How International Students Can Get Permanent Residence in Canada

International students who come to Canada for a master’s or Ph.D. program now have an easier path to obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Canada. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy enacted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 15, 2024, allows international student graduates of master’s degree programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to be eligible for a three-year PGWP, regardless of the length of the program. This gives them more time to acquire valuable Canadian work experience, which can then be used on their immigration application.

The value of a PGWP lies in its ability to allow international student graduates to work in Canada after completing a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI. This Canadian work experience is essential for those who intend to pursue PR, as it is required or rewarded by many of Canada’s immigration pathways. For example, the Express Entry application management system, which prioritizes a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, rewards candidates with a minimum of 35 additional CRS points for work experience acquired in Canada before applying for PR.

Furthermore, the Express Entry CRS system rewards higher levels of education, with master’s and Ph.D. degree holders receiving the highest CRS scores for their education level. This gives them a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR.

Additionally, students who obtain either a master’s or Ph.D. degree in Canada open themselves up to various Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams in many of Canada’s provinces and territories. These streams provide additional pathways for obtaining permanent residence in Canada.

Overall, the recent changes in Canadian immigration policies have made it easier for international students to secure permanent residence after completing their master’s or Ph.D. programs in Canada. With the expanded PGWP policy, the rewards for higher education levels, and the opportunities provided through Provincial Nominee Program streams, international students have more avenues to build a successful future in Canada.

For more information email us at info@bisonimmigration.com.