For international students completing their studies in Canada, the direct path to permanent residency (PR) often presents a more efficient route than returning home to gain work experience and then applying.
However, Canada offers diverse immigration programs, each with its unique eligibility criteria. To navigate this landscape effectively, it's essential to understand the most suitable pathway for your academic background and career goals.
Our immigration experts have curated tailored immigration solutions for:
Graduates
Post-Graduates
PhD Scholars
Post-Graduate Diploma Holders
By exploring these options, you can identify the most promising avenue to secure Canadian PR and build a successful future in the Great White North.
Get Canadian Permanent Residency From Post-Study Work Permit:
The number of international graduates gaining permanent residency increased by 18.34% in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating that many international students found it easier to settle in Canada permanently after completing their studies.
Once you graduate from one of the DLI schools of Canada, your chances are increased to rank you better in the express entry pool. This is your first step towards getting Canadian permanent residency (PR).
Eligibility Requirements:
Finished Study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Must have Studied Full-time for AT Least 8 Months.
Applied for the PGWP within 180 days from when you received your final grades.
Hold a valid study permit during your studies.
Application Process:
Organise your documents (transcript, completion letter, passport etc.)
Apply online on the IRCC website.
Pay the charge (approximately CAD $255 in 2024)
Be patient for their response (usually 1-3 months)
Ways to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada as a Graduate Student
Great news! Each year, many international students in Canada effectively convert to permanent residents. One in four new permanent residents had previously been an international student, with nearly the same rate projected for 2024.
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Processing time: 6-8 months
Cost: $950 CAD
Eligibility : check from our dedicated page on this program.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Processing time: Depends on the province ( 3-9 months )
Postgrads, listen up! Having an additional qualification can be beneficial. During this period, approximately 30% of postgraduates were able to acquire PR status within two years after graduation by 2024.
1. Research-based Pathways
6-12 months processing time
Fee: Varies by program
For those who have graduated from a research-based master's or PhD program in Canada
2. Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students Fast-Tracking Immigration Streams
Processing time : 6 months in the blink of an eye
Fee: standard PR application fee.
Eligibility: It mostly required a high CRS score of 470+
3. Province Specific Programs:
1. Ontario Masters International Graduate
Processing time: 3-6 months
Fee: CAD $1,500
Who Qualifies: Ontario master's graduate with a job offer in Ontario
2. International Graduate Stream British Columbia
Processing time: 2-3 months
Fee: CAD $700
Have graduated from a BC institution and have a job offer in BC
3. Alberta - International Graduate Stream
Processing time: 6-8 months
Fee: CAD $500
Eligibility: Graduated from Alberta Institution, Job Offer in Alberta
4. The Saskatchewan International Graduate Stream
Turnaround time: 6 – 12 months
Fee: CAD $350
For graduates from a Saskatchewan institution with a job offer in Saskatchewan
5. Manitoba International Education Branch
Processing time: 6 months
Fee: CAD $500
Eligibility: Graduated from a Manitoba institution and have work and offer in Manitoba
Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency for Research Scholars
Eligibility: Ph.D. program completed at an Ontario university within the last two years
Apply for CEC Program after having PGWP
Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) This will be the piece of paper that grants you Canadian work experience. Here's why it's crucial:
Work for any employer in Canada
Valid for up to 3 years
If you work in Canada, count your work experience towards your Express Entry CRS Score
If you need the work experience to be able to meet the CEC Canadian work experience requirement.
Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency for Post-Graduate Diploma Students
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Post-Graduate Work Permit Stream
Processing time: 3-6 months
Fee: CAD $1,500
To get eligible you must be
PGWP holder
Got a job offer in Ontario or want to move and work there too.
Completed at least 1 yr of post graduate program.
Conclusion:
Canada offers different pathways for international students to become permanent residents (PR) after graduation using their Canadian education and work experience. As an international student, it's important to explore these pathways and seek advice from an immigration expert to determine your best option.
Yes, you will most likely need to take a language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French) in order to provide proof of your language skill in PR-based applications.
By having a Canadian educational credential, you will be able to add huge points in the Express Entry, some PNPs are based on if a particular person has a Canada study visa or not and as well it shows that you can fit in the society.
The PGWP allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is a crucial factor in many permanent residency pathways, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Yes! Ontario has the Masters International Graduate stream. This program targets individuals who have obtained a master's degree from an Ontario university and have a job offer in the province.
Absolutely. Research-based pathways cater to individuals with Canadian research experience gained through programs like a master's or PhD. Additionally, the OINP has a PhD Graduate stream, offering expedited processing for PhD holders from Ontario universities.
The costs vary depending on the specific program. However, you can generally expect fees ranging from CAD $350 to CAD $2,000. This usually covers the processing fees for both the applicant and any accompanying family members.