With the FHS Express Entry draws on hold indefinitely, many overseas graduates are left with little choice to stay in Canada after their PGWP expires. The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) permits overseas graduates to work for three years in Canada. This sort of work permit, unfortunately, cannot be renewed. However, various ways may allow PGWP holders to stay in Canada temporarily or permanently.
Here are five possibilities for PGWP holders who want to stay in Canada after their permit expires while FHS drawings are still halted:
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
There are many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for international graduates who desire to stay in their home province in Canada. Several nominee programs, known as “enhanced” PNPs, incorporate Express Entry technology. A candidate who will receive a nomination through an upgraded PNP receives 600 points toward their Express Entry CRS score. Canada has continued to hold Express Entry drawings for PNP recipients throughout the outbreak.
As a result, a PGWP holder may be eligible for Express Entry’s expedited processing time. PGWP holders might get permanent residency status within six months after applying. Other PNP possibilities are available for PGWP holders who have not completed work experience in an occupational skill category qualifying for Express Entry. Many provinces have “basic” PNPs that allow students with C and D skills to apply.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program supports recent graduates of an Atlantic post-secondary institution in acquiring permanent status. This system may allow PGWP holders to remain in Canada until their permit expires.
Candidates must have completed a qualifying program for two years or have a job offer in one of the provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
The benefit of this program is that qualifying overseas graduates are not required to have a certain amount of job experience. This will allows PGWP holders to apply even before they start working. It will be advantageous for PGWP holders who have not gained sufficient work experience to apply for other programs before their permit expires. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program ended on December 31, 2021, and was replaced by the permanent Atlantic Immigration Program on March 6, 2022.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
If you graduated from public supported post-secondary institution in one of eleven specified rural sites across Canada, you might be eligible to apply under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). Candidates for the pilot program must have a master’s degree or have completed two years of post-secondary school and have volunteered in the community for a specified period. Each rural community has its qualifications for anyone interested in applying to its program.
Work Permit
Most work permits require companies to go through the time-consuming and costly procedure of obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). There are, however, other ways to apply for a work visa that does not necessitate an LMIA. Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian firms to hire temporary foreign employees without conducting a labor market impact assessment (LMIA).
Your job should provide broader economic, cultural, or other competitive advantages for Canada and the reciprocal benefits Canadians and permanent residents receive to qualify for an LMIA-exempt work visa. You may be eligible for a bridging open work permit if you are eligible to apply for permanent residency before your PGWP expires. This permission will allow you to work while your permanent residency application is processed.
Enroll in a new post-secondary program.
Enrolling in a new post-secondary program in Canada may allow you to work up to 20 hours per week while remaining in the country. If you qualify for Express Entry but have to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), this might be a method for you to stay in Canada while you wait. It is vital to remember that you will not be able to work in Canada if you do not have a valid work visa or maintain status. To stay in Canada, you must have a valid visa.
Do not hesitate to contact Nest Seekers Immigration to learn more about your possibilities for staying in Canada once your PGWP work visa expires.