International students can secure Canadian PR by investing time and effort in understanding the various immigration programs available. However, graduating from Canadian universities does not grant you a PR; however, you can enhance your chances of obtaining it.
In this article, we will explore the steps required to attain PR after completing your studies in Canada.
PGWP for International Students
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students to work after completing their studies in Canada. To qualify, students must complete their studies at a Canadian Designated Learning institution (DLI).
A PGWP holder can work for any employer anywhere in Canada. This enables the students to acquire Canadian work experience, which improves their chances of Canadian immigration and PR.
Most of the immigration pathways value these work experiences highly and add extra scores to their immigration profile. All these lead to the opening of many opportunities in the job market.
You should research various immigration pathways and find the one that fits you the most. Always check for the eligibility criteria and make sure that you have gathered all necessary documents. The common criteria include age, education, work experience and language proficiency. The more early you apply, the more you become eligible for various job titles. For most provinces, English proficiency is mandatory, and to prove this, you must submit test results for IELTS, CELPIP, CAEL, or TOEFL. For Quebec, French proficiency is a must.
If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employee, this will automatically enhance your chances of getting PR.
Popular Immigration Pathways for International Students
There are a lot of immigration programs tailored for international students to attract and retain them in Canada. The popular among them are Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Quebec PNPs. Unlike other provinces, Quebec has a unique immigration program specially designed for French-speaking skilled professionals. All these pathways reflect the Canadian government’s efforts to fill the labour shortages and bolster the economy by attracting skilled individuals who have integrated into Canadian culture and society through studies.
Now, let us delve deeper into various immigration pathways.
Express Entry
Express Entry is an online platform by the Canadian government that manages PR applications from skilled workers who wish to migrate to Canada. This platform manages applications for three main federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Prospective immigrants can select the program that aligns best with their specific qualifications and situations. For instance, if you are an international student with one year of Canadian work experience, you may choose CEC as the best option. If you have one year of work experience from abroad, you may opt for FSWP. By making wise decisions, you maximize your chances of obtaining Canadian PR.
Free Immigration Assessement FormTo qualify for Express Entry immigration, you must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the three programs mentioned above. After meeting the criteria, you may create an express entry profile by entering all the details mentioned there. You must submit this profile on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Based on various criteria, such as age, education, skills, and work experience, you get Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, and then you may be ranked accordingly.
There are many ways to boost your CRS scores. For instance, if you are an international student and complete a program at a Canadian Institution, you will get extra points. Again, if you have Canadian working experience, that will also increase your CRS scores, thereby increasing your chance of attaining PR.
Candidates with the highest scores will be sent Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry Draws conducted by IRCC every two weeks. Once you receive an ITA, you may submit your complete PR application within a time frame of 6o days. Thus, International students have greater opportunities to excel through the Express Entry stream and secure a Canadian PR.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Every province in Canada has its own PNPs and manages them to attract skilled professionals from worldwide. International students who study in a particular province can apply for its specific Provincial Nominee Program to increase their chances of getting PR. Choosing the province to reside in is advisable before deciding where to study. Many PNPs choose skilled professionals who have contributed to their economy. So, select your province wisely, and then PNP will be the ideal choice for Canadian immigration.
As mentioned earlier, Quebec has different immigration criteria and requirements. Through the Quebec Experience Program, the provincial government chooses skilled professionals with French proficiency. Those who have studied and worked in Quebec have better chances of being nominated for Canadian PR.
Other Immigration Pathways
There are many immigration pathways to choose from if you are seeking to migrate to Canada. International students can choose from the following:
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): International students who have completed their graduation from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible to apply for this program.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: This option is available to international students who have graduated from rural and northern communities in Canada.
- Other nationals like Hong Kong: Students of Hong Kong nationality who have graduated from DLI of Canada also have many immigration pathways.
Understanding National Occupational Classification (NOC) for International Students
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a Canadian system for classifying jobs based on skill types and levels across various sectors. The NOC system assigns a unique code to each job, along with a skill level and skill type designation. International students can benefit from familiarizing themselves with NOC classifications relevant to their field of study and desired career path.
Also, international students working in jobs classified under NOC skill levels 0, A, or B can improve their immigration chances, as these are prioritized for the skilled worker’s program.
In most cases, the immigration streams require skilled workers with job experience who are labelled “highly skilled” under NOC. Some streams accept “intermediate” and others “lower-skilled” as well. So, you must familiarise yourself with NOC codes and titles before you start working. International students should opt for internship, co-op, or post-graduation work placements that correspond with NOC skill classifications to boost their likelihood of getting Canadian PR.
Family Sponsorship
As per the Canadian immigration policy, Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their close family members. For instance, if you are married to or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet the specified eligibility requirements, they can sponsor you for permanent residency. You may also sponsor your dependent children and grandparents. As an international student, once you obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada, you can work, live, and settle in the country with your family.
ImmiLaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation offers comprehensive immigration assistance, covering everything from the Express Entry system to Provincial Nominee Programs, work permits, and more. Our team comprises proficient immigration lawyers and overseas study experts, providing tailored guidance to meet individual needs.
Contact us for your migration to Canada today.
