How to get a Canadian permanent residence permit after obtaining a Canadian study visa

Students from abroad who are Students in Canada who wish to apply for permanent residency status can do soAfter graduating or while studying in Canada.

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There are many options available for international students in Canada wishing to become permanent residents, provided they meet all the requirements and are eligible for the program they apply for.

It is not guaranteed that international students will receive permanent residence once they have completed their studies in Canada. They can increase their chances of getting permanent residence by preparing and learning what they need to do.

Canada offers international students many pathways to permanent residence because research has shown those with Canadian education are more likely to succeed on the Canadian job market. These students are viewed as a promising group of skilled individuals who can be used to fill labour market needs in Canada. Canadian employers also value the local knowledge and experience that international students gain in Canada.

Many international students who have completed their studies in Canada go on to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows international students to work for any employer and almost anywhere in Canada.

Students may be eligible to receive a PGWP:

• Studying for at least 8 months in an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution. Designated Learning Institution (DLI) List. The study must lead to a diploma, degree or certificate
• The applicant must have held full-time status as a student in Canada throughout the entire academic session of each program or program of study that they completed and included with their post-graduation employment permit application.
• The applicant has received a transcript from the DLI that confirms they have met the requirements for completing their program.

The PGWP has the benefit of allowing international students to gain the Canadian work experiences that make them eligible for permanent residency and more competitive candidates for Canadian immigration.

Express Entry

Express EntryA system for managing three federal skilled worker immigration programmes: Federal Skilled Worker Program(FSWP), Canadian Experience Class(CEC) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

The CEC provides a pathway to permanent residence for those who have worked in Canada. It is a popular pathway for international students who have gained Canadian work experience.

To be eligible to receive the CEC, candidates must meet the criteria below:

• You must have at least one year’s experience in a skilled, professional or technical field in Canada within 36 month of the date of your application.
• For NOC TEER categories 2 or 3, you must meet or exceed a Canadian Language Benchmark of 5 (“initial Intermediate”) or CLB 7, (“adequate intermediate competency”), for jobs in NOCTEER categories 0 or 1.
• Quebec Experience Class is for individuals who have worked in Quebec and plan to reside there.

If you qualify for one of the programs you can upload a Profile onto the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Candidates receive Comprehensive Ranking SystemThe CRS scores are based upon factors such as age and education, work history, and language ability. Those with the best scores are invited to apply for a permanent residence.

Candidates with Canadian work experience or who have completed a Canadian study program receive more CRS points and have a greater chance of obtaining permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Nearly all provinces and territories in Canada operate the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP is a program that allows provinces to nominate people who want to immigrate and settle in a specific province.

Many PNP streams award candidates who have studied and/or worked in Canada.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

Candidates who have studied in Quebec, and wish to settle permanently in the province, may be eligible under the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). The PEQ is a fast-track way for foreign graduates or individuals with Quebec work experience to obtain a Quebec selection certificate(QSC), a mandatory step toward permanent residency, is granted by the federal government.

Students from outside of Canada who have studied in Quebec can apply for a CSQ through the PEQ if:

• Show your intention to settle down in Quebec and hold a job there;
• You have temporarily stayed in Quebec to study;
• Have received a diploma or degree from an educational institution recognized as such by the Quebec Ministry of Education in the past 36 month;
• Study in Quebec at least 1,800 hrs (two years).
• Have a Masters, Bachelors, or DEC diploma, and 12 months work experience in a 0, B, A level job, and hold this job at the time you apply
• You must have a DEP, and 18 months of experience in a 0, B or C-level job. This is required at the time of your application. Please note that C-level experience must be related to your degree.

The PEQ requires that candidates demonstrate proficiency in French.

Other permanent residence options

You can also find out more about the following: Atlantic Immigration ProgramStudents who have studied in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick can apply.

The same applies to the Rural and Northern Immigration PilotOffers permanent residence to international students who reside in rural and northern communities participating across Canada.

Hong Kong residents can also choose Canada, which offers two options. Hong Kong residents: Permanent residency pathwaysWho has studied in Canada

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