Choosing the right study program can significantly improve your chances of getting permanent residence (PR) in Canada after graduation. Some programs open the door to better job opportunities, qualify you for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and lead to occupations currently prioritized for immigration. 

This guide lists the programs of study and related occupations that, based on current information, offer the strongest pathway to Canadian PR. 
 
Why These Programs Matter for PR 

The programs below were selected because they: 

• Qualify graduates for open work permits (PGWPs) 
• Lead to occupations prioritized under Express Entry 
• Lead to jobs expected to face labour shortages across Canada 
 
Top Study Programs and Occupations With Strong PR Potential 

These occupations and study programs align with Express Entry category-based selection and Canada’s long-term labour market needs. 

Healthcare and Social Services: 

Trades and Technical Occupations: 

Why These Programs Qualify You for a PGWP 

All listed study programs are currently eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows graduates to work for almost any employer and gain valuable Canadian work experience. 

The PGWP can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. 

Canadian work experience helps graduates: 

• Qualify for the Canadian Experience Class 
• Increase their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score 
• Become stronger candidates for Express Entry draws 
• Apply for a bridging open work permit if PR is still in progress when the PGWP expires 
 
For students who received their study permit after November 1, 2024, PGWP eligibility depends on enrolling in: 

• A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, or 
• A program approved under the updated federal field-of-study list 

All programs listed in this article qualify under these rules at the time of writing. 

Why These Occupations Are Prioritized for Permanent Residence 

Every occupation listed qualifies for category-based selection (CBS) through Express Entry. 
This means candidates in these occupations may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR even with a lower CRS score. 

To qualify for CBS, applicants must show: 

• At least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience 
• In a single qualifying occupation 
• Within the past three years 

This gives graduates in these fields a significant advantage. 

Labour Market Demand: Strong Shortage Risk Until 2033 

According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS), all occupations listed are expected to face strong labour shortages from 2024 to 2033. 

High demand benefits international graduates by: 

• Increasing job opportunities 
• Helping them gain qualifying Canadian experience 
• Improving CRS scores and Express Entry competitiveness 
• Offering stable income and long-term career security 
 
Planning Your Pathway to Permanent Residence 

If you are planning to study in Canada with the goal of immigrating after graduation, consider the following steps: 

• Choose a PGWP-eligible program 
• Select a study field that aligns with PR-priority occupations 
• Build relevant foreign work experience before arriving 
• Gain at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience after graduation 
• Keep track of Express Entry and category-based selection criteria 

Taking the right steps early can significantly increase your chances of successfully obtaining permanent residence.