Introduction
After getting a Canada student visa, every student dreams about a permanent residency for a better future. International students who want to increase their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada should start preparing as early as possible. This involves learning about the eligibility criteria for PR and taking the necessary steps to meet those criteria. By following the right path, they can increase their competitiveness in the Canadian PR process.
Canada offers over 100 immigration pathways, many of which are designed to help candidates who have studied in Canada. Canadian employers value the education and work experience gained by international students in Canada, which can make them more engaging job candidates. After completing their studies, it’s important for international students to gain work experience in the skilled worker category that corresponds to the immigration pathways in which they’re interested.
The following is an outline of the actions you can take to acquire Canadian PR after completing your studies.
After completing their studies in Canada, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work for any employer in any occupation of their choice for up to three years. This provides an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which can be beneficial for Canadian immigration pathways that prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience.
To increase your chances of becoming a competitive candidate for Canadian immigration, it is important to conduct research on the various immigration pathways available and identify which ones may be most suitable for you based on your individual circumstances. Factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, job offers, and ties to a specific province or territory may be taken into consideration.
You may also wish to complete a free Canada Visa assessment to determine your eligibility for permanent residence in Canada. It is recommended to start this research early on in your studies to ensure you take the necessary steps to become eligible and enhance the competitiveness of your candidature. Additionally, it is important to enroll in a program at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that will make you eligible for a PGWP if you plan to pursue Canadian permanent residence in the future.
These are the common ways to consider them, including:
Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry is an online application management system used to manage applications for three federal skilled worker immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The system is designed to expedite the application process for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. It works by allowing candidates to create a profile online and enter a pool of potential candidates.
Each candidate is then assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and others. Periodically, candidates with the highest CRS scores are selected and issued an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
The Express Entry system is designed to be fast and efficient, with the goal of reducing application processing times to six months or less. It is important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements for one of the federal skilled worker programs does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a pathway for international students to obtain permanent residency in Canada, with almost every province and territory in Canada operating their own PNP. PNP streams are designed to attract skilled workers who have studied and worked in Canada, and some PNP streams cater specifically to international students. The PNP allows candidates to focus on a particular province or territory, which may have unique immigration needs and labor market demands. Eligibility requirements and the application process vary by province or territory, and it is essential to research the specific PNP stream that matches your skills and experience.
Quebec
The province of Quebec aims to attract skilled workers who are fluent in French, as French is the official language of Quebec.
Quebec has several immigration programs that cater to different types of applicants, including skilled workers, businesspeople, and students. The Quebec Experience Program is a popular program for international students who have graduated from a Quebec educational institution and want to stay and work in the province. This program is designed to help students who have already established themselves in Quebec apply for permanent residency.
If you are interested in immigrating to Quebec, it’s important to research the different immigration programs and determine which one is best suited for your skills and experience.
Economic Class PR Pathways
Canada offers more than a hundred various economic class paths, including others that reward international student candidates. Examples :
- Atlantic Immigration Program: This is an option for only students who have completed their studies in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Hong Kong: Those are Hong Kong citizens who have studied in Canada, which offers immigration pathways.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: International students who live in participating rural and northern regions across Canada are eligible for permanent residence under this program.
Verify Your NOC Skill Level
To be eligible for Canadian skilled worker immigration programs, it is important to have work experience that falls under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level required by the program. Most programs require “high-skilled” work experience, but there are also pathways available for those with “intermediate” or “lower” skilled work experience. It is important to verify in advance that your work experience matches the requirements of the program in which you are interested.
Family Class
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members to obtain permanent residency in Canada if they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government. The eligible family members include spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. To learn more about your options before applying, you must contact a Permanent Resident Visa Agent for Canada.
Conclusion
Canada offers a range of immigration programs and pathways for individuals who wish to obtain permanent residency and build a new life in this welcoming and diverse country. From skilled workers to students, entrepreneurs, and family members, there are opportunities for people from all backgrounds and qualifications to contribute to Canadian society and the economy.
