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Study Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)

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by Kathy Watkins

Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residence Post-Study

Immigration to Canada provides numerous immigration routes tailored for international students. Popular options include the federal Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which offers provincial-specific opportunities. Additionally, Quebec has its own unique immigration stream. This guide offers an insightful overview of how you can secure permanent residence in Canada after completing your studies.

Study Pathways to Permanent Residency

Introduction to Achieving Permanent Residence

International students may not have a guaranteed path to permanent residence (PR) in Canada, but careful planning can significantly enhance their chances. Understanding the eligibility criteria for PR early on allows you to take the necessary steps to meet these requirements. This proactive approach will not only help you fulfill your Canadian immigration aspirations but also improve your competitiveness in the PR process.

Canada provides over 100 immigration pathways tailored for economic class candidates, many of which are particularly favorable to international students. Research by the Canadian government indicates that those who complete their education in Canada often find success in the local job market. Canadian employers highly value the education and work experience that international students acquire within the country. These candidates are often motivated, multilingual, globally experienced, and possess numerous other qualities that make them stand out to Canadian employers. Post-graduation, it is crucial to accumulate work experience that aligns with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels relevant to the skilled worker immigration routes you’re interested in.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can pursue Canadian PR after completing your studies: 

Understand PR Eligibility Requirements:

Early on, familiarize yourself with the various PR programs and their specific eligibility criteria.

Gain Relevant Work Experience:

After graduation, secure employment that matches NOC skill levels for skilled worker pathways.

Build a Strong Canadian Network:

Engage in internships, volunteer opportunities, and professional networks to expand your Canadian work experience and connections.

Maximize Canadian Education Benefits:

Completing your studies in Canada can be advantageous. The local education and co-op programs can enhance your employability.

Develop Language Skills:

Being multilingual is an advantage. Work on improving your English and/or French proficiency.

Consider Different Immigration Pathways:

Explore the various available pathways such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and others.

Top Immigration Routes for International Students

Once they complete their education in Canada, international students often pursue a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP grants an open work permit that allows international grads to work for any employer in any job they choose. The duration of the PGWP aligns with the length of their Canadian studies, up to a maximum of three years. One of the key advantages of the PGWP is that it facilitates gaining valuable Canadian work experience, which strengthens your profile for Canadian immigration. Numerous Canadian immigration pathways prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience. If you haven’t started your studies yet, make sure you enroll in a program at a recognized Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that qualifies you for a PGWP.

It’s critical to explore Canadian immigration pathways early to determine which options fit you best. Early research allows you to take the necessary steps to qualify and improve your chances of success. Each permanent residency (PR) pathway has distinct criteria, but typically, you will be evaluated on your English and/or French language skills, educational background, and work experience. Having a job offer and strong ties to the province or territory where you live can also be advantageous. Consider completing a free CanadaVisa assessment to find out if you’re eligible for Canadian permanent residence. 

Streamlined Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residence

At Immigration to Canada, we specialize in navigating your journey towards becoming a permanent resident through the Express Entry system. This system manages applications for three major federal skilled worker immigration programs:

Ideal for International Students: If you are an international student with at least one year of Canadian work experience, the CEC might be a fitting pathway for you to gain permanent residency. On the other hand, if you possess at least one year of professional work experience from abroad, the FSWP could be your ticket to Canada.

Eligibility and Process: To immigrate via Express Entry, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the three programs mentioned. You can then submit your profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Candidates are scored based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Additional points can be acquired for Canadian education and work experience, giving international students a competitive edge.

Invitation to Apply: Every two weeks, IRCC invites candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. Once invited, you will have 60 days to submit your completed application for permanent residency.

Study Pathways to Permanent Residency

Explore the Provincial Nominee Program

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a popular route to permanent residency for international students in Canada. Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, designed to attract skilled workers who wish to settle in that region. Many PNP streams favor candidates who have studied or worked in Canada, with several pathways specifically tailored for international students.

Alternative Economic Class PR Pathways

Canada offers more than 100 economic class pathways for permanent residency, many of which are beneficial for international students. Some noteworthy options include:

Atlantic Immigration Program:

Ideal for those who have studied in the Atlantic provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.

Hong Kong Pathways:

Special immigration routes for Hong Kong nationals who have completed their studies in Canada.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot:

Provides permanent residency opportunities for international students living in participating rural and northern communities across Canada.

Determine Your NOC Skill Level

When applying for Canadian skilled worker immigration programs, it’s crucial to ensure your work experience aligns with the required skill type. After completing your studies and seeking Canadian work experience, make sure your job falls under the appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level according to the skilled worker immigration programs you’re targeting. Typically, most skilled worker programs require “high-skilled” work experience. However, both federal and provincial pathways allow individuals with “intermediate” or “lower” skilled work experience to apply for permanent residency. 

Sponsorship through Family Class

Canadian immigration policies permit Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members to gain permanent residency. For example, if your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you, provided you both meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government.

FAQ

What are the benefits of studying in Canada for PR?

Studying in Canada provides significant benefits for becoming a permanent resident. It offers high-quality education, Canadian work experience during and after your studies, and access to various immigration programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

How can the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) help me gain PR?

The PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. This work experience can help you gain valuable points for the Express Entry system under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category, thereby increasing your chances of obtaining PR.

What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program that helps temporary foreign workers and international students with Canadian work experience become permanent residents. To qualify, you need at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and meet language proficiency requirements.

Are there provincial programs for international students to gain PR?

Yes, many provinces offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) specifically designed for international graduates. Programs like the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) often have streams that prioritize international students who have graduated from local institutions.

What is the Express Entry system for international students?

The Express Entry system is an online application system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage immigration applications for skilled workers. International students can earn points for education, Canadian work experience, and language skills, which can significantly enhance their Express Entry profile and chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Can studying in Canada improve my CRS score?

Yes, studying in Canada can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry system. Points are awarded for Canadian educational credentials and skilled work experience. Additionally, strong language skills in English or French can further boost your CRS score, making you a more competitive candidate for PR.

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