Canada has long been a popular study destination for international students because of its esteemed colleges, multicultural atmosphere, and opportunity to obtain useful work experience overseas. The chances of a foreign student being granted permanent residence in Canada are greatly increased by obtaining a Canadian education and relevant job experience. This is mostly due to the fact that graduates of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are more competitive in the pool since they receive more points under Canada’s Express Entry system. Here are essential steps for international students to secure Canadian PR.
A road to permanent residency is not guaranteed by pursuing an education in Canada. While there are a number of paths for graduates to work and eventually reside in Canada, success in these paths is contingent upon a variety of criteria, including an individual’s aptitudes, credentials, and career choice.
Canada has been modifying its immigration laws in order to better meet the demands of the job market in recent months. These modifications, in addition to an increasing number of exceptionally competent applicants, may increase the difficulty of moving from a study permit to permanent residence.
Essential Steps for International Students to Secure Canadian PR
Here are some tips for international learners who want to get as many points as possible in order to move to Canada permanently.
Keep up with evolving immigration policies
The needs of the Canadian economy may need changes to the country’s immigration laws. Therefore, foreign students who hope to apply for permanent residence in the future should continue to learn about the requirements for different immigration schemes.
Earlier this year, a recent regulation change affecting overseas students enrolled in study programs with curriculum licensing agreements was revealed. Following their graduation, these students will no longer be qualified for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) under the new regulation.
Private institutions with a license to teach the curriculum of a connected public college usually provide curriculum licensing programs. This policy modification is the result of the fact that these initiatives frequently function with less monitoring than those that are directly managed by public institutions.
It’s critical for students who want to use the PGWP to obtain work experience in Canada to carefully consider which educational programs qualify for the permit after graduation. Selecting the appropriate curriculum can have a big impact on their capacity to obtain useful work experience in Canada and raise their prospects of being granted permanent status.
Select high-demand occupations
Canada began using category-specific Express Entry draws in 2023 in an effort to highlight highly sought-after professions and skill sets. Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Trade, Transportation, and Agriculture and Agri-Food are among the industries that are being targeted. By giving preference to applicants with experience in these crucial fields, this strategy seeks to meet the demands of the labor market.
If a student is interested in any of these specific categories but isn’t sure where they want to go with their career, they should think about being certified in that area.
Students who concentrate on a future in STEM subjects, such as web development, data science, engineering, or architecture, for example, may have a better chance of being selected for the Express Entry draws. It’s crucial to remember that these classifications are flexible and do not provide permanent residence.
Explore Provincial Nominee Programs
With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, every Canadian province and territory runs a Provincial Nominee Program in an effort to draw in highly qualified workers for their area.
International students may consider provincial nomination alternatives if their CRS score is insufficient or if they do not fit the requirements for category-based draws in Express Entry. Through a PNP, there are primarily two ways to immigrate:
Enhanced Nomination: Using the Express Entry system is the application process for this route. Candidates can be nominated by provinces, and upon nomination, they will gain an extra 600 CRS points, greatly increasing their chances of being granted permanent residency via Express Entry.
Base Nomination: Applying directly to a province’s PNP stream is the route taken here. A provincial nomination—obtained through a procedure different from Express Entry—can result in permanent residency for those who are successful.
With more than eighty different provincial economic stream programs offered, there is no shortage of options for overseas students to consider. These programs are intended to assist applicants in obtaining permanent residence in Canada in accordance with their work history and educational background.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that PNP standards are subject to modification and variation based on the provinces’ respective economic interests.
Enhance both language abilities
English and French are the two official languages of Canada. Gaining proficiency in both is very beneficial for the Permanent Residency application procedure.
Foreign students should concentrate on earning as many points as possible in their native tongue if they want to improve their CRS score. If students do not meet their target score on the first try, they can try again with language exams like CELPIP (for English) or IELTS.
Furthermore, gaining fluency in a second language might raise a candidate’s CRS score and raise their likelihood of being ITA.
Additionally, draws based on French language proficiency were launched in Canada; these draws attracted a lot of attention in 2024 and are expected to continue in 2025 and 2026. Candidates must receive a minimum score of 7 on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) in each of the four language skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
Verify the authenticity of all degrees
Education earns points in the Canadian Express Entry system. A recognized agency recognized by the Canadian government, like WES, may assess a student’s numerous degrees obtained outside of the country. To improve their chances of immigration, international students may also want to consider enrolling in a degree or program that is approved in Canada.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by concentrating on their studies, obtaining suitable work experience, and honing their language skills, overseas students can get Canadian permanent residence. They should confirm the validity of their qualifications and look into options such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs. They can begin a prosperous new chapter in their lives and obtain permanent status in Canada with careful planning and perseverance.