After completing studies in Canada, most international students apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This open work permit allows students to work for any employer and in any occupation of their choice. The PGWP’s duration corresponds with the length of studies, up to a maximum of three years. A key advantage of the PGWP is that it provides valuable Canadian work experience, which enhances your competitiveness in the immigration process. If you’re yet to start your studies, ensure you enroll in a program at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that qualifies for a PGWP.

Next, research Canadian immigration pathways to identify options that may suit you best. Early research helps you take necessary steps to ensure eligibility and strengthen your candidacy. Generally, you will be assessed based on your English and/or French proficiency, education, and work experience. An eligible job offer or ties to a specific province can also provide advantages. Completing a free CanadaVisa assessment can help determine your eligibility for permanent residence.

Common Pathways to Consider

Express Entry

Express Entry is an application management system for three federal skilled worker immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

International students with at least one year of Canadian work experience may find the CEC to be a suitable option for PR. Those with at least one year of overseas professional experience might consider the FSWP.

To immigrate via Express Entry, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the programs and upload your profile to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Candidates are awarded Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores based on factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. Additional points can be earned for Canadian education and work experience, positioning international students favorably. IRCC issues invitations to apply for PR every two weeks to the highest-scoring candidates, who then have 60 days to submit their complete applications.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another popular route for international students, with nearly every province and territory in Canada operating their own programs. Many PNP streams favor candidates who have studied and worked in the region, and there are specific streams tailored to international students. You can explore these options further with the CanadaVisa PNP Finder.

Quebec

Quebec has its own immigration system aimed at attracting skilled workers, particularly francophones. The province rewards candidates who have studied and gained work experience there, such as through the Quebec Experience Program.

Other Economic Class PR Pathways

Canada offers over 100 economic class pathways, many of which favor international student candidates. Examples include:

Atlantic Immigration Program: For those studying in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hong Kong Pathways:** For Hong Kong nationals who have studied in Canada.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: A pathway for international students living in participating rural and northern communities.

Verify Your NOC Skill Level

Each skilled worker immigration program specifies the required skill type for work experience. As you gain Canadian work experience, ensure you work in occupations that align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels relevant to your desired immigration pathways. Most skilled worker streams typically require “high-skilled” work experience, but there are also pathways for “intermediate” or “lower” skilled experience.

Family Class

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members for permanent residence. For example, if your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or PR, they may be able to sponsor you, provided you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government.