5 Ways International Students Can Boost Their Chances of Getting Canadian PR

Canada has long been a popular destination for international students due to its world-class education, diverse culture, and excellent work opportunities. But did you know that studying in Canada can also improve your chances of getting permanent residence (PR)? Graduates from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) receive extra points in the Express Entry system, making them more competitive.

However, studying in Canada doesn’t guarantee PR. Immigration pathways depend on your skills, qualifications, and the job market. To help you on your journey, here are five things international students can do to increase their chances of getting Canadian PR:

1. Stay Informed on Immigration Policy Changes

Canada’s immigration policies are constantly evolving to meet the needs of its economy. Staying updated on the latest changes can help you plan your path to PR. For example, students in private college programs with licensing agreements no longer qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Make sure to research which programs are eligible for the PGWP so you can gain valuable Canadian work experience after graduation.

2. Choose an In-Demand Profession

In 2023, Canada introduced category-specific Express Entry draws to target occupations in high demand. These include fields like healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), trade, transport, and agriculture. If you’re still exploring career options, choosing a profession in one of these areas can increase your chances of getting selected in the Express Entry draws. Fields like data science, engineering, and web development offer great opportunities, but remember that these categories can change, and they don’t guarantee PR.

3. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

If your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is not high enough, or you don’t qualify for a category-specific draw, consider the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Most provinces, except Quebec and Nunavut, have PNPs designed to attract skilled workers. PNPs offer two routes: enhanced nomination through Express Entry (which adds 600 points to your CRS score) or base nomination directly through the PNP. There are over 80 PNP streams to explore, making it a valuable option for international students.

4. Improve Your Language Skills

Canada’s two official languages, English and French, play a key role in the PR process. Maximizing your language score can significantly boost your CRS points. If you didn’t achieve a high score on your first language test, retaking exams like IELTS or CELPIP for English can help. Learning French can also add points to your score and increase your chances in French-language proficiency draws, which are expected to continue growing in importance over the coming years.

5. Validate Your Degrees

Canada awards points for education under Express Entry. If you have more than one degree from outside Canada, consider getting them validated by a recognized organization like WES (World Education Services). You can also improve your PR prospects by enrolling in a recognized Canadian degree program.

By following these five tips, international students can improve their chances of making Canada their permanent home. Stay informed, choose in-demand careers, and work on your skills to set yourself up for success in the Canadian immigration system.