An international student has to decide on which province of Canada they want to study in. The deciding factors are the benefits of studying and the permanent immigration options the province offers to you.
Which province should I study in?
There are many options when choosing a school to study in Canada. Therefore, it is a good idea to research thoroughly before deciding on the province.
If you prefer living in a city, you might want to opt for Toronto or Vancouver. On the other hand, you can opt for the Atlantic regions if you prefer calm and quiet places. Knowledge of the best schools and their programs that will lead to the best jobs will help you select the province.
Staying in Canada after you study
International students, on completion of studies, like to stay in the country. Canada offers a range of permanent residence immigration programs to welcome those students who would like to immigrate.
The Provincial Nominee Programs stipulate that the student should have a valid post-graduation work permit. A student is eligible to apply for this work permit on graduating from an accredited institution. The study program should be of a duration of at least one year. You have to apply for the post-graduation work permit within 90 days of graduation.
A student with a post-graduation work permit can work and live anywhere in Canada.
What are the best Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for international students who have studied in that province?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration program that each province operates on its own. Consequently, each territory and province have different PNPs tailored to fit their economic and demographic requirements.
Under the PNP immigration program, the province nominates a foreign national for permanent residence in Canada. The nominated person can then apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Listed are a few provinces with PNPs tailored to students who have studied there.
Alberta Post-graduate worker:
You are eligible for this stream if you have completed a post-secondary graduation program from an accredited institution in Alberta. The course should have been of a year’s duration. It would help if you worked in the province at the time of applying.
BC International post-graduate category:
This category requires you to complete a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an institution in British Columbia. This stream enables you to apply directly for provincial nomination. A job offer is not required.
Ontario Masters and Ph.D. graduates:
A Master’s or Doctoral Degree from an accredited institution in Ontario permits you to apply for provincial nomination. Ontario has strict quotas under this stream. You have to keep abreast of their periodic updates.
Atlantic provinces:
Canada’s Atlantic provinces are implementing a study to stay program. This program will assist international students in their studies in Canada. The program includes career guidance and training and provides networking opportunities. In addition, the Atlantic provinces have PNP streams designed to help students obtain Canadian permanent resident status.
What are the Provincial Nominee Programs available to international students who have studied in Canada, other than the province hosting the PNP?
Many international students graduate from institutions in one province but secure employment in other provinces. There are PNPs designed for this category of students.
To apply under all these programs, you must have:
- A valid post-graduation work permit
- Employment in the province you are applying from.
- An official offer of employment from the employer stating that you can continue working there.
Listed below are PNPs for international students who have graduated from institutions anywhere in Canada.
Alberta International Graduate:
You are eligible to apply for provincial nomination under this program if you are working in Alberta at the time of application. In addition, you should have completed a post-secondary program of education from anywhere in Canada.
BC International Graduate:
You can opt for this program if you have completed a post-secondary program from anywhere in Canada. In addition, you should be working or have a job offer from British Columbia. This program also requires two years of full-time work experience in a similar job offered to you.
Ontario International Students:
You are eligible under this program if you have obtained post-secondary graduation from anywhere in Canada and a job offer from an employer in Ontario. This program specifies that Canadian education should have been of a two-year duration. A study program of one-year length is acceptable if a previous degree is required to enter the program.
Other options:
PNP is one of the many ways to obtain Canadian permanent residence. In addition, the Express Entry system has other programs. For example, you can apply under the Canadian Experience Class if you have one year of work experience in Canada.
You may submit an assessment form on our website. Alternatively, you can steer an email to us info@immilawimmigration.com or give us a call at 613-704-5757. We will assess your eligibility and schedule a consultation for you with an expert Canadian Immigration lawyer.
