International Students: Path To Canadian Permanent Residence

International students who graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada are often keen to apply for permanent residence in the country. While permanent residence is not guaranteed, there are multiple pathways available to international students who want to transition to Canadian permanent residence. These include the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which is one of the fastest ways to obtain Canadian permanent residence, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offered by each of Canada's provinces and territories.

Work experience requirements

International students in Canada can apply for permanent residence if they meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program they are applying through. Many of these programs require a certain amount of skilled work experience.

The amount of work experience required varies depending on the province and the program. Some programs require at least one year of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years, or an equivalent amount in part-time experience. This includes the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programs, which are the most common pathways for international graduates. The CEC is one of the fastest ways to obtain Canadian permanent residence.

Some provinces, like Alberta, have lower work experience requirements. For example, in Alberta, international students only need to show six months of work experience in an occupation related to their field of study.

In Quebec, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program offers points to candidates with study and work experience in the province. Canadian work experience is not required for this program, but applicants must have an intermediate level of proficiency in the French language.

Each of Canada's provinces and territories operates its own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which are popular Canadian immigration options as applications for permanent residency are typically processed faster through these programs. PNPs give preference to applicants with a connection to the province, such as previous studies or work experience gained in that province.

International students who are unable to meet the work experience requirements for these programs may still be able to gain the necessary experience by applying for a post-graduation work permit, which authorizes them to work in Canada and gain valuable work experience.

Study permit conditions

International students intending to study in Canada are generally required to apply for a study permit before their arrival in the country. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you're coming to Canada for a program that lasts six months or less, you are exempt from the need for a study permit. Similarly, if you're a family or staff member of a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada, you may not require a study permit, although it's advisable to contact GAC for confirmation. Members of a foreign armed force or designated civilian personnel from countries designated under the VFA who are on official duties in Canada are also exempt from needing a study permit.

If you're already in Canada, you may still be eligible to apply for a study permit, but you cannot do so at a port of entry. Instead, you must apply from outside the country. If you leave Canada as a student on maintained status and then return, you will lose your ability to study until your application is approved. It's important to note that starting November 8, 2024, student compliance reporting will be mandatory.

To apply for a study permit, you must do so online, regardless of whether you're outside or inside Canada. In some cases, you may need to submit a paper application. For example, if you have visitor status in Canada and your spouse or common-law partner is a NOC C or D worker, you may need to provide a paper application. As part of the application process, you may be required to submit biometrics, including fingerprints and a photo, if you're between 14 and 79 years old.

For those with minor children intending to study in Canada, they may need a study permit. If they are below the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province) and are accompanied by a parent with authorisation to work or study in Canada, they may not need a study permit for preschool, primary school, or secondary school. However, once they reach the age of majority, they must apply for a study permit if they wish to continue their studies.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a pathway to permanent residence for individuals seeking to immigrate to a specific province or territory. Each province or territory has its own PNP, designed to meet its unique economic and demographic needs. PNPs are a popular option for permanent residence as they can be the easiest pathway to Canadian permanent residence.

Every year, the Canadian federal government increases the number of invitations for PNP candidates. PNPs are tailored to meet the specific economic and demographic needs of each province or territory. As a result, the eligibility criteria and application procedures vary depending on the province or territory. However, most PNPs require candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in one of Canada's official languages by taking a designated French or English language exam.

Some PNPs specifically target international students and graduates. For example, the Ontario Masters Graduate stream, the Ontario PhD Graduate stream, and the British Columbia International Post-Graduate stream are designed for post-graduate students and do not require work experience or a job offer to apply. Similarly, the NSNP, or Nova Scotia Nominee Program, is open to international graduates, while the SINP, or Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program, includes a stream for international skilled workers.

To be eligible for PNPs targeting international students, most programs require a valid post-graduation work permit. Students who have completed a study program of at least one year at an accredited institution are eligible to apply for this work permit. Once an individual has obtained their post-graduation work permit, they are eligible to live and work anywhere in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

International students can apply for permanent residence in Canada through various programs. One of the most popular routes is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which is an immigration stream under the Express Entry system. The CEC is specifically designed for foreign student graduates who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. This program helps individuals transition from temporary to permanent residence status.

To be eligible for the CEC, candidates must meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience within the 36 months preceding the date of submission of the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). This work experience must fall under one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories: Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) 0, 1, 2, or 3. Additionally, the work experience must be lawfully obtained and paid, with a minimum of 1,560 hours (30 hours per week) in total.

Language proficiency is another important criterion for the CEC. Candidates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 on an approved English or French language test for NOC skill level 0 or A jobs. It is worth noting that Quebec, with its unique immigration system, requires international students to demonstrate advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French for its Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

The CEC has no specific education requirement. However, candidates who have studied in Canada can gain additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) by providing proof of a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian educational institution. These points can enhance an applicant's ranking within the Express Entry pool, increasing their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.

The CEC is a fast-track option, with processing times as short as three to four months. It is an excellent choice for international students who have built a connection with Canada through their studies and subsequent work experience and now aspire to make Canada their permanent home.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

The Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l'expérience québécoise or PEQ) is a fast-track Canadian immigration program that provides a pathway for foreign graduates and individuals with work experience in Quebec to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, CSQ). This certificate is a mandatory step towards permanent residency in Canada, which is granted by the federal government. The PEQ is unique to Quebec due to the Quebec-Canada Agreement, which gives Quebec the authority to select its economic immigrants in the skilled worker category.

The PEQ has two main streams: the Diplomé du Québec (Quebec Graduate) stream and the Travailleur étranger temporaire (Temporary Foreign Worker) stream. The graduate stream is for applicants who have obtained an eligible diploma from a recognised educational institution in Quebec. The foreign worker stream is for applicants who have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Quebec in the last 24 months. Full-time work experience acquired as an international student on a Post-Graduation Work Permit or under a Youth Exchange/International Experience Canada (IEC) Program may be considered if the applicant meets all other PEQ requirements.

To qualify for the PEQ, applicants must demonstrate an advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French (B2 level). This can be done by providing a final transcript showing the completion of at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study entirely in French or a study program completed entirely in French. Alternatively, applicants can provide a standardised language test recognised by the Government of Quebec or show that they have satisfied the French language requirements of the professional order governing their occupation in Quebec. Spouses of principal applicants under the PEQ are also required to demonstrate spoken knowledge of French.

The PEQ is a popular immigration pathway, with more than 70,000 selection certificates issued between 2010 and 2019. The program was redesigned in 2019 to improve the distribution of applicants across immigration programs and to make it more responsive to labour market needs. Applications under the PEQ are expected to be completed within six months, significantly faster than other programs such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).

Frequently asked questions