How to Get PR in Canada After Study in 2025: Eligibility & Pathways

How to get PR in Canada after study now that you are done with your studies in Canada? In this blog, we will discuss how to apply for PR after completing studies in Canada - pathways like CEC, AIPP, PNP available to international students to obtain PR in Canada, their eligibility and process.

Studying in Canada significantly enhances your chances of obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). This is largely because completing your education in Canada can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry program.

*Detailed information of the pathways are provided further in the blog.

How To Get PR After 1 Year Study In Canada?

Studying in Canada can significantly enhance your prospects of obtaining permanent residency (PR). A 1-year study program in Canada can boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Canada Express Entry program, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

• After completing a 1-year study program, apply for a Post-Study Work Permit (PSWP). This permit allows you to gain valuable work experience in Canada, further boosting your CRS score.
• With both Canadian education and work experience, you become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), one of the fastest pathways to PR.

Also Read: 1-Year Master Programs in Canada

How To Get PR in Canada After 2 Year Study?

Wondering how to get PR after Masters in Canada? Students completing a 2-year study program in Canada and gaining 1 year of relevant work experience have multiple pathways to obtain permanent residency (PR). To qualify for PR after 2 years of study, you need:

• Relevant work experience obtained through your study permit.
• Sufficient residency time in Canada.
• Enroll at a Designated Learning Institute that offers a Post-Study Work Permit.

Also Read: Canada Stay Back Options After Graduation: Insights For Students & Graduates

How to Get PR in Canada After Study? Pathways & Eligibility

Studying and working in Canada provides international students with viable pathways to settle and build a career in the country, leveraging their educational and professional experiences effectively. The several pathways available for international students to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada include:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the quickest pathways designed for individuals with work experience in Canada. To be eligible, international students must have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada and meet language proficiency requirements.

Also Read: How to Get a Job in Canada From India in 2024?

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).

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

This pathway is for individuals who possess the necessary skills and work experience to contribute to the Canadian economy. Federal Skilled Worker 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 1 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.

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.

Also Read: Canadian Language Benchmark Guide: For Canada Aspirants

4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program 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.

Criteria to Apply Through PNP for Students

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

Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut lack dedicated application streams for international students.

Quick Reads:

• Alberta Provincial Nominee Program
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program
• Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program
• Ontario Provincial Nominee Program
• Saskatchewan Provincial Nominee Program
• Northwest Territories Provincial Nominee Program
• Yukon Provincial Nominee Program
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
• Quebec Provincial Nominee Program

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.

6. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI), the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an indirect path to PR in Canada. (Here is a detailed guide where we have discussed the eligibility criteria for 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.

How to Get Canada PR After Study?

The process for getting a Canada PR visa after studying is obtainable. All you need to do is follow these steps to obtain a Canada PR visa after completing your studies:

Step 1: Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Step 2: Gain Minimum Skilled Work Experience

Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile

Step 4: Wait for Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Step 5: Submit Your PR Visa Application

Your Dream of Living in Canada is Wthin Reach

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 international students can successfully transition from being temporary residents to permanent residents in Canada, opening up a world of opportunities for their future.

Book Your Free Consultation and take the first step toward your dream of settling in Canada.