The goal of the PGWP program is to enable international students to gain Canadian work experience that will enable them to meet the requirements for permanent residence in Canada.
"In some Canadian provinces, once an international student secures a job using the PGWP, such a student may be automatically eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada, through a provincial nomination program. Some other provinces require new graduates to have worked for a period of 6 months to 1 year before applying for permanent residence through provincial nomination. Notwithstanding the differences in the approaches of the provinces, the most important thing is that international students have a pathway to become permanent residents based on the experience gained using their PGWP."
— Immigration Pathways Overview
Transform your Canadian education and work experience into permanent residency through multiple pathways
Get nominated by a province based on your work experience and skills gained through PGWP.
Apply for PR after gaining at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada.
Choose from various immigration programs based on your qualifications and experience.
Include your spouse and dependent children in your permanent residency application.
Benefit from expedited processing times for candidates with Canadian education and experience.
Gain additional points in Express Entry for Canadian education and work experience.
Key immigration programs available to international graduates
Immigration Programs
Min. Work Experience
Provinces & Territories
Processing Times
Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province. Each province has its own criteria and streams for nomination.
In some provinces, once you secure a job using your PGWP, you may be automatically eligible to apply for permanent residence through provincial nomination. Other provinces require 6 months to 1 year of work experience before you can apply.
Popular PNP streams for international graduates include Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), and Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).
Apart from being able to apply for permanent residence through provincial nomination, international students who have worked for at least 1 year using a PGWP may also be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class.
The Canadian Experience Class is part of the Express Entry system and is designed for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience. You need at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years to be eligible.
CEC applicants benefit from additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Canadian education and work experience, making it easier to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Let Crest Immigration help you navigate the pathways to permanent residency and build your future in Canada.