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Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit for International Students. 3 Basic things you need to know.

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit or PGWP?

The Post Graduation Work Permit or PGWP is a program by the Canada government, which allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian learning institutions to obtain valuable Canadian work experience. The training and experience gained through this program enable international students to qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry.

PGWP Eligibility Requirements

Applicants can only receive 1 Post-Graduation Work Permit in their lifetime. The first and most important requirement for a PGWP is that the applicant must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI).  Also, the applicant must currently hold a valid temporary status.

Students must also submit clear evidence that they meet all of the below-mentioned criteria:

  • The applicant is required to complete academic, vocational, or professional training at an eligible institution in Canada that lasts for a minimum of 8 months and results in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • The applicant must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study they have completed and submitted as part of their post-graduation work permit application. Exceptions can be made only to the following: leave from studies or Final academic session.
  • The applicant must have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their study. The transcript and official letter must be included in a post-graduation work permit application.

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit, applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

PGWPs can be extended depending on work permit eligibility.

 International student graduates who meet the eligibility requirements for work permits other than the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can maintain their legal status and continue working in Canada by applying for a different type of work permit before their PGWP expires.

You may be able to work full-time as your PGWP is processed. International student graduates who submit their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application before their study permit expires are eligible to work full-time while their application is being processed. if:

  • The student has finished their course of study.
  • They meet the criteria for off-campus work without a work permit, which includes being enrolled as a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program for at least 8 months, resulting in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • They stayed within the limits of the allowed working hours.

  Open Work Permit for a spouse or partner of PGWP holder

Spouses and common-law partners of PGWP holders will be eligible for open work permits under the C41 exemption. In order to be eligible for the work permit without proof of a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

  • Authorized to work in Canada for a minimum of 6 months after a spouse or common-law partner’s open work permit application is received
  • employed in a highly skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, B)
  • Currently living in or intending to live in Canada while being employed.

Management Jobs in Canada: High Demand and Opportunities for Immigrants

The global pandemic has reshaped economies worldwide, and Canada is no exception. In response to the ongoing labor shortages, the Canadian government has introduced a new Immigration Level Plan for 2023-2025, aiming to welcome 1.5 million new immigrants to the country. This strategic move is designed to address labor gaps across key sectors, including healthcare, skilled trades, manufacturing, and technology. Among the most in-demand roles in the country are management jobs in Canada, which are experiencing a significant surge in demand due to the rapid retirement of existing managers and a lack of skilled replacements.

Why Are Management Jobs in High Demand in Canada?

Impact of Labor Shortages

With the ongoing global challenges, Canada’s labor market is struggling to fill key positions, especially in managerial roles. Management jobs are crucial to the functioning of various industries, and the current shortage of qualified workers is exacerbated by the aging population. The Canadian government has prioritized immigration to attract skilled workers who can fill these gaps. As a result, management jobs in Canada are not only plentiful but are expected to remain in high demand in the coming years.

Sectors Seeking Management Professionals

Management roles are required in a wide variety of fields across Canada. Some of the key sectors facing shortages include:

  • Healthcare: With an aging population, healthcare managers are needed to oversee hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
  • Construction: As infrastructure projects continue to grow, construction managers are essential to the planning and execution of building projects.
  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector requires skilled managers to ensure production runs smoothly and efficiently.
  • Technology: With the expansion of tech companies, project managers and IT managers are in demand to help manage teams and projects.

Cities with High Demand for Management Roles

The majority of management jobs in Canada are located in major cities such as Vancouver, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Toronto. These cities are home to growing industries that require strong leadership and managerial expertise to ensure their success. As businesses continue to expand, the need for experienced managers to lead and direct operations becomes even more critical.

Immigration Pathways for Management Jobs in Canada

Express Entry Program

One of the most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers is the Express Entry Program. Under the new immigration plan, the Express Entry Program will target 82,880 candidates in 2023, 109,020 in 2024, and 114,000 in 2025. This program allows skilled workers, including those with experience in management jobs in Canada, to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) based on their skills and work experience.

The program ranks candidates through a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and if your CRS score is 430 or above, you may be eligible to receive an invitation to apply for PR. Workers with at least one year of experience in management can apply for Express Entry, making it a viable option for individuals looking to pursue management careers in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Another excellent pathway for immigrants seeking management jobs in Canada is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This program allows Canadian provinces to nominate individuals who meet specific labor market needs. In 2023, the PNP will target 105,500 applicants, with increasing numbers in 2024 (110,000) and 2025 (117,500). Many provinces have specific streams for skilled workers, including managers, and those who are nominated by a province can apply for PR.

Benefits of Canada PR for Management Professionals

Flexibility and Mobility

One of the key advantages of Canada Permanent Residence (PR) is the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country. PR holders are not restricted to any one employer or province, allowing them the flexibility to pursue management jobs in different regions across Canada.

Family Sponsorship

Canada’s PR program also allows residents to sponsor their family members, enabling them to join in the Canadian experience. This makes Canada an attractive option for individuals looking to start a new life and bring their loved ones along.

Healthcare and Education Benefits

PR cardholders in Canada benefit from free healthcare, which significantly reduces living costs. Children of PR holders can also receive free education up to the 12th grade, making it an appealing choice for families. Moreover, high-paying jobs and tax rebates ensure a good quality of life for permanent residents.

Pathway to Citizenship

Another notable advantage of Canada PR is the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship. After residing in Canada for three years, PR holders are eligible to apply for citizenship, giving them access to all the rights and privileges of Canadian citizens.

Business Opportunities

Permanent residents also have the option to start their own business in Canada. This is an attractive option for management professionals with entrepreneurial ambitions who want to leverage their skills to build a successful venture.

How to Get Started with Your Canada Immigration Process

If you’re interested in pursuing management jobs in Canada and want to explore your immigration options, it’s important to understand your eligibility and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Consulting with a certified immigration consultant can help you navigate the process smoothly. A consultant can provide step-by-step guidance on the application process, suggest the best immigration programs, and help you with documentation, ensuring that you have the best chance of securing PR status.

Conclusion

With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in management roles, now is the perfect time to consider management jobs in Canada. The Canadian government’s new Immigration Level Plan is designed to welcome qualified workers to help fill labor shortages and strengthen the economy. Whether you’re a healthcare manager, construction manager, or IT manager, Canada offers exciting opportunities to build a rewarding career while enjoying the benefits of permanent residency.

The Express Entry Program empowers individuals with exceptional opportunities in healthcare and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) occupations.

Express Entry Program for Healthcare & STEM

On May 31, IRCC unveiled new selection categories for Express Entry Candidates. Two days before, IRCC conducted the first-ever Express Entry Category Based draw inviting healthcare workers. It says it will invite more healthcare workers over the coming week. In addition, IRCC plans to hold its first round of category-based draws for STEM workers next week.

Canada is facing a major labour shortage and the new program aims to support Canada’s economic goals and make the labour force strong. The new categories under the Express Entry Programs are:

  • Healthcare occupations
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
  • Trade occupations
  • Transport occupations
  • Agriculture and agri-food occupations
  • French-language proficiency

High demand for healthcare occupations in the new Express Entry Draws

The healthcare sector is facing the most severe labor issues more seriously than any sector in Canada.  According to Employment and Social Development Canada’s Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), healthcare will become the largest employing sector in Canada, with more than 2.5 million workers by 2031 (up from 2.2 million in 2021).
Almost half of the eligible occupations for the new category-based draws fall under the healthcare category. Have a look at the different occupations:

  • Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
  • Chiropractors
  • Dentists
  • Dieticians and nutritionists
  • Education counsellors
  • General practitioners and family physicians
  • Instructors of persons with disabilities
  • Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
  • Licensed practical nurses
  • Massage therapists
  • Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
  • Medical laboratory technologists
  • Medical radiation technologists
  • Medical sonographers
  • Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors
  • Occupational therapists
  • Optometrists
  • Other assisting occupations in support of health services
  • Other practitioners of natural healing
  • Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
  • Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
  • Paramedical occupations
  • Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
  • Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
  • Physiotherapists
  • Psychologists
  • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
  • Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
  • Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
  • Specialists in surgery
  • Therapists in counseling and related specialized therapies
  • Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
  • Veterinarians

STEM Occupations in the new Express Entry Draws

Occupations in Science, Technology, and Mathematics are also in high demand in Canada.  ICT revenues reached $242 billion in 2021, as per the report. Canada is a leading hub for AI, with 1,032 AI and machine learning companies. However, the retirement rate and rapid technological advancements are creating a skills gap in the labour force, causing some employers to hire less qualified candidates, which hampers business growth.

“One of Canada’s greatest strengths is its ability to attract talent. This new STEM-focused category-based selection round will support our science and technology sector and its workforce, by attracting even more of the skilled talent that companies need to drive innovation and realize their growth potential. “Combining its unparalleled ability to attract talent with the innovative capacity of its entrepreneurs, Canada is the best place in the world to start and scale a technology company.” François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada stated in a media release.

Most of the occupations eligible under the STEM category provide high salaries from the beginning. Take a look at the major occupations eligible under this category:

  • Architects
  • Architecture and science managers
  • Business systems specialists
  • Civil Engineers
  • Computer and information systems managers
  • Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
  • Computer systems developers and programmers
  • Cybersecurity specialists
  • Data scientists
  • Database analysts and data administrators
  • Electrical and electronics engineers
  • Engineering managers
  • Industrial and manufacturing engineers
  • Information systems specialists
  • Land surveyors
  • Landscape Architects
  • Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
  • Metallurgical and materials engineers
  • Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers
  • Software developers and programmers
  • Software engineers and designers
  • Urban and land use planners
  • Web designers
  • Web developers and programmers

Express Entry: Canada invites 4800 candidates in first draw of June 2023

The IRCC held its 14th Express Entry draw for 2023.

In June’s initial draw, following the recent draw on May 24, a total of 4,800 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 488 were invited in an all-program draw. Notably, this minimum score requirement is higher compared to the previous all-program draw on April 26, which had a minimum CRS score requirement of 483.

Exciting news from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada): they have recently introduced six new category-based selection criteria for Express Entry candidates. These categories aim to attract candidates with specific attributes that align with Canada’s economic goals. The new categories include:

  1. Healthcare professionals
  2. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experts
  3. Skilled tradespeople (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
  4. Transportation industry workers
  5. Agriculture and agri-food specialists
  6. Candidates with strong French speaking abilities

These categories have been established to ensure that Canada’s immigration system remains responsive to the evolving needs of its economy. Candidates with relevant work experience in these fields will have enhanced opportunities to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system.

Looking at the numbers, excluding the current draw, IRCC has already invited a significant number of candidates in 2023. Over 13 draws, a total of 49,948 candidates have received invitations. This figure is notably higher than the number of candidates invited between July and November 2022, during which IRCC did not hold any all-program draws until July 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (with 31,000 candidates invited).

IRCC’s Commitment to Economic Growth through Express Entry

The Express Entry system continues to be a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, enabling skilled individuals to contribute to the country’s economic and social development. The 14th draw for 2023 highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals, with IRCC consistently inviting a large pool of candidates from diverse fields.

New Category-Based Selection Criteria

In June 2023, IRCC introduced six new category-based selection criteria to better align the immigration system with Canada’s evolving economic needs. These categories aim to attract candidates with the skills and expertise required to address critical labor shortages in key sectors:

Healthcare Professionals

Canada’s aging population and rising healthcare demands have created an urgent need for qualified healthcare professionals. This category focuses on attracting doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare workers who can enhance the country’s healthcare system.

STEM Experts

As a global leader in technological innovation, Canada actively seeks candidates with expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This category prioritizes professionals such as software developers, data scientists, and engineers.

Skilled Tradespeople

With a growing need for infrastructure development, skilled tradespeople like carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are in high demand. This category ensures that the construction and related industries have access to a robust workforce.

Transportation Industry Workers

Canada’s transportation sector is a vital component of its economy. Workers in logistics, trucking, and aviation are crucial to maintaining the supply chain, making this category a strategic focus.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Specialists

As a significant contributor to Canada’s GDP, the agriculture and agri-food sector requires a steady influx of skilled labor to ensure its continued growth.

French-Speaking Candidates

To promote bilingualism and support Francophone communities, IRCC is prioritizing candidates with strong French-speaking abilities, especially for regions outside Quebec.

Record Invitations in 2023

The Express Entry system has seen a significant rise in invitations in 2023, with over 49,948 candidates invited across 13 draws so far. This remarkable increase demonstrates IRCC’s dedication to addressing labor shortages and supporting economic recovery. Compared to the disrupted draws of 2022 due to the pandemic, 2023 has been a year of dynamic progress.

CRS Score Trends

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for the 14th draw in 2023 was set at 488, slightly higher than the 483 required in April’s all-program draw. This reflects IRCC’s strategy to maintain high standards while ensuring the selection of top-tier candidates.

Why Express Entry Matters

Express Entry provides a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled professionals, offering a transparent and efficient process. It remains a critical tool for Canada to meet its economic objectives, ensuring the steady arrival of talent to fill essential roles in various industries.

Future Trends and Opportunities

As IRCC continues to fine-tune its selection criteria and increase draw frequencies, candidates with experience in priority categories will have enhanced opportunities to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The focus on category-based selection is expected to remain strong, aligning immigration policies with Canada’s labor market needs.

How to Maximize Your Chances

Staying informed about the latest trends and updates is crucial for candidates aiming to immigrate through Express Entry. By understanding the selection criteria and maintaining a competitive CRS score, candidates can significantly increase their chances of receiving an ITA.

Ready to explore your Express Entry options? Stay updated with the latest changes and prepare your application to make your Canadian dream a reality!