expiring PGWP, there are alternative pathways to gain legal work status in Canada. Some of the available options include:
Free-Trade Agreement-Based Work Permits
International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Work Permits
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) Work Permits
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Nominee or Candidate Work Permits
Spousal Open Work Permit – Post-Secondary Studies
Spousal Open Work Permit – Family Sponsorship
Below is a high-level summary of the main eligibility criteria for each option:
Work Permit Type | Eligibility Criteria |
Free-Trade Agreement-Based | - Must be a foreign national from a country with a free trade agreement with Canada. |
- Eligibility varies depending on the agreement. | |
International Experience Canada (IEC) | - Must be a foreign national from a country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada. |
- Must be aged 35 or younger (30 for some countries). | |
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | - Employer must secure a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). |
- Employer must meet other criteria specific to the program stream. | |
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | - Must have a job offer from an employer sponsoring you for the AIP. |
- The job offer must be endorsed by the province. | |
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | - Must be a candidate for a PNP. |
- Requirements vary by province. | |
Spousal Open Work Permit – Post-Secondary Studies | - Your spouse must be enrolled in a qualifying program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. |
Spousal Open Work Permit – Family Sponsorship | - Your spouse must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has sponsored you for permanent residency. |
Can You Work After Applying for a Work Permit?
Yes, you can begin working full-time immediately after completing your studies if you meet all of the following requirements:
You were authorized to work off-campus while studying.
You applied for a work permit before your study permit expired.
You are awaiting a decision on your work permit application.
To apply for a work permit from within Canada, you must maintain valid status.
Free-Trade Agreement-Based Work Permits
If you are a foreign national from a country that has a free trade agreement with Canada, you may be eligible for a work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Canada has several free trade agreements that facilitate work opportunities for eligible individuals. For example, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)—the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)—is one such agreement.
These agreements often include provisions for special work permits, making it easier for citizens of partner countries to work in Canada.
If you’re from a country with a free trade agreement with Canada, it’s worth exploring whether the agreement includes provisions for a work permit that matches your qualifications and situation.
International Work Permit Options for Graduates No Longer Eligible for PGWPs
If you’re a recent international graduate who is no longer eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) due to recent changes in Canadian immigration policies, you may still qualify for other work permit options. Below is a detailed breakdown of the pathways available:
International Experience Canada (IEC)
The IEC program provides work permits for citizens of countries with bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must hold citizenship of an eligible country.
Must be within the age limit (30 or 35, depending on your country).
Work Permit Categories:
Work Permit Type | Summary of Eligibility | Employer-Specific or Open? |
Working Holiday | Financial resources, health insurance | Open |
Young Professionals | Financial resources, health insurance, job offer | Employer-specific |
International Co-op | Financial resources, health insurance, work placement | Employer-specific |
Working Holiday Permits are open permits that allow you to work for any employer in Canada and generally have fewer restrictions.
Young Professionals Permits require a job offer in your field that contributes to your professional development, typically in TEER categories 0-3.
International Co-op Permits are for post-secondary students requiring a work placement related to their studies.
Key Considerations:
Your eligibility and permit conditions depend on your nationality.
Working Holiday permits are highly competitive and often allocated via a lottery system, while employer-specific permits (Young Professionals and Co-op) tend to have higher success rates.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Under the TFWP, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit.
Eligibility Criteria:
Your employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a positive or neutral result.
Your employer must meet specific criteria depending on the job stream.
Special Provisions:
The Global Talent Stream offers faster processing and exemptions from job advertising for certain high-demand roles.
As of September 26, 2024, LMIA processing for low-wage roles in regions with unemployment rates over 6% has been suspended.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP provides a pathway to permanent residence and work permits for eligible candidates in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
Eligibility Criteria:
A job offer from a designated employer in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
Additional criteria include language proficiency, education, work experience, and settlement funds.
Once you apply for permanent residence under AIP, you can receive a work permit valid for up to two years.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permits
Several provinces provide work permits to candidates nominated through PNPs.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a candidate or nominee of a provincial program.
A support letter from the province is required.
Temporary Policy:
Since August 11, 2024, a public policy allows certain provinces to issue work permits to PNP candidates. This policy, set to expire on December 31, 2024, applies to Alberta, Manitoba, and Yukon but may end sooner if revoked.
Spousal Open Work Permits
Post-Secondary Studies:
If your spouse holds a valid study permit for a qualifying program at a Canadian post-secondary institution, you may qualify for an open work permit.
Eligible programs include master’s, PhD, or specific professional degrees such as Medicine, Law, or Engineering.
Family Sponsorship:
If your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse has sponsored you for permanent residence, you can apply for an open work permit while living together in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Overview
The PGWP allows graduates of eligible Canadian programs to work in Canada for up to three years.
Eligibility Changes (Effective November 1, 2024):
Programs in college or university vocational training now require alignment with Canada’s labor market needs to qualify.
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs remain unaffected by these restrictions.
Language study programs remain ineligible for PGWPs.
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