Altec’s Insight | Are you facing difficulties with immigration? Strategies for International Students and High-Demand Occupations

Immigrating to Canada has long been a goal for many, particularly for international students seeking to build their careers and lives in the country. However, recent policy changes and the impending expiration of over 200,000 international student work permits by 2025 have made the path to permanent residency (PR) more challenging than ever. In this article, we’ll explore the current state of work permits and immigration, the barriers international students face, and potential strategies for transitioning to PR, including high-demand occupations like caregiving and startup immigration.

1. International Student Work Permits in Canada

Canada has become a top destination for international students thanks to its high-quality education and post-graduate work opportunities. Upon completing their studies, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years. The PGWP is an open work permit, enabling graduates to gain valuable work experience, which can eventually lead to permanent residency via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.

However, the process is not without its challenges. The length of the PGWP is contingent on the duration of the student’s study program. For instance, if a student’s program is less than two years long, their work permit will be valid for the same length of time. This creates pressure for international graduates to secure relevant work experience quickly.

2. Expiring Work Permits by 2025

By 2025, more than 200,000 international student work permits are set to expire. This presents a serious issue for those who have not yet secured PR or a new work permit. As many students rely on these permits to gain work experience in Canada, their expiry could disrupt their career progression, forcing them to leave the country before achieving permanent status.

The PGWP typically cannot be renewed, and unless graduates have transitioned to PR or another work permit, they face significant uncertainty about their future in Canada. Although the government has introduced temporary measures, such as a one-time 18-month extension for certain PGWP holders, it remains unclear whether similar provisions will be offered to the cohort affected by the 2025 expiration.

3. Challenges in Transitioning to Permanent Residency

Obtaining permanent residency is the ultimate goal for many international students, but the journey is fraught with obstacles. Express Entry, Canada’s primary system for managing PR applications, uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Unfortunately, the CRS cut-off scores are often high, making it difficult for some international graduates to qualify.

Additionally, many international students may find themselves working in roles that do not meet the criteria for skilled work experience required for Express Entry. The competitive nature of the system, combined with the growing backlog of applications, has left many PGWP holders feeling stuck. Those who do not meet the requirements for the CEC may need to explore alternative PR pathways, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)​.

4. Potential Impact on International Students

The expiration of PGWPs is expected to have far-reaching effects on international students and the Canadian economy. Without viable pathways to PR, many students may be forced to leave the country, resulting in a loss of skilled workers, particularly in industries that depend on young, educated labor. This exodus could exacerbate labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and hospitality.

For students nearing the expiration of their work permits, the uncertainty can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Many are caught in a race against time, struggling to meet PR eligibility criteria or secure a job that qualifies them for another work permit.

5. Government Programs and Advocacy

In response to the growing challenges, advocacy groups and students themselves have called on the Canadian government to introduce more supportive measures. These include extending PGWPs for students affected by processing delays or creating new PR pathways that prioritize international graduates.

The government has already taken steps to address the issue by offering temporary work permit extensions and introducing pilot programs aimed at helping students transition to PR. However, the scope of these programs remains limited, and many students are left searching for alternative solutions.

High-Demand Occupations as a Pathway to Permanent Residency

As immigration barriers increase, it’s crucial to explore alternative pathways that align with Canada’s evolving labor market needs. One of the most promising strategies is to focus on high-demand occupations, which offer a more direct route to permanent residency.

1. Caregiver Immigration

One of the most accessible pathways to PR is through the Caregiver Immigration Program. Caregivers are in high demand across Canada, and the government has recognized their essential role in supporting families and healthcare systems. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot allow caregivers to apply for PR after gaining just 24 months of relevant work experience.

The benefits of caregiver immigration are substantial:

• Low application threshold: Almost anyone with the willingness to work in caregiving roles can apply.

• Short processing times: Applications are processed more quickly than many other PR pathways.

• Direct PR access: In some cases, caregivers can apply for permanent residency without needing an additional work permit.

• Job availability: Caregiving roles are widely available and often come with competitive salaries.

Given the lower barriers to entry, this pathway is particularly appealing for international students whose PGWPs are set to expire but are open to shifting their career focus​.

2. Focus on High-Demand Jobs

Aligning one’s career with high-demand occupations is another effective strategy for securing PR. Canada’s labor market consistently highlights certain sectors as critical to the country’s economic growth. Occupations in healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and engineering are just a few areas with strong demand. Graduates who gain experience in these fields may be eligible for PR through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate individuals for PR based on regional labor shortages.

Furthermore, targeting sectors that offer PR-friendly streams, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), can increase the chances of success. These programs are designed to address labor shortages in specific regions, making it easier for graduates to transition to permanent status.

3. Startup Immigration

For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, the Startup Visa Program presents an alternative pathway to PR. However, this option comes with higher financial costs and greater risk. The program requires applicants to secure investment from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

While previously considered a low-barrier option, the recent introduction of a cap on applications has made this pathway more competitive. Still, for those who have innovative ideas and the resources to pursue them, startup immigration can offer a fast track to PR.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path

As immigration policies tighten and the competition for permanent residency grows, international students and temporary workers must adapt their strategies to stay in Canada. The expiration of over 200,000 PGWPs by 2025 marks a critical juncture for many individuals hoping to transition to PR.

By focusing on high-demand occupations like caregiving, exploring region-specific programs, and considering entrepreneurial opportunities, those affected by expiring work permits can find viable pathways to permanent residency. Altec Global Inc. advises clients to align their career goals with Canada’s labor market needs and take advantage of the flexibility offered by targeted immigration programs.

The road to PR may be challenging, but with the right approach and support, international students and temporary workers can still achieve their goals of making Canada their permanent home.

At Altec Global, we are dedicated to helping individuals achieve their Canadian immigration dreams, no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem. If you need immigration assistance, we encourage you to contact our team for a personalized assessment.