Applicants to the International Graduate category should hold either:
- a full-time, indeterminate position related to their field of study, or
- a position that is commensurate with their skills, experience and/or training.
Applicants are permitted to hold a position that is unrelated to their field of study, provided the applicant is a graduate of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic and that the applicant’s position:
- Requires a post-secondary degree or diploma;
- Corresponds to National Occupational Classification (NOC) levels 0, A, B or C;
- Can reasonably be expected to lead to career advancement for the applicant;
- Is in a field in which the applicant has a recent (i.e. in the last 5 years) combination of skill, experience and/or training, according to the NOC description, as defined by Employment and Social Development Canada;
- Is full-time and indeterminate; and
- Responds to a perceived labour market need in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The applicant’s employer must adhere to the requirements of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP), including being established and operating in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least two (2) years (unless exempt under NLPNP, such as businesses in rural areas), and adhering to all applicable labour laws and regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The employer may be asked to explain how the position responds to a perceived labour market need in their organization/business.
Example: The applicant graduates from Memorial University with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering but is currently working as a Financial Analyst (NOC 1114). The applicant has a previous diploma in Business Administration, which is required to occupy the position according to the NOC description. The field of study requirement is met and the Officer continues with the assessment of the application.
Example: The applicant graduates with a Master’s degree in Education but is currently working as a cook (NOC 6322). The applicant clearly demonstrates that they have several years of commercial cooking experience, which is required according to the NOC description. The field of study requirement is met and the Officer continues with the assessment of the application.
Example: The applicant graduates with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and has been working as a Food Service Supervisor (NOC 6311) for several months. The Officer may recommend denying the application because the applicant does not meet the employment requirements of the occupation according to the NOC, which states: “completion of a community college program in food service administration, hotel and restaurant management or related discipline or several years of experience in food preparation or service.”