Are you an international student studying in Canada? If you dream of making Canada your permanent home after your studies, you’re in luck! Canada offers many pathways for international students like you to become permanent residents.
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps for you.
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After you finish your studies in Canada, one of the first steps toward permanent residence is getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit is like a golden ticket because it allows you to work anywhere in Canada for a certain period, usually up to three years.
During this time, you can gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is a big plus when applying for permanent residence.
Research Immigration Pathways
Before you can embark on your journey to becoming a permanent resident, you need to do some research. Start by looking into the different immigration pathways available to you.
It is important to consider factors like your language skills, education, work experience, and whether you have a job offer.
Express Entry: Your Ticket to Permanent Residence
Express Entry is an online system that manages applications for three federal skilled worker programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is for skilled workers who have the right education and work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you have at least one year of Canadian work experience, you might find this program suitable.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): If you have experience in a skilled trade, this program could be a good fit.
To use Express Entry, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for one of these programs.
Stay Informed with +1 News about Latest Express Entry Draws
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
Once you create a profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, you’ll be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is based on various factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience.
Having a Canadian education and work experience can give your score a boost, making you a competitive candidate. IRCC regularly invites candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Every province and territory in Canada has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs are designed to help skilled workers become permanent residents in a specific province or territory.
Many PNPs have streams that welcome international students, and some are even tailored just for students like you.
Stay updated with +1 News about Latest PNP Draws
Quebec Immigration
Quebec, a French-speaking province, has its unique immigration system. They value candidates who have studied and worked in Quebec. If you’ve spent time in Quebec, this could be a great option for you.
Explore Other Economic Class Pathways
Canada offers more than 100 different economic class pathways, and some of them are perfect for international students. For example:
- Atlantic Immigration Program: If you’ve studied in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, you might be eligible.
- Hong Kong: Canada has special immigration pathways for Hong Kong nationals who have studied in Canada.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: This pathway offers permanent residence to international students living in certain rural and northern communities across Canada.
Verify Your NOC Skill Level
Different Canadian immigration programs have specific requirements for the type of work experience you need. It’s essential to check if your work experience matches the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level required for your chosen program.
Most programs prefer high-skilled work experience, but some accept intermediate or lower-skilled experience too.
Family Class Sponsorship
If you have a family member in Canada who’s a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they might be able to sponsor you for permanent residence.
For example, if your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you meet the government’s eligibility criteria, they can sponsor you.
Conclusion
Preparing for Canadian Permanent Residence while studying in Canada is a wise choice. Work hard, gain Canadian experience, and follow these straightforward steps. Canada could soon become your permanent home!
