How international students can get closer to permanent residency in Canada
19 Sep 2024
Canada is a preferred study destination for many international students every year because of its excellent education system, multicultural environment, and post-graduation job opportunities that allow students to gain new experiences and advance their careers. It is also known as the gateway to immigration in Canada, as students who study and work in Canada can receive points towards permanent residency. However, studying in Canada is not a guarantee of permanent residency. It requires thorough preparation and strategy to obtain permanent residency after studying abroad. In this column, we will discuss how international students can get closer to obtaining permanent residency.
First, it's essential to stay informed about changing immigration policies. Canada's immigration policy is constantly adjusted based on the country's economic needs and changes in the labor market. For example, in early 2024, a policy was announced that international students enrolled in programs with curricula from public universities at some private universities will no longer be eligible for the PGWP upon graduation. This change could have a significant impact on international students seeking employment in Canada after graduation. Therefore, students should make sure that their programs are PGWP-eligible in advance, and it is recommended that they enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is PGWP-eligible.
Second, consider choosing an occupation that is in high demand in Canada. Starting in 2023, Canada is introducing Express Entry category lotteries that focus on specific occupations to reflect labor market demand. For example, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Trades, Transportation, and Agriculture and Agri-food. If you're a student who hasn't yet decided on a career path, pursuing a career in one of these high-demand fields can give you an advantage in Express Entry. Of course, these categories are not fixed and can change at any time depending on the economic situation in Canada, so you should pay close attention to this as well.
Third, it's a good idea to check out the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) requirements and take advantage of them. In particular, being nominated by your province can give you an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in Express Entry, which can significantly increase your chances of getting permanent residency. You can also apply for permanent residency through the PNP program, which allows you to apply for permanent residency under your province's system even if you don't qualify for an Express Entry category. There are about 80 different PNP programs in each state, so international students have the opportunity to find a program that works for them and apply for permanent residency.
Fourth, you should improve your language skills as much as possible. Canada is a bilingual country, and being fluent in both English and French can give you a significant advantage in the permanent residency application process. For example, if you're a predominantly English-speaking student, achieving a high score on the IELTS or CELPIP test is essential. In addition, building your French language skills in addition to English can also be a huge advantage. Notably, the Canadian government has been running an Express Entry lottery focusing on French language skills since 2024, and this is expected to continue in 2025 and 2026.
Finally, it's a good idea to have your degree recognized in Canada. The Canadian Express Entry system awards points based on academic credentials and requires international students to have their degrees recognized if they earned them outside of Canada. This means having your degree evaluated by a Canadian government-appointed accreditation body, such as World Education Services (WES). Once your degree is officially recognized in Canada, you'll receive a higher score, and additional degrees earned within Canada can help you earn even more points, which can greatly help you get permanent residency.
In conclusion, international students should stay informed about immigration policies, choose an in-demand career field, take advantage of the PNP program, improve their language skills, and certify their degrees in order to maximize their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. By using a combination of these strategies, they will be more likely to achieve their immigration goals in the long term.
Canada is a preferred study destination for many international students every year because of its excellent education system, multicultural environment, and post-graduation job opportunities that allow students to gain new experiences and advance their careers. It is also known as the gateway to immigration in Canada, as students who study and work in Canada can receive points towards permanent residency. However, studying in Canada is not a guarantee of permanent residency. It requires thorough preparation and strategy to obtain permanent residency after studying abroad. In this column, we will discuss how international students can get closer to obtaining permanent residency.
First, it's essential to stay informed about changing immigration policies. Canada's immigration policy is constantly adjusted based on the country's economic needs and changes in the labor market. For example, in early 2024, a policy was announced that international students enrolled in programs with curricula from public universities at some private universities will no longer be eligible for the PGWP upon graduation. This change could have a significant impact on international students seeking employment in Canada after graduation. Therefore, students should make sure that their programs are PGWP-eligible in advance, and it is recommended that they enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is PGWP-eligible.
Second, consider choosing an occupation that is in high demand in Canada. Starting in 2023, Canada is introducing Express Entry category lotteries that focus on specific occupations to reflect labor market demand. For example, Healthcare, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Trades, Transportation, and Agriculture and Agri-food. If you're a student who hasn't yet decided on a career path, pursuing a career in one of these high-demand fields can give you an advantage in Express Entry. Of course, these categories are not fixed and can change at any time depending on the economic situation in Canada, so you should pay close attention to this as well.
Third, it's a good idea to check out the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) requirements and take advantage of them. In particular, being nominated by your province can give you an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in Express Entry, which can significantly increase your chances of getting permanent residency. You can also apply for permanent residency through the PNP program, which allows you to apply for permanent residency under your province's system even if you don't qualify for an Express Entry category. There are about 80 different PNP programs in each state, so international students have the opportunity to find a program that works for them and apply for permanent residency.
Fourth, you should improve your language skills as much as possible. Canada is a bilingual country, and being fluent in both English and French can give you a significant advantage in the permanent residency application process. For example, if you're a predominantly English-speaking student, achieving a high score on the IELTS or CELPIP test is essential. In addition, building your French language skills in addition to English can also be a huge advantage. Notably, the Canadian government has been running an Express Entry lottery focusing on French language skills since 2024, and this is expected to continue in 2025 and 2026.
Finally, it's a good idea to have your degree recognized in Canada. The Canadian Express Entry system awards points based on academic credentials and requires international students to have their degrees recognized if they earned them outside of Canada. This means having your degree evaluated by a Canadian government-appointed accreditation body, such as World Education Services (WES). Once your degree is officially recognized in Canada, you'll receive a higher score, and additional degrees earned within Canada can help you earn even more points, which can greatly help you get permanent residency.
In conclusion, international students should stay informed about immigration policies, choose an in-demand career field, take advantage of the PNP program, improve their language skills, and certify their degrees in order to maximize their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. By using a combination of these strategies, they will be more likely to achieve their immigration goals in the long term.