Five Ways International Students Can Improve Their Chances of Permanent Residence in Canada

For many international students, studying in Canada is not just about education—it is also a pathway toward permanent residence (PR). While it is common to focus on PR planning after graduation, waiting too long can mean missing important opportunities during your studies. With some early planning and smart choices, students can significantly improve their chances of successfully becoming permanent residents of Canada.

Below are five practical ways international students can strengthen their PR prospects without changing their study plans drastically.

1. Enroll in a Co-op Program

Entering the Canadian job market for the first time can be challenging for international graduates. A co-op program helps bridge this gap by offering structured work experience during your studies.

Co-op placements allow students to gain Canadian workplace exposure and build professional relationships. In many cases, strong performance during a co-op term can lead to a full-time job offer after graduation.

Early entry into the job market helps graduates qualify sooner for permanent residence under pathways that require Canadian work experience. Each year of skilled Canadian work experience also increases your score in the Express Entry system, improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

It is important to note that work experience gained while studying full time does not count toward Canadian work experience for immigration purposes. The main benefit of co-op programs is how they help graduates secure qualifying jobs faster after completing their studies.

2. Gain Foreign Work Experience During Your Studies

Foreign work experience can play a key role in boosting your immigration score. Under Canada’s immigration system, foreign work experience can contribute a significant number of additional points.

Unlike Canadian work experience, foreign work experience can be gained while you are a full-time student. If you arrived in Canada without skilled work experience from abroad, you can still build it during your studies.

Students may gain foreign experience by returning to their home country during breaks or by working remotely for an overseas employer while living in Canada. This strategy allows students to strengthen their profiles without delaying their education.

3. Target In-Demand Occupations

Not all occupations are treated equally in Canada’s immigration system. Certain professions are prioritized because they address labour shortages across the country.

Candidates with work experience in in-demand fields may receive invitations to apply even with lower overall scores. These occupations generally fall within healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, agriculture and food production, social services, and education.

Students can benefit by reviewing these occupation lists early and aligning their part-time work, internships, or future career plans accordingly. In some cases, students may even choose to gain experience in an occupation outside their original field of study if it aligns better with immigration opportunities.

Work experience gained after graduation in these priority occupations can significantly improve eligibility for targeted immigration draws.

4. Network With Alumni

Building professional connections is an often overlooked but powerful strategy. Alumni networks can provide guidance, mentorship, and access to job opportunities that are not always advertised publicly.

Unlike co-op programs, alumni networking is available to students in almost every academic program. Former graduates can share insights about the job market, recommend employers, and introduce students to professionals in their industry.

A strong professional network not only supports career growth but also helps students secure qualifying work experience more efficiently after graduation.

5. Study French

For students who are open to learning a second language, French can be a major advantage in Canada’s immigration system.

Achieving an intermediate level of French proficiency can significantly increase immigration points and open the door to special immigration selections that often have lower score requirements.

Students enrolled in longer academic programs have a unique advantage, as they can spread French learning over several years. This approach reduces pressure and makes language acquisition more manageable.

Studying in Canada may also provide access to French-speaking communities, conversation groups, and formal language programs offered through educational institutions.

Final Thoughts

Permanent residence planning should begin early for international students who want to stay in Canada long term. Small, strategic decisions made during your studies—such as choosing the right program, gaining relevant work experience, and developing language skills—can have a significant impact later.