The Canadian government has set ambitious targets for granting PR under the economic category, aiming to welcome 883,635 primary applicants by 2026 according to the new immigration levels plan for 2024-2026. Canada has been facing increased competition for permanent residency among international students due to a surge in applications and a rise in the number of temporary residents within the country. This intensifying competition may pose challenges for international students aspiring to attain permanent residency in Canada.
Canada’s immigration system plans to prioritize international students with High-Demand Skills, aligning permanent residency opportunities with labor market needs. The strategy, part of Global Affairs Canada’s Education Plan, is to better prepare international students for the workforce. The plan expects to strengthen ties between students, post-secondary institutions, and employers, emphasizing work-integrated learning.
Immigration minister Marc Miller recently highlighted plans to revamp the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, prioritizing support for vital industries experiencing skill shortages. This initiative aims to increase opportunities for international students and work permit holders possessing high-demand skills to extend their stay in the country.
International students holding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and engaged in 82 specific occupations aligned with the Express Entry system stand a better chance at obtaining PR than PGWP holders in different occupations. Experience or employment in these targeted occupations enhances their prospects for securing PR status.
PNPs and Express Entry System
PR can be secured in Canada through two main routes: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Express Entry System. Minister Miller has emphasized efforts to address labour shortages, particularly in vital sectors such as construction and healthcare.
Industries like trade, technology, and healthcare are in high demand across Canadian provinces and within the federal Express Entry system. Proficiency in the French language is also a targeted criterion for Canadian immigration, presenting an additional avenue for PR.
Immigrate To CanadaInternational students aiming for Canadian PR can focus on these key areas: trades, tech, healthcare, and French proficiency to enhance their prospects within the Canadian immigration landscape.
Pathways for International Students to PR.
Pathways for International Students to PR
Let us look into the easiest pathways for international students to obtain PR in Canada.
1. Pursuing In-Demand Sectors
Consider entering skilled trades, tech, or healthcare sectors during your studies. Skilled trades certification can add 50 extra points in Express Entry, with lower cut-off scores in these specialized draws. All Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada prioritize these sectors in their PR selections.
2. Learning French for PR
This path to PR is less competitive due to the reluctance of most international students to learn French. However, becoming proficient in French makes you eligible for Francophone immigration, offering lower PR points cut-offs in both PNPs and Express Entry.
The 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan targets Francophone immigration at 6% in 2024, rising to 7% in 2025 and further to 8% in 2026. Proficiency in both English and French languages presents a significant advantage for international students in this context.
3. Choosing a Second Program
International students completing a 1-year diploma in Canada can pursue a second program after graduation to elevate their Canadian education level. This boosts their CRS points for PR eligibility and extends the PGWP duration.
Opting for a 4-year degree in high-demand sectors such as healthcare allows students to stay legally for the entire program duration, subsequently qualifying for a PGWP of the same duration. This notably enhances their chances of attaining PR, surpassing those students who completed a one-year diploma with a shorter PGWP.\
4. Rural Immigration Programs for International students
International students often overlook rural immigration programs, as many prefer to reside in major cities. Meanwhile, IRCC is exploring avenues to expand the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) to additional towns and is striving to establish this program as a permanent fixture.
For instance, Alberta offers PR options in over 22 rural communities. Other provinces also provide pathways to PR in rural areas. Students can choose the immigration pathways focused on rural or regional areas an easier route to attain Canadian PR.
5. Exploring Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Exploring the Start-Up Visa program is a great choice for those with innovative ideas or a passion for business. Entrepreneurs who fulfill the criteria of the Canada Start-Up Visa program can apply for PR in Canada. This initiative helps at least five international students attain PR in Canada. While it may seem appealing, the Start-Up Visa Program is not as simple as it seems. Yet, it is a potential option for obtaining Canadian permanent residency and settling for life.
At ImmiLaw Immigration, our seasoned team, consisting of immigration lawyers and overseas study specialists, offers support for study permits, second program selection, post-study pathways, and diverse immigration requirements. Connect with us to pave your path toward a brighter future in Canada.
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