Ibrahim Gardner
Canada is a popular destination for international students, with many universities, colleges, and other educational institutions authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to welcome international students. These institutions are called Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and they help international students stay in the country after graduation. International students can work for up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during school breaks. The first step to becoming an international student in Canada is to obtain a study permit. After that, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain work experience, which can help them qualify for permanent residence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work while studying | International students in Canada can work for up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during school breaks. |
| Study permit | A permit is required for international students to study in Canada. The academic program must be longer than six months at a qualifying learning institution. |
| Work permit | A work permit is required for most work in Canada. International graduates can apply for a work permit and eventually permanent residency. |
| Permanent residency | International students can apply for permanent residency while studying or after completing their studies. |
| Express Entry | Express Entry is the main way Canada manages economic class immigration applications. Candidates are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which rewards candidates who are young, have Canadian education and work experience, and strong English and/or French proficiency. |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | PNPs are a popular Canadian immigration option as applications for permanent residency are typically processed faster. The program allows provinces to identify candidates who meet their local economic needs. |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | International students can gain Canadian work experience by obtaining a PGWP, which may enable them to work in Canada for up to three years. |
| Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) | There are over 1,500 universities, colleges, and other educational institutions authorized by IRCC to welcome international students. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a school and program
When choosing a school, it is important to verify that the university or college you wish to enrol in is authorized by the IRCC. You can do this by visiting the Canadian government's official website. Ontario and Quebec are Canada's largest provinces and host the most DLIs, with nearly 1,000 combined.
Each province and territory in Canada has its own education system, so there are differences between educational institutions and the application processes. It is worth considering the unique features of each province and territory when deciding where to study. For example, if you're looking for a bustling city life with culture, arts, diverse foods, and nightlife, Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal might be ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer a slower pace and more natural surroundings, a smaller town in BC or Alberta could be a better fit.
In addition to choosing a school, you also need to decide on a program that aligns with your academic and career goals. The program you choose should be more than six months in length and offered by a qualifying learning institution, such as a university or accredited college. Keep in mind that some programs may have specific requirements, such as language proficiency or work experience, so be sure to review the details of your chosen program carefully.
Once you've decided on a school and program, you can proceed with the next steps of the immigration process, which include applying for admission, gathering documents, and applying for a study permit. Remember, choosing the right school and program is a crucial step in laying the foundation for your future studies and career in Canada.
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Applying for a study permit
Secondly, you'll need to gather the necessary documents, which typically include your passport, proof of financial support, and your letter of acceptance from the DLI. Additionally, you may need to provide language test results and a provincial attestation letter. It is important to note that starting November 8, 2024, you will need a new study permit if you wish to change schools, as you can no longer change schools under the same study permit.
Thirdly, you'll need to complete the application form and pay the associated fees. The application process may vary depending on your country of origin and the specific requirements of the IRCC. Once your application is submitted, you may have to wait several weeks or months for processing, and there is no guarantee of acceptance.
If your study permit is accepted, you can then prepare for your arrival in Canada. This includes arranging travel and accommodation, as well as familiarizing yourself with the local laws and customs. It is important to note that a study permit is typically valid for the duration of your academic program, but you may need to renew it if your program is extended or if you change schools.
Finally, keep in mind that a study permit is just the first step towards immigrating to Canada as an international student. After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, which can lead to permanent residency through various programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). These programs often prioritize candidates with Canadian education and work experience, strong language proficiency, and other factors.
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Working during your studies
Working while studying in Canada as an international student is possible, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, international students in Canada can work for up to 24 hours per week during the semester and on a full-time basis during school breaks. This provides a good opportunity to earn some income while studying. However, it's important to note that any part-time work experience gained during your studies, such as internships or co-ops, will not count toward the Canadian work experience requirement for immigration purposes.
To work in Canada, international students typically need a work permit. After completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to gain valuable work experience and can eventually lead to permanent residency. The PGWP may enable you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on your academic program. This work experience can then be used to pursue various federal and provincial permanent residence avenues.
One popular option is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which is part of the Express Entry system. The CEC is specifically designed for former international students and temporary foreign workers, and it values candidates with Canadian education, work experience, and strong English and/or French proficiency. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another option, which allows provinces to identify immigration candidates who meet their local economic needs, and many PNP streams favour former international students.
While studying in Canada, you can also work full-time during your studies without affecting your eligibility for post-graduation work authorizations. This is an excellent way to gain Canadian work experience and build a strong resume before even graduating. Additionally, with over 1,500 universities, colleges, and educational institutions authorized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to welcome international students, you'll have plenty of options to choose from when deciding where to study and work in Canada.
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Applying for permanent residence
International students in Canada can apply for permanent residence while studying or after completing their studies, provided they meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program under which they apply. This process is referred to as "dual intent".
One of the most prominent ways of pursuing permanent residence is by submitting an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is the main way that Canada manages economic class immigration applications. Candidates are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which rewards candidates who are young, have Canadian education and work experience, and strong English and/or French proficiency.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another option for international students. PNPs are a popular Canadian immigration route as applications for permanent residency are typically processed faster compared to other immigration programs. PNPs allow provinces and territories across Canada to identify immigration candidates who meet their local economic needs. Many PNP streams reward candidates who are former international students or are specifically dedicated to international students.
International students who have completed a recognised program of study in Quebec may qualify under the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program. Unlike the PEQ program, QSW does not have a mandatory French proficiency requirement, but candidates must meet a minimum score on the program's points assessment grid.
Another option for international students who want to pursue permanent residence is to first gain Canadian work experience by obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This will allow them to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on their academic program. While holding a PGWP, they can then pursue a number of federal and provincial permanent residence avenues.
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Provincial immigration programs
Canada offers a range of immigration options for international students, including Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). PNPs are provincially operated immigration programs that allow a province to nominate a foreign national for Canadian permanent residence. PNPs are a popular Canadian immigration option as applications for permanent residency are typically processed faster compared to other immigration programs.
Each province and territory has a few different PNPs, tailored to fit their unique economic and demographic needs. For example, international students who have completed a recognised program of study in Quebec, and who possess an intermediate level of proficiency in the French language, may qualify under the Quebec immigration program. Canadian work experience is not required for this program.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is another option for international students wanting to transition to permanent status in Canada. The AIP is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. Qualifying graduates must hold a job offer in one of these provinces.
Some other PNPs targeting international students include:
- Manitoba's Career Employment Pathway: For international students who have completed a post-secondary educational credential in Manitoba, with a program length of at least one year and completed within the last three years. Candidates must have a full-time job offer from an eligible Manitoba employer in one of the province's in-demand occupations.
- British Columbia's provincial nomination stream: For international students who have completed a master's degree or a doctoral degree at an eligible institution in British Columbia. This stream does not require a job offer to apply.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to apply for a study permit. To do this, you must first choose a school and program, apply for and gain admission to your school of choice in Canada, gather your documents and provincial attestation letter, and then apply for your study permit.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories across Canada to identify immigration candidates who meet their local economic needs. PNPs are a popular Canadian immigration option as applications for Canadian permanent residency are typically processed faster compared to other immigration programs.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the fastest ways to obtain Canadian permanent residence. CEC enables tens of thousands of former international students and temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents each year. To qualify for CEC, applicants must prove they have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years.
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