After graduating from ACATCM, am I eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

PGWP eligibility depends on which program you graduate from:

Bachelor of Acupuncture (B.Ac) — Eligible：ACATCM’s Bachelor of Acupuncture, offered under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act and delivered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), is a degree-level program. Under current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines, graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from eligible DLIs are exempt from the PGWP field-of-study requirement. B.Ac graduates may apply for a PGWP of up to 3 years, provided all other IRCC eligibility criteria are met (including the required language proficiency results).

This makes the B.Ac one of the most attractive pathways for international students seeking to gain Canadian clinical experience after graduation.

Diploma in Acupuncture & TCM Double Major Diploma — Not Eligible：International students graduating from our licensed diploma programs at the private career college branch are not eligible for a PGWP under current IRCC guidelines. However, this does not close the door to working in Canada — please see below.

How can I obtain a work permit after graduating from the Acupuncture or TCM Double-major Diploma Programs?

While a PGWP is not available for diploma graduates, our graduates have consistently achieved an exceptionally high passing rate on the pan-Canadian Exam for Acupuncturists. This success allows them to become Registered Acupuncturists (Dr. Ac.) and apply for employment with clinics and practices across Canada, often leading to an employer-supported work permit (such as an LMIA-based work permit).

What are the career prospects for ACATCM graduates?

The employment outlook for registered acupuncturists in Canada is strong, with a 98% employment rate among our graduates over the past 5 years. Our career development team is dedicated to supporting students in finding employment opportunities after graduation, whether through clinic partnerships, mentorships, or direct employer connections.

Disclaimer: ACATCM is not a professional immigration agency. Immigration policies are subject to change. For the most current information on study permits, PGWP eligibility, and work permits, please consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or the official IRCC website at canada.ca.