Table of Contents
Introduction
• Canada's immigration System
• Eligibility to Apply for a Study Permit
• The Express Entry Pool
• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Conclusion
✦ Introduction
Canada has been a dream destination for international students, owing to its high-quality education system, busy cities, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming environment. It offers a diverse cultural experience like no other country, with people from all around the world living together in harmony. The cherry on top of the cake is that Canada offers various ways to permanent residency for international students, which makes for a compelling case to study in Canada.
If you are an international student studying in Canada, you have an excellent opportunity to immigrate to Canada by applying for a permanent residency visa. Canada values its international students and encourages them to stay back in the country and contribute to its economy and society.
✦ Canada's immigration System
Canada's immigration system is primarily point-based and places a significant emphasis on factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. In this article, we will explore the various pathways to Canada permanent residency for international students.
Study Permit -> Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) -> Express Entry -> Permanent Residency
The most common and widely used direction to Canada PR for international students is through the study permit to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to Express Entry to Permanent Residency.
✦ Eligibility to Apply for a Study Permit
When an international student enrolls in a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for a program of more than six months, they are eligible to apply for a study permit. After completing the program, the student can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the duration of the program.
During the PGWP period, the student can gain valuable Canadian work experience, which will help them earn additional points in the Express Entry system. Express Entry is a point-based system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs, namely the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
✦ The Express Entry Pool
To be eligible for the Express Entry pool, the student must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for one of the three programs. The Express Entry system automatically awards points for language proficiency, education, work experience, age, job offer, and adaptability. The higher the number of points, the better the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The study permit to PGWP to Express Entry to the permanent residency pathway is an excellent option for international students as it provides a clear and straightforward direction to permanent residency. Moreover, it rewards international students for their Canadian education and work experience, making them stand out in the Express Entry pool.
✦ Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
For international students studying in Quebec, there is an additional route to permanent residency called the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
The PEQ is a Quebec immigration program that aims to select candidates who have acquired specific education or work experience in Quebec and are likely to be able to settle and integrate into Quebec's society and job market.
To be eligible for the PEQ, international students must have completed an eligible Quebec diploma, obtained work experience in Quebec, and met the French language requirements. Since the PEQ has different criteria, it can be an excellent option for international students who do not meet the requirements of the federal economic immigration programs.
✦ Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is a Canadian immigration program, designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada attract and retain skilled immigrants to fill labour gaps and support regional economic development.
International students graduating from a post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada can obtain a work permit under the AIP program. Once they have gained enough work experience, they can apply for permanent residency under the AIP program.
The AIP program is unique in that it does not require candidates to meet the point-based requirements of the federal economic immigration programs. Instead, it has different eligibility requirements, such as a job offer from an employer designated under the AIP program, meeting minimum language requirements, and demonstrating proof of sufficient settlement funds.
✦ Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Canada has ten provinces and three territories, each with its immigration programs designed to meet its specific labour market needs. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are immigration programs that allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific labour market needs and economic development objectives.
Most PNPs have specific programs designed for international students who have graduated from post-secondary institutions in the province. These programs provide an opportunity to international students to apply for permanent residency, often without requiring them to have a job offer or meet the point-based requirements of the federal economic immigration programs.
The PNPs' eligibility criteria, streams, and requirements change frequently, depending on the labour market demands and government policies. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated on the eligibility requirements and program streams by consulting with an experienced immigration professional.
✦ Conclusion
Canada welcomes international students and recognizes the value they bring to the country's economy and society. The route to permanent residency for international students demonstrates Canada's commitment to retaining top talent and providing opportunities for international students to build a new life in Canada.
International students should start planning for their permanent residency early and take advantage of the various pathways available to them. It is essential to seek guidance from a reputable and experienced immigration professional who can evaluate your unique circumstances and provide the best advice for your situation.
