International Students: Path To Canadian Pr

International students often consider applying for permanent residence in Canada, as it enables them to reside and work permanently, offering many advantages. To obtain permanent residence, international students must jump through several hoops, and permanent residence is not guaranteed. International students can apply for permanent residence while studying in Canada or after completing their studies, provided they meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program under which they apply.

Language proficiency tests

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the accepted English language tests for Canada PR. The test assesses the applicant's English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, assigning scores to each skill. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is another approved test for English proficiency. The CELPIP test is available online and can be taken in a single sitting. It includes features such as a personal timer, word counter, and spell-check. The test evaluates the same skills as the IELTS test and is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For French language proficiency, applicants can take the Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada), which is specifically designed to evaluate French language proficiency for Canadian immigration. The test is administered by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. TEF Canada is accepted for both Quebec and federal immigration purposes. Another option for assessing French language proficiency is the Test de Connaissance du Français pour le Canada (TCF Canada), which is administered by France Éducation International.

It is important to note that language test results must be no older than two years to be considered valid for Canadian immigration. Additionally, applicants must meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements specified by their chosen immigration program. These requirements can be found on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Work experience requirements

International students in Canada can apply for permanent residency (PR) while studying, but it is challenging as most PR pathways require skilled work experience. The majority of international student graduates are eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Canada. This experience can then be used to apply for one of the Express Entry pathways, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which is the fastest way to obtain permanent residency. The CEC requires applicants to have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years or the equivalent in part-time work. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or FSW is another option, which does not require Canadian work experience, but applicants must have at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience gained anywhere in the world.

Each of Canada's provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which often have streams specifically for international graduates. PNPs allow provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residency based on their skills, work experience, and ties to the province. For example, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) requires a full-time job offer and proof of living in the region for a specified time. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is another PNP option with streams designed for international students in Quebec. To qualify, students must demonstrate an advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French and have completed or be close to completing their studies in Quebec.

Immigration programs

Canada offers multiple pathways for international students to obtain permanent residence (PR) in the country. Here is an overview of some of the immigration programs available:

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is a federal program that ranks candidates in a pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). International students can gain up to 30 points in this system if they have completed a Canadian post-secondary educational credential. Candidates with higher scores and rankings are invited to apply for PR and have 60 days to submit a complete application. The processing time for completed applications is typically six months. The Express Entry system has recently started prioritizing candidates with French language ability and/or professional experience in specific in-demand sectors, giving them preferential selection for PR.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each of Canada's provinces and territories, except the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, operates its own immigration programs known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of each province or territory. Many PNPs give preference to applicants with connections to the province, including previous studies or work experience gained within the province. For example, Ontario has an International Student Stream that requires a job offer, while Quebec has the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) programs.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is one of the fastest ways to obtain Canadian permanent residence. It is operated through the Express Entry system and is designed for individuals with Canadian education and work experience. A distinguishing requirement for the CEC program is that applicants must have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years. This work experience cannot be gained during a period of full-time study.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an employer-driven immigration program for skilled foreign workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. To be eligible, individuals must have completed a post-secondary education program of at least two years in duration at a publicly funded institution in Atlantic Canada and have graduated within the last 24 months. They must also have been full-time students for the entire duration of their studies.

Foreign Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

The Foreign Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) is for experienced skilled trade workers who want to become permanent residents in Canada. There is no education requirement for this program, but candidates can gain extra points for their Canadian education. Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French and have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within specific NOC groups. They must also have a full-time employment offer for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are provincially operated immigration programs that offer pathways to permanent residence for individuals interested in immigrating to a specific Canadian province or territory. Each province or territory, except Quebec and Nunavut, operates its own PNP with several streams, and the Northwest Territories do not have dedicated application streams for international students. These programs are designed to meet the unique economic and demographic needs of the respective province or territory, and they provide opportunities for foreign nationals to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

The eligibility criteria and application procedures vary across the different PNPs, but some common requirements include valid post-graduation work permits, proof of language proficiency in one of Canada's official languages, and the intention to reside in the province upon nomination. Some PNPs also require at least one year of work experience, while others, like the British Columbia International Post-Graduate stream, do not. Many PNPs give preference to applicants with connections to the province, such as previous studies or work experience within the province.

• Ontario Masters Graduate stream and Ontario PhD Graduate stream
• British Columbia International Post-Graduate stream
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (formerly Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program)
• BC PNP, which includes Skills Immigration, Express Entry BC, and Entrepreneur Immigration Streams
• Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP)
• NSNP (Nova Scotia's program)
• PEI PNP (Prince Edward Island's program)
• SINP (Saskatchewan's program)

International students can benefit from PNPs tailored to their specific needs, such as those designed for graduates from schools anywhere in Canada or those targeting international graduates within a particular province. These programs can provide a great opportunity for international students to transition to permanent residence in Canada and contribute to the country's growing industries, such as the tech sector.

Quebec's immigration system

International students can apply for permanent residence in Canada. While there are a range of eligibility factors for this program, including age, language proficiency, and level of education, a distinguishing requirement is that applicants prove they have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience.

Quebec, a province in Canada, operates its own immigration system with requirements and procedures different from the rest of the country. However, similar to the rest of Canada, Quebec’s immigration programs are designed to give international students advantages when applying for permanent residence. Quebec’s two main permanent residence programs have streams designed for international students in Quebec.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

This program requires students to have completed their program of study or to be within 6 months of completing their studies at an institution in Quebec. To qualify for PEQ, an international student must demonstrate an advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French. The program allows temporary foreign workers and international students to apply for permanent residence from within Québec after completing a period of qualified work or approved studies.

Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

This program may be an option for international students in Quebec who have completed or are in the process of completing an educational credential in Quebec.

Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

The Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is a mandatory immigration document for all international students at McGill University. It is issued by Immigration Quebec, and students must obtain their CAQ before they apply for their study permit. Students must hold a valid CAQ for the entire duration of their studies. If their CAQ expires before the end of their program, they must apply to renew it and meet the conditions of their CAQ for the duration of their studies.

Frequently asked questions