For years, international students have chosen Canada as a top destination for its world-class universities, diverse environment, and the opportunity to gain work experience in a new country. Studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada not only opens doors to excellent education but can also boost chances of securing permanent residency (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system, which rewards candidates with extra points for Canadian education and work experience.
However, obtaining a Canadian education is not an automatic pathway to permanent residency. Factors such as skills, qualifications, and work experience in specific occupations play significant roles. Canada’s immigration policies are constantly evolving to meet labor market needs, making the pathway from study permit to PR more competitive. Here are five key strategies international students can adopt to improve their chances of successfully gaining PR:
1. Stay Updated with Immigration Policy Changes
Immigration policies in Canada shift in response to economic demands. Students planning to apply for PR in the future should stay informed about the latest eligibility criteria for different programs. For instance, recent changes mean that students enrolled in study programs with a curriculum licensing agreement are no longer eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This underscores the importance of carefully selecting programs that are PGWP-eligible if gaining work experience in Canada is part of the plan.
2. Pursue In-Demand Professions
In 2023, Canada introduced category-specific Express Entry draws, focusing on occupations and skills that are in high demand, such as healthcare, STEM fields, trade, transport, and agriculture. Students undecided on a career path may want to explore qualifications in these fields to enhance their chances of success in the Express Entry system. Though these categories may change, focusing on these professions can provide a competitive edge.
3. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each province and territory in Canada, except Quebec and Nunavut, operates a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) aimed at attracting skilled workers. If a student’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score isn’t high enough or they don’t qualify for a category-based draw, exploring PNP options could be an alternative route to PR. Enhanced nominations through Express Entry can add 600 CRS points, while base nominations offer another pathway via direct PNP streams.
4. Improve Language Skills
Canada’s two official languages, English and French, are key to success in the PR process. Maximizing points in language proficiency is essential, whether through improving IELTS or CELPIP scores for English or learning French to tap into additional CRS points. In 2024, there was a notable focus on French language proficiency draws, a trend that is expected to continue. Meeting the language proficiency requirements in both official languages can significantly increase chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
5. Plan for the Long-Term
Navigating the pathway to permanent residency as an international student requires careful planning and adaptability. With changing immigration policies, in-demand occupations, and various provincial opportunities, staying informed and strategic in career and education choices will help students enhance their prospects of settling permanently in Canada.
By following these strategies and staying informed about Canada’s evolving immigration landscape, international students can improve their chances of successfully transitioning from study permits to permanent residency.