New International Student Program To Move To Canada After Graduation

Last Updated On : November 26 , 2024

International Students are a major portion of temporary workers in Canada. With the updated immigration plan, international students hold a share of 45% of total work permits in 2025 and 59% and 56% for 2026 and 2027, respectively. Even 40% of Canada PR slots have been reserved for students and workers already in Canada, which are counted under the In-Canada focus category.

Ensure You Have Graduated From A Designated Learning Institute

You must have graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada to apply for Canadian immigration.

Applying to a DLI is crucial for a post-graduation stay in Canada because:

• Only DLI graduates are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Allowing up to 3 years of work experience.
• DLIs offer recognized, high-quality education, enhancing your career prospects.

Select The Specific Canadian Immigration Stream After Completing Your Graduation:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

While PGWP is not a direct pathway to immigrating to Canada after graduation, it is a work permit pathway for students.Gaining Canadian work experience will increase your CRS score in the express entry system, as your profile will be evaluated in the In-Canada Focus category.

• Ensure you complete your studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Apply For PGWP within 180 days of completing your studies.
• Gather necessary documents like your study permit, proof of graduation (diploma or degree certificate), and passport.
• The processing time can vary, so apply well before your study permit expires.

Note: Starting November 1, 2024, all Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants must demonstrate minimum English or French language proficiency (CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates).

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

Immigrating to Canada after completing your studies through the Canadian Experience Class is a preferred pathway, as per the new immigration plan, which will issue ITAs to 82,980 applicants under this category.

As mentioned earlier, PGWP is a pathway to gaining Canadian work experience. Once you have it, you are eligible to apply for an express entry program through the Canadian Experience category.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):

Different provinces have specific programs for international graduates.

• Saskatchewan Immigration Through the Saskatchewan Student Category.
• Based on your studies in Alberta, you may be qualified for permanent residency as an international graduate through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.
• Completing graduation and receiving a full-time job offer will make you eligible to apply for permanent residence under the OINP.
• One way to obtain permanent residence is to be nominated by BC through the BC Provincial Nominee Program. For foreign graduates and their family members who plan to settle in British Columbia, the BC PNP provides a route to permanent residency.

Complete Working Hours For International Students

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, confirmed on November 15, 2024, that off-campus working hours have been updated to 24 hours per week.

Keep Updated With Canada Immigration Plan For Students

While the target for new study permits has decreased from 485,000 in 2024 to 305,990 in 2025, international students should still choose Canada since it offers a world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and ample post-graduation work and immigration opportunities.

Conclusion:

There is no program that supports you immigrating to Canada after completing your graduation without any experience. You must have relevant part-time or full-time experience, depending on your immigration stream, to get Canadian permanent residency.

“We’re balancing work opportunities and education by setting the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week. We expect institutions to support the integrity of the International Student Program, ensuring positive experiences for international students in Canada.”

– Marc Miller | Canada Immigration Minister

Reference:

New International Student Program

Canada Immigration Plan

F.A.Q.