Canada welcomes international students who want to eventually transition from being a visitor on a study permit to obtaining permanent residence status. There are a wide range of immigration programs at the federal and provincial levels that facilitate the immigration of international students.

Canada is a country formed and built by immigrants. Therefore, international students who are already residing in Canada, if they choose to stay after completing their studies, could be future contributors to advancing Canadian culture, arts, technology, business and the economy.

There are many immigration programs available for international students who have Canadian work experience on a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

Many provincial and territorial governments have permanent residence immigration programs that favor applicants with a strong connection to a province by previously living and studying there, have relevant work experience gained there and a Canadian educational certificate.

After international students have completed their studies and have become graduates, they can choose to pursue permanent residency through immigration programs best suit their needs, experiences and decisions in a preferred province or territory.

What are the General Features of PR Pathways for International Students?

Every province in Canada offers its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to nominate foreign skilled workers for permanent residence. However, Ontario and British Columbia have the most popular PNP streams dedicated to international students.

International students can also opt for the Express Entry aligned PNP streams if they qualify for 1 of the 3 federal economic immigration programs:

Different PNP streams have different features that offer several opportunities for international students who want to immigrate.

Ontario offers 3 PNP streams especially for international students and only 1 of them requires a pre-arranged employment offer.

The most common requirement in many provincial streams is a valid PGWP. A PGWP authorizes international graduates to extend their stay period in Canada after graduation to gain Canadian work experience.

Also, all applicants must meet certain language proficiency requirements and demonstrate their intent to live and work in the province.

Quebec Immigration also offers the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) which is available to foreign skilled workers as well as international students.

Which Pathways to PR are Available for International Students Following Their Studies?

British Columbia: The British Columbia PNP operates its own PNP streams and offers a similar set of immigration streams aligned with the federal Express Entry system. Therefore, international graduates can apply through these 4 streams:

International Graduate (EEBC): This stream offers an immigration pathway for international graduates from designated learning institutions with a valid job offer.

International Post-Graduate (EEBC): This stream offers an immigration pathway for international graduates with a Master’s or PhD degree to qualify for permanent residency without a valid job offer. Applicants must graduate from a designated learning institution in British Columbia from an approved study program to qualify.

International Graduate (BC PNP): This stream is for international graduate students from designated learning institutions and a valid job offer for a skilled occupation from a designated employer in British Columbia. Your degree must be completed in the last 3 years before applying.

International Post-Graduate (BC PNP): This stream is for international students with a Master’s or PhD degree completed from an approved institution in British Columbia. Applicants must have completed their degree in the last 3 years before applying.

Ontario: The Ontario PNP offers the following immigration streams for international graduates:

International Graduate Streams (OINP): This stream offers immigration pathways for international graduates from designated learning institutions in Ontario. There are 2 substreams:

• Masters Graduate Stream
• Ph.D. Graduate Stream

You must apply within 2 years of completing your study program. You must also reside in Ontario for at least 1 year to qualify. If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination to apply for permanent residence.

International Education Stream (MPNP): This stream offers immigration pathways for international graduates who wish to be employed in a skilled occupation or establish a business in the province of Manitoba.

There are 3 immigration substreams: *the information on these can be found in the link above

Career Employment Pathway (MPNP): This pathway is for international graduates with a valid work permit and a valid job offer for a skilled occupation.

Graduate Internship Pathway (MPNP): This pathway is for international graduates with a master's or doctoral degree currently employed in the Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship.

International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (MPNP): This pilot is for international graduates who wish to establish a business and can meet the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement.

What is dual intent?

Applying with the intent of both permanent and temporary residence in Canada is known as dual intent. Canada allows international students who want to work and study in Canada permanently to apply for permanent residence and also secure their temporary study or work permit.

What are the designated learning institutions (DLI)?

A study permit is only issued after you receive an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada. A DLI is an approved institution authorized by the provincial government to grant degrees to foreign students.

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