This year has brought significant changes for international students in Canada, underscoring an important reality: permanent residence (PR) is not guaranteed for international graduates.
Why is Permanent Residence Not Guaranteed?
Even though Canada offers various pathways for international students to work and eventually settle permanently, obtaining PR remains uncertain due to several factors:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must often gain work experience via a PGWP, which allows them to work for most employers in Canada. The duration of a PGWP corresponds to the length of study, but upcoming changes could affect this program.
- PR Application Process: After gaining work experience, graduates must apply to relevant PR programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within the Express Entry system, or through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Some PNPs specifically target international graduates.
- Category-Based Selection: The Express Entry system now prioritizes candidates with specific skills, such as French language proficiency or experience in in-demand sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture. This means candidates fitting these criteria may be favored over those with higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
- Limited Timeframe: The validity of the PGWP can limit the time international graduates have to secure PR. If PR is not obtained within the PGWP validity period and no new temporary status is acquired, graduates must leave Canada.
Maximizing Eligibility for PR
To enhance their chances of obtaining PR, international graduates should focus on:
- In-Demand Skills: Developing professional experience in sectors prioritized by the Canadian government, such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture, or achieving a high level of French language proficiency.
- Provincial Programs: Exploring local PNPs that target international graduates. Examples include:
- Alberta: Graduate Entrepreneur stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur stream, Alberta Opportunity stream.
- British Columbia: International Graduate category, International Post-Graduate category.
- Manitoba: Manitoba Work Experience pathway, Employer Direct Recruitment pathway, International Education stream, Graduate Internship pathway.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: International Graduate category, International Graduate Entrepreneur category.
- Nova Scotia: International Graduate In-demand stream, International Graduate Entrepreneur stream.
- Ontario: Human Capital category, Master’s or PhD category, Employer Job Offer category.
- Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Experience category—Student sub-category, International Graduate Entrepreneur category.
By aligning their career and language skills with Canada’s immigration priorities, international students can improve their prospects for obtaining permanent residence.