Different Ways to Get PR in Canada After Study: From Student To Resident

Have you pursued your studies in Canada and possibly even gained Canadian work experience? Are you now considering making this country your permanent home? Wondering about the pathways available for you to become a permanent resident? We've got you covered!

What is a Canada PR Visa?

A Canada PR (Permanent Resident) Visa is a document that allows an individual to live, work, and study in Canada permanently. Permanent residency is a status granted to immigrants who meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government.

There are various ways to obtain a Canada PR visa, including through the Express Entry system, provincial nominee programs, family sponsorship, and business immigration programs.

What are the Pathways to Getting PR in Canada After Study?

There are several pathways available for international students to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada. These include:

1. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

CEC is one of the quickest pathways designed for individuals with work experience in Canada. To be eligible, international students must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and meet language proficiency requirements.

However, it is important to note that the work experience earned during full-time study (even if you were on a co-op work term) cannot be counted towards the 12-month requirement, so international students cannot use that to meet the CEC criteria.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply Through CEC for Students

Below are the eligibility criteria for international students applying through the Canadian experience class (CEC).

• Intermediate or strong English or French skills (CLB 7 if TEER is 0 or 1, CLB 5 if TEER is 2 or 3)
• 12 months of (combination of full-time or part-time) Canadian work experience within TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• A job offer is not required if applying through CEC, but you can earn extra points for having a valid job offer.
• There is no minimum requirement for education, but points are available if you have completed secondary or postsecondary education (especially Canadian).

2. The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program

This pathway is for individuals who possess the necessary skills and work experience to contribute to the Canadian economy. FSW program is a merit-based immigration program that evaluates candidates using a points-based CRS score.

International students may be eligible if they have a highly competitive profile in the CRS score system and possess at least one year of skilled work experience outside of Canada.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply Through FSWP for Students

Below are the eligibility criteria for international students applying through the federal skilled worker program.

• Strong English or French skills (CLB 7)
• Experience in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3
• 1 year of continuous work experience which could be a combination of full-time, part-time, or more than 1 job. The work experience gained during your studies can also contribute to fulfilling the minimum requirements of the work:
  • Was compensated through wages or commissions
  • Maintained continuity without employment gaps
  • Satisfies all other Program prerequisites
• Not required job offer, but can earn points
• Candidates who completed their education in Canada need to submit a certificate from a secondary or post-secondary institution. However, if you have a foreign education then you must submit ECA from a DLI (designated organization)

Also read: Different Canada Visa Types from India for Indians

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program offers international students an avenue to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This program is designed for individuals who have gained experience in skilled trades while studying in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply Through FSTP for Students

Below are the eligibility criteria for international students applying through the federal skilled trade program

• Intermediate English or French skills (CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing)
• Experience in skilled trade under TEER key groups 2 or 3
• Work experience of at least 2 years within the last 5 years
• Required job offer:
  • Full-time employment for 1 year, or
  • Certificate of qualification in skilled trade from Canadian provincial/territorial authority
• Minimum education is not required, but points are available for secondary and post-secondary education (especially Canadian).

4. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

This pathway allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals with the skills and experience needed to support their local economies for PR.

Several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada give preference to applicants who have a connection to the province, such as past study or job experience in that province. Depending on the province where an international student completed their program of study, they may be eligible to apply for a PNP in that province.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply Through PNP for Students

Below are the eligibility criteria for international students applying through the provincial nomination program.

• Ontario offers three streams tailored for different graduate levels:
  • International Student Stream (requiring a job offer)
  • Ph.D. Graduate Stream
  • Masters Graduate Stream
• Quebec doesn't mandate a job offer if candidates possess advanced French proficiency.
• New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are included under the AIP program without dedicated streams.
• Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador provide distinct international graduate streams.
• Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut lack dedicated application streams for international students.

5. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program serves as a route to attaining permanent residency for skilled foreign workers and international graduates aspiring to establish their careers and lives in Canada's vibrant Atlantic provinces. These provinces encompass Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply Through AIP for Students

Below are the eligibility criteria for international students applying through the Atlantic immigration program.

• Prove your Intermediate English or French language skills with a CLB 4
• Work experience is not required
• A full-time job offer from an approved employer in Atlantic Canada, falling within TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (formerly categorized as NOC 0, A, B, or C). This offer, which should be non-seasonal, must remain valid for a minimum of 1 year from the point of PR approval.
• Graduation from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada (at least a 2-year program)

6. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI), the PGWP is an indirect path to PR in Canada. (Here is a detailed guide where we have discussed the eligibility criteria for the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) in Canada)

After students finish their studies, they are granted the opportunity to remain in Canada and engage in employment with any Canadian employer. This experience can serve as a pathway for them to meet the prerequisites for permanent residency (PR) through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or potentially through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) facilitated by employer sponsorship.

Your Dream of Living in Canada is Within Reach

In conclusion, obtaining PR in Canada after completing studies can be an exciting and challenging journey for international students. While there are several pathways available for students, applicants are advised to carefully assess their eligibility before applying since each pathway has its own unique set of requirements.

However, with the right approach and guidance from GetGIS Immigration Consultant international students can successfully transition from being temporary residents to permanent residents in Canada, opening up a world of opportunities for their future. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for Free Consultation and take the first step toward your dream of settling in Canada.