PR Pathways for International Students in Canada

 

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Many International students come to Canada every year with the hope of getting Permanent Residence after completing their studies. A PGWP (an open work permit) enables international students to get Canadian work experience after completing their studies and makes them a more competitive candidate for PR. Bonus points are awarded in Express Entry for Canadian study and work experience in permanent residency programs (e.g., Canadian Experience Class).

However, Canadian education and work experience alone might not be sufficient for Permanent Residence, especially considering the current Canadian immigration landscape: high number of international students in Canada, high CRS required for ITA, housing shortage, to name a few. 

Therefore, its cruical to stay well-informed about the different immigration pathways and their requirements, AND to understand how to improve your chances for PR. Prepare in advance and plan multiple potential routes in your PR roadmap.

So what could be some potential PR options, if you’ve got qualifying Canadian education and work experience?

Express Entry

To be eligible for the CEC class, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Obtain at least one year full time work experience (doesn’t have to be continuous) in Canada working for a Canadian employer in TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 position within 36 months of the PR application date. Work experience in Quebec can qualify, but you must plan to reside outside of Quebec. 

  • Meet the language requirements.

  • Plan to live and work outside of the province of Quebec.

Those with the highest CRS are invited to apply for Permanent Residence. You can check the rounds of invitations HERE.

How to increase your CRS and increase your chances of obtaining Permanent Residence?

  • Complete your study program in Canada.

  • Have one year qualifying Canadian work experience.

  • Have more than one year qualifying Canadian work experience.

  • Have a valid Job Offer from a Canadian company (with LMIA or LMIA exempt).

  • Get a new Work Permit (with LMIA or LMIA exempt) before your PGWP expires. 

  • Get a higher score on your English and / or French language tests.

  • Get 6 months full time work experience in STEM, Trades, Health, Transport or Agriculture and agri-food occupations.

  • Learn French! If you are able to Speak and Listen in French at an intermediate level of 5 or higher (on a scale of 12) you might be able to get an LMIA exempt Work Permit with a valid Job Offer in any TEER position except primary agriculture occupations. Having French language skills will significantly increase your chances for PR. 

Will we see Express Entry draws with lower than CRS 500 in 2024?

Here is a snapshot of what 2022 General (previously called ‘No Program Specified’) draws looked like and the gradual decrease in CRS needed to receive ITA.

Do you remember, the one specific surprising Express Entry draw during the pandemic on February 13, 2021 inviting candidates with CRS 75 (!!!) from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)? A total number of 27,332 candidates were invited to apply for PR. What factors could have influenced this draw? It could have been the result of trying to meet the immigration quota with candidates who were already in Canada due to border closures.

As you may be aware, there were three General draws held in January 2024 with CRS 546, 543 and 541. A total number of 3,280 candidates were invited to apply for PR.

That’s 3,280 out of 110,770 which is the quota for Express Entry for this year. Let’s remember that not all submitted PR applications get approved, for a variety of reasons.

Considering the current housing crisis, could the Canadian government favour the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates again for ITA? Could IRCC assume that:

1. CEC candidates already have secure accommodation and wouldn’t put further pressure on the housing market and 

2. They may already be employed in roles that address labour shortages?

We don’t have a crystal ball to predict what will happen, but this move could be a practical one for Canada, again. By inviting CEC candidates, Canada could prevent additional pressure on housing challenges and continue working towards meeting its annual quota. 

Consider this, if you are a CEC candidate with a relatively competitive score, not being in the Express Entry pool gives you a 0% chance of being invited for PR. 


Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Almost every province and territory in Canada operates Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The PNPs allow the provinces and territories to nominate individuals for Permanent Residence based on their own criteria. Many PNP streams reward candidates who studied and / or worked (or currently work) in Canada / in their province and / or received a valid Job Offer. For example, if you are already working for a qualifying employer on your PGWP in Ontario, an LMIA may not be required for the Job Offer.

It is extremely important to understand the PNPs’ complex requirements including scoring systems and issuing invitations to candidates. Learn more about the most popular PNPs:

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)


Other Permanent Residence Pathway Options

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a Job Offer based (LMIA exempt!) PR program for candidates wishing to live in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. You'll need a Job Offer from a Designated Employer in these provinces, meet certain educational and work experience requirements, and demonstrate English or French language proficiency. 

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program is designed for skilled workers who are interested in living and working in one of Canada's smaller, participating communities. Its goal is to drive economic growth in rural and northern regions of provinces. To be eligible, you need a Job Offer from an employer in one of the participating communities and must meet both the community-specific AND federal immigration criteria. The participating communities are:


Spousal Sponsorship

Did you unexpectedly find love while in Canada? Your Canadian partner could sponsor you for Permanent Residence as their Common-law partner or Spouse. Your partner (the Sponsor) must demonstrate the ability to financially support you, and both of you need to prove the genuineness of the relationship, in addition to other requirements. While waiting for a decision on the Sponsorship PR application, you are eligible to apply for a Work Permit to maintain legal status in Canada and eligibility to work or continue working. 

Would you like to discuss your PR options in detail? EMAIL US to book a PR strategy consultation with Liza Bogar RCIC. Receive the necessary legal advice and direction needed to make informed decisions about your Canadian PR options.

Please note that the content provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For personalized immigration advice, it is strongly recommended to consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Lawyer.

 
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