How to get PR after studying in Canada?

 After completing their studies in Canada, many international students seek to permanently settle in Canada.  

Between 40% and 47% of international students became permanent residents in the 10 years following the receipt of their first study permit, depending on the cohort of arrival.

Many permanent residency programs offered by Canada prioritize candidates who have a connection to Canada preferably with ties to a specific province, Canadian Work Experience, or Canada Education Credential. For international students wanting to settle in Canada permanently, they can benefit from some or all of these advantages and meet the Canada PR visa eligibility. 

Study Permit to Canada PR: Best options!

Provided that you meet the Canada PR visa eligibility, the Canadian government offers a variety of programs to aspiring international students. Each with its own eligibility criteria, process, and requirements. 

Here are the top 5 Study Visa to Canada PR pathways. 

1. Canadian Experience Class

Managed under the globally-renowned Express Entry system, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the fastest ways to gain Canadian permanent residency. While there is a range of Canada PR visa eligibility factors for CEC including Age, Education, and Language Proficiency – a specific requirement is that candidates must have at least 1-year of continuous, full-time skilled work experience in Canada. For potential students with such a level of work experience – CEC is the best option to get Canada PR. 

International students cannot count work experience gained during their study program – towards their 1-year Canada PR requirement from India. 

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program

Another program managed by the Express Entry system, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) may be the best option for international students. Unlike CEC, the FSWP does not require students to demonstrate Canadian work experience – and is meant for students with overseas skilled work experience. The FSWP is a point-based system and uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates against one another – inviting the most competitive ones for permanent residency. For students meeting the Canada PR visa eligibility and requirements, and qualifying CRS score – FSWP is the best option.

For international students who have never entered the workforce, this program will not be an option.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs 

Each of Canada’s provinces and territories runs its own immigration programs classified under the Provincial Nominee Program. Each PNP has its own eligibility criteria, process, and Canada PR requirement from India. A majority of PNPs give preference to students with some kind of experience in Canada including ties to a specific province, Canadian Work Experience, or Canada Education Credential. Some of the popular PNPs include Alberta PNP, Saskatchewan PNP, British Columbia PNP, and Ontario PNP. 

Depending on the province where the student has completed their study program – they may meet the Canada PR visa eligibility. 

4. Quebec Immigration Programs

The province of Quebec operates its own immigration intake program – with process, eligibility, and Canada PR requirement from India - different from that of other Canadian PNPs. But just as other options on this list – international students have the advantage of applying for Canada PR under Quebec’s immigration programs. Two key permanent residency programs have streams that are designed for international students: Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW). 

Although immigration to Quebec is possible without French, it does however increase your points – and in turn, chances to meet the Canada PR visa eligibility. 

5. Post-Graduate Work Permit

A Post-Graduate Work Permit is not a direct roadmap to Canadian permanent residency – it does, however, allow students who graduated from a Canadian DLI (Designated Learning Institute), to remain in Canada for a certain period and gain Canadian work experience. This in turn qualifies them to apply under other Canadian PR pathways such as the CEC or PNP. 

Take note that not all programs or courses offered at Canadian DLIs are eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. 

Gaining Canada PR as a student

Provided that they meet the Canada PR requirements from India of the program they choose to apply under, international students studying in Canada may be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency. 

According to statistics, there were around 645,000 international students in Canada in 2020 – showcasing the country’s position among the most preferred places to study by students from across the world. 

With quick and easy Canada PR eligibility, and Study Visa to Canada PR roadmap – Canada is the place to be.