International students who do not meet the new PGWP criteria or whose existing PGWP is expiring now have six work permit options restricted based on nationality.

Post Graduate Work Permit Eligibility Tightening

The eligibility criteria for PGWPs in Canada were tightened in November 2024. Under the tightened program, university degrees remain eligible for post graduate work permits, while college diplomas and vocational certificates must now align with Canada’s labor market needs to qualify for work permits.

This has raised concerns among international students about their future career prospects, hence the desire of international students to look for alternate ways to secure Canadian work permits. Nigerian students are also not left behind.

Post Graduate Work Permit Options for Nigerian Graduates in Canada

Due to the recent adjustments to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, Nigerian students would have to explore alternative pathways for securing legal work status.

Here are the options open to Nigerian students:

International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit

The International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits offers Youths from countries with bilateral agreements with Canada like Nigeria an opportunity to apply for work permits under three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-operation.

The working Holiday permit requires financial proof and health insurance and provides an open work permit, while the Young Professionals and International Co-op permits are employer-specific and require a job offer and financial proof for a work permit to be granted.

The age limit for this permit typically ranges from 18-35 years.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permit

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permits allow graduates apply for employer-specific permits, provided their employers secure a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).  This ensures hiring a foreign worker does not negatively impact Canadian jobs. The TFWP route greatly favors applications for Tech and highly skilled roles.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers Graduates an opportunity to get work permits provided they get a job offer from a designated employer and a provincial endorsement to work in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

This program can also lead to permanent residence if additional criteria, such as language and settlement funds, are met.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) work permit

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) enables candidates with high-demand skills to work in specific provinces.

Applicants for this permit must receive a nomination and support letter from the province, a provincial nomination can accelerate the route to permanent residency for post graduate students.

Spousal Open Work Permit

Spousal Open Work Permits provide an opportunity for spouses of international students or Canadian citizens/permanent residents. Those enrolled in master’s, PhD, or professional degree programs can have their spouses apply for open work permits, allowing them to work anywhere in Canada during their partner’s study permit.

Similarly, spouses undergoing family sponsorship can apply for open work permits, enabling them to work while their permanent residence application is processed.