Since the FHSW (Federal High Skilled Worker) Express Entry Draws stopped due to a backlog of applications, it has become rather complicated for international graduates to live in Canada. This is because they become clueless about living in the country once their work permit is over.
It is practically not possible to extend a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) post its expiry but there are several other alternatives for living in Canada either permanently or temporarily.
The other ways to live and settle in Canada apart from FHSW Draws are given below:
1. Provincial Nominee Program- A way out
Enhanced PNPs:
- To meet the labor market needs of provinces and local areas, enhanced nominations are used to nominate individuals through the Express Entry system.
- As per the (CRS) Comprehensive Ranking System), this nomination gives 600 points to the candidates.
- These 600 additional points are included with the other points related to Human Capital and skills. After this, an Invitation to Apply is generated and sent through the Express Entry system for permanent residence.
- A candidate can either start with the Express Entry pool or first be nominated by a province or territory.
- Usually, candidates are expected to be a part of the Express Entry system so that they can easily receive the certificate from the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program.
- Post-Graduate Work Permit candidates can successfully achieve Permanent residency as soon as 6 months.
- Exceptional candidates of PGWP, who hold no expertise in any skills (O, A, or B) can apply through Base PNP via other relevant skills (C&D).
2. Atlantic Immigration Program: Contributing towards Economic Growth
An Atlantic Immigration Program is an effort toward contributing to a rise in the economy by recruiting talented and skilled individuals globally.
Atlantic Immigration Program is a program in which the employer has the main role to play. This means that an aspiring applicant must have an employment offer from a valid employer along with concrete plans for settlement.
After the candidate accepts the job offer, the employer will make sure that the candidate reaches the settlement plan for himself and his family too.
The employers who are looking forward to hiring candidates also need to have proper authority and designation as an employer.
Eligibility requirements for AIP
- Must have a valid job offer for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Labrador, Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
- A minimum 2 years program must be completed.
- Must be skilled in any one of these: Skill types A, O, B and C.
- Work experience is not required for the international graduates who are eligible for this program. As a result, PGWP candidates can apply through this.
3. Checkout the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
Its requirements:
- Graduation under a Post-Secondary Institution which is among the selected rural communities in Canada.
- The institution must have public funding.
- Candidates will be considered eligible if they either bear a Master’s Degree or two years’ experience relevant to a post-secondary Program.
- The rural communities will have their own set of qualifying criteria that candidates are required to fulfill.
4. What about Work Permit?
- There are work permits that do not require the complicated procedure of (LMIA) Labour Marketing Impact Assessment while many other work permits do require it.
- International Mobility Program (IMP)- Temporary Foreign Workers have an opportunity to be employed through this program.
- To be eligible to apply through IMP, one must meet the cultural and economic requirements along with the citizens of Canada and Canadian PRs experiencing mutual benefits and advantages.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) provides permission to Foreign Nationals for staying in Canada during their process of applying for Permanent Residency.
- To enjoy this open work permit, an individual must have a valid existing work permit.
5. Join another Post-secondary Program
- Starting with a new program (post-secondary) is also an available option.
- Joining a new program will provide you with an opportunity to work for 20 hours in one week.
- While you wait to receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) once you are eligible for Express Entry, you can use this option.
It is highly important to note that to stay in Canada you are obligated to possess a valid work permit or status in Canada.
