Douglas Olsen
Canada has long been a popular destination for international students seeking permanent residence (PR) due to its immigration opportunities and pathways. In 2021-23, over 355,000 international students gained PR status in Canada, with 62,410 doing so in 2023. These numbers represent a significant portion of the total permanent residents in Canada, with former international students being one of the largest groups of new permanent residents each year. Canada's Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) facilitate the transition to PR for international students, who are seen as a valuable source of skilled labour and contributors to the country's cultural diversity and economic growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students who gained permanent resident status in 2021-23 | 355,000 |
| Number of international students who gained permanent resident status in 2023 | 62,410 |
| Number of international students who gained permanent resident status in 2022 | 52,740 |
| Number of PGWP holders in 2022 | 400,000 |
| Percentage of PGWP holders who became permanent residents | 75% |
| Number of former temporary residents who gained permanent resident status in the past three years | 627,000 |
| Number of immigrants allowed into Canada in 2020 | 184,370 |
| Immigration quota for 2024 | 485,000 |
| Immigration quota for 2025 | 500,000 |
| Target for new temporary resident arrivals in 2025 | 673,650 |
| Target for new temporary resident arrivals in 2026 | 516,600 |
| Target for new temporary resident arrivals in 2027 | 543,600 |
| Share of international students who became landed immigrants within 5 years of arrival (2010-2014) | 6 in 10 |
| Share of international students who became landed immigrants within 10 years of arrival (2000s) | 3 in 10 |
| Share of international students who became landed immigrants within 10 years of arrival (master's degree students, early 2010s) | 5 in 10 |
| Share of international students who became landed immigrants within 10 years of arrival (doctoral degree students, early 2010s) | 6 in 10 |
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What You'll Learn
- International students with work experience are more likely to get PR
- International graduates can apply for PR through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- International students can gain work experience in Canada through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data shows over 62,000 international students became permanent residents in 2023
- Canada's 2025-27 Levels Plan includes targets for temporary resident international students
International students with work experience are more likely to get PR
Canada has specific pathways for foreign graduates to find work and pursue immigration opportunities after their studies, making it a popular destination for international students. In 2021-2023, more than 355,000 international students in Canada gained permanent resident status.
International students who gain work experience in Canada through a PGWP can improve their chances of obtaining permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Foreign Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). The CEC is a popular option for those who do not meet the points required for the FSWP, requiring only one year of skilled full-time work experience. To be eligible for the FSWP, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in Canada or one year of work experience and a post-secondary degree from Canada.
Additionally, international students with work experience can increase their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is used to assess their eligibility for permanent residency. Students can maximize their CRS score by retaking language tests, learning a second language, and gaining additional degrees. A higher CRS score improves the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Overall, international students with work experience have a higher chance of obtaining permanent residency in Canada due to their ability to meet the requirements of various immigration programs and increase their CRS score.
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International graduates can apply for PR through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Canada has specific pathways for international graduates to find work and pursue immigration opportunities after their studies. One such pathway is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province. The only exceptions are the Northern Canada territory of Nunavut and Quebec, with the latter having the authority to establish its own selection criteria for economic immigration.
The PNP was launched in 1998, and since then, Canada has seen a broader distribution of immigration across the country. The main purpose of the PNP is to spread the benefits of immigration across Canada. Prior to the launch of the PNP, most of Canada's immigrants settled in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. However, since the PNPs were introduced, the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) and Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) have enjoyed greater success in attracting immigrants.
The eligibility factors for PNPs vary from province to province, but they are typically part of an economic immigration strategy. Some PNPs prioritize immigrants with experience in occupations that are in high demand in that province, while others prefer immigrants with connections to the province, such as relatives, as this increases the likelihood that they will stay. Most PNPs require candidates to take a designated French or English language exam to demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada's official languages. Additionally, many PNPs require proof that the applicant intends to reside in their province upon being nominated.
International graduates can benefit from specific PNP streams, such as the Ontario Masters Graduate stream, the Ontario PhD Graduate stream, and the British Columbia International Post-Graduate stream, which do not require work experience or a job offer to apply. Examples of PNPs for international graduates include the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (formerly the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program), which has a stream for international graduates, and the BC PNP, which includes the Skills Immigration and International Post-Graduate streams. Other PNPs for international graduates include Nova Scotia's Labour Market Priorities stream, the OINP in Ontario, and the PEI PNP on Prince Edward Island.
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International students can gain work experience in Canada through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)
Canada is a popular destination for international students, with its immigration opportunities being a key reason for this popularity. The country offers specific pathways for foreign graduates to find work and pursue permanent residence (PR) status. One such pathway is the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), which allows international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada and build their eligibility for PR.
The PGWPP is a great option for international students who want to stay and work in Canada after graduation. To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), students must meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must have completed a program of study at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution, which is typically a minimum of 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs). Students must also maintain full-time status during each semester of their study program, although they may study part-time during their final semester. It's important to note that not all programs are PGWP-eligible, and students should check the eligibility criteria carefully.
Another important requirement is the need to apply for the PGWP within a specific timeframe. Students have up to 180 days after confirming that they have completed their program of study to submit their PGWP application. Additionally, their study permit must be valid at some point during these 180 days. If students are applying from within Canada, they should apply no later than 90 days after receiving notice of program completion, and before the expiry date printed on their study permit.
International students should also be aware of the language proficiency requirements for the PGWP. As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applications require valid English or French language proficiency exam results. University graduates typically need to achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of level 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of level 7 in French, across all four language areas. These test results must be included with the application, even if not specifically requested.
Once an international student receives their PGWP, they can work for most employers in most industries in Canada. The PGWP is usually issued for the length of the individual's study period, up to a maximum of three years. During this time, students can build their work experience and eligibility for PR through various economic immigration programs. For example, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) immigration pathway is a common choice for international graduates, requiring one year of skilled full-time work experience while on the PGWP.
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data shows over 62,000 international students became permanent residents in 2023
Canada has long been a popular destination for international students, many of whom go on to become permanent residents. The country's immigration opportunities are a key reason for this popularity. Canada offers specific pathways for foreign graduates to find work and pursue immigration opportunities after their studies.
According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 62,410 international students became permanent residents in 2023. This number includes both international graduates who received PR status and those who obtained it through other means, such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This figure represents an increase from previous years, with 52,740 international graduates becoming permanent residents in 2022.
The IRCC data also reveals that in the three years between 2021 and 2023, more than 355,000 international students gained permanent resident status in Canada. This is a significant contribution to the country's overall immigration numbers. The increasing immigration levels support Canada's demographic and labour market needs, with international students forming a significant portion of new permanent residents each year.
International students are seen as a valuable source of skilled labour for the Canadian economy. Many students gain work experience in Canada through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), which allows them to work temporarily after graduating from a recognised Canadian post-secondary institution. This work experience can then be used to apply for permanent residency through various economic-class immigration programs. The Express Entry application management system is a popular pathway for international graduates, where points are awarded for factors such as studying or working in Canada.
Canada's immigration policies and pathways for international students have evolved over time. In recent years, the country has introduced measures to manage the increasing numbers of international students and temporary residents. These measures include intake caps on study permit applications, amended cost-of-living requirements, and eligibility changes to work permits. Despite these adjustments, Canada remains a sought-after destination for international students seeking permanent residency, with its immigration opportunities continuing to attract talent from around the world.
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Canada's 2025-27 Levels Plan includes targets for temporary resident international students
Canada has long been one of the most popular destinations for international students, thanks in large part to the immigration opportunities it offers. In 2021-23, more than 355,000 international students in Canada gained permanent resident status, according to the latest reports by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC data from November 2023 shows that 62,410 international students became permanent residents of Canada that year, an increase of 9,670 from 2022.
Canada's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows participating provinces and territories to nominate eligible immigration candidates who match local workforce needs for permanent residence. International students can obtain permanent residence (PR) directly after graduation through specific PNP streams for international graduates.
Canada's 2025-27 Levels Plan includes targets for both permanent and temporary resident international students and workers. The plan projects a decrease in overall permanent resident admissions to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. It is anticipated that more than 40% of overall permanent resident admissions in 2025 will be students or workers already in Canada.
The 2025 targets for international students reflect the previously announced study permit cap for new arrivals, representing 45% of overall new temporary resident arrivals. To achieve this goal, the IRCC has introduced an annual cap on international student study permits, including a 10% reduction in 2025 relative to 2024 targets. The IRCC has also tightened eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) to better align the program with immigration goals and labour market needs.
Canada has announced a plan to decrease the number of temporary residents to 5% of the total population over the next three years, including temporary foreign workers and international students. The 2025-27 Levels Plan constitutes a new holistic approach to managed migration, taking into account the full scope of all newcomers.
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Frequently asked questions
62,410 international students became permanent residents of Canada in 2023. This number represented an increase of 9,670 from the previous year.
More than 355,000 international students in Canada gained permanent resident status between 2021 and 2023.
International students can obtain permanent residency in Canada through specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) or by gaining work experience in the country. Most economic immigration programs require at least one year of eligible, full-time work experience.
International students are viewed as a promising pool of skilled individuals who can contribute to the Canadian labour market and the country's economic growth. Additionally, they can contribute to the cultural diversity and growth of Canadian society.
