After you graduate from a Canadian school, you can continue your journey in Canada by working, gaining experience, or applying for permanent residence. Canada offers several clear and flexible pathways for international students who want to stay and build a future.
On This Page You Will Find
- Work eligibility through a Post‑Graduation Work Permit
- 2025 PGWP updates including field‑of‑study and partnership restrictions
- Permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Graduate‑friendly Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams
- Timelines and conditions for staying in Canada after your studies
With a Canadian credential and local experience, you may be eligible for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or you may qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Work Experience Through a Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The PGWP allows eligible graduates to work for up to three years after completing an eligible program. This permit is open – meaning you can work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
PGWP Eligibility (2025 rules)
To qualify, you must:
- Have completed a full‑time program of at least eight months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Graduate from:
- A public post‑secondary institution (college, university, or CEGEP), or
- A private institution in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public institutions, or
- A Canadian private institution that is authorised to grant degrees under provincial law
- Apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation that your program is complete
- Hold a valid study permit at the time you apply
- Maintain full‑time student status in each academic session of your program (except for your final term or an approved leave)
If your study permit has expired, you may still apply for a PGWP within 90 days by first applying to restore your status.
Important 2025 Updates
- If your program began on or after May 15, 2024, and is delivered through a public–private partnership or curriculum licensing arrangement, it does not qualify for a PGWP.
- Starting in 2025, some programs must also meet a field‑of‑study requirement.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – A Pathway to Permanent Residence
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of three programs managed under Express Entry. It allows international graduates with skilled Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence quickly.
CEC Eligibility
You must:
- Have at least 1 year of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) skilled work experience in Canada gained in the last 3 years
- Have gained this experience while holding valid authorisation to work (e.g., PGWP)
- Submit valid language test results from an approved provider
- Intend to live outside Quebec
Work experience must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
Express Entry is points‑based, so additional factors such as age, education, and language scores affect your ranking.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Graduates
Most provinces and territories offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that include special streams for international graduates. These streams allow you to apply for permanent residence with or without Express Entry, depending on the stream.
General PNP Eligibility
While each province has its own criteria, most graduate streams require:
- Graduation from a post‑secondary institution in the province
- A valid job offer or relevant Canadian work experience
- Demonstrated language proficiency
- Intent to live and work in the province long‑term
Examples of graduate‑focused PNP streams:
- Ontario International Student Stream (under Employer Job Offer category)
- BC Skills Immigration – International Graduate
- Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Nova Scotia International Graduates in Demand Stream
PNP nominations provide a direct route to permanent residence and often lead to faster processing.
FAQ
How long can I work in Canada after graduation?
With a PGWP, you can work for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. The permit is open, so you do not need a job offer or LMIA.
What are the new PGWP rules in 2025?
PGWP rules now exclude programs delivered through public–private partnerships or curriculum licensing deals (if started after May 15, 2024). Some fields of study must also meet IRCC’s eligibility list.
Do I need Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence?
Yes, for the Canadian Experience Class you need 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in the last 3 years. Other programs like PNPs may have different requirements.
Can I apply for Express Entry while holding a PGWP?
Yes. Many graduates use their PGWP to gain work experience and then apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, including the CEC stream.
Which provinces have programs for international graduates?
Almost every province offers a PNP stream for graduates. Some popular ones include Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. Each program has its own criteria and process.
