Here is an overview of the options available to international students and graduates who wish to immigrate to Canada after the completion of their Canadian study programs:
Employer-Specific Work Permit:
This option involves obtaining an employer-specific work permit that allows you to work for a specific employer and gain work experience in Canada. You can eventually apply for permanent residence to the government body of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This option is viable for you if you are not eligible to apply for permanent residence otherwise or your study program makes you ineligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This option is also viable if you have an employment offer for a longer work duration than the PGWP will be valid for.
Gaining work experience in Canada makes international graduates eligible to apply through the Federal Express Entry system to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
Open Work Permit:
An open work permit authorizes you to work anywhere in Canada for any employer. It allows you to switch employers and job positions easily.
International students can apply for a specific type of open work permit known as a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
A PGWP is valid for 3 years and is only for international students whose study program lasts more than 2 years.
This option is perfect for international graduates with a job offer to gain work experience and eventually apply for permanent residence in Canada.
International students can eventually enter the federal Express Entry system and apply for an economic immigration program they are eligible for such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) or the CEC.