Permanent Residence in Canada: No Guarantees for International Students

This year, many changes have significantly impacted the experience of studying in Canada as an international student. One key point to remember is that obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Canada is not guaranteed for international students.

While Canada provides several pathways to work and potentially settle permanently after graduation, achieving PR is not a given, especially considering Canada's specific immigration priorities.

Why is PR Not Guaranteed for International Students?

Graduating from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada is just the first step. International students still need to overcome several hurdles to secure PR, even if they are strong candidates.

1. Work Experience: Graduates often need to gain work experience to become eligible for many economic PR programs. This is typically done through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work in most industries across Canada. PGWPs are usually issued based on the length of the study program, but changes to this program may be coming.
2. PR Applications: After gaining work experience, graduates must apply for a suitable PR program. Many opt for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within the Express Entry system, designed for those with Canadian education and work experience. Other options include Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that sometimes target international graduates directly after graduation.
   
   

However, the transition to PR can involve long wait times and a prioritization system based on Canada’s labor market and demographic needs. For instance, the Express Entry system now includes category-based selections, favoring candidates with French language skills or experience in high-demand sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture. This system can prioritize these candidates over those with higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. Similar prioritization occurs in various PNP streams.

International graduates might face challenges if their PGWP expires before they secure PR. If they can't obtain a new temporary residence status, they will have to leave Canada, although their Express Entry profile remains valid if they meet eligibility criteria.

Maximizing PR Eligibility

Despite these challenges, international graduates from Canadian DLIs are among the top candidates for Canadian immigration. To boost their chances, students should focus on gaining in-demand professional experience and developing language skills valued by the government.

Under the Express Entry category-based selection, candidates with the following qualifications may be prioritized for PR, with less emphasis on CRS scores:

• Healthcare professionals
• STEM professionals
• Trades professionals
• Transport professionals
• Agriculture and Agri-Food professionals
• French language proficiency (CLB level 7 in all aspects)
  
  

Exploring local provincial programs can also enhance PR prospects. For example, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is one option. Here are some provincial programs targeting international graduates:

• Alberta: Graduate Entrepreneur stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur stream, Alberta Opportunity stream
• British Columbia: International Graduate category, International Post-Graduate category
• Manitoba: Manitoba Work Experience pathway, Employer Direct Recruitment pathway, International Education stream, Graduate Internship pathway
• Newfoundland and Labrador: International Graduate category, International Graduate Entrepreneur category
• Nova Scotia: International Graduate In-demand stream, International Graduate Entrepreneur stream
• Ontario: Human Capital category, Master's or PhD category, Employer Job Offer category
• Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Experience category—Student sub-category, International Graduate Entrepreneur category
  
  

By strategically enhancing their profiles and exploring various PR pathways, international students can improve their chances of securing permanent residence in Canada.