Canada is a highly attractive study destination for many international students, particularly because of its favourable immigration routes. Through these, international graduates often begin their journey to permanent residency in Canada. If you are an international student in Canada, this article will equip you with the information you need to make your immigration plans after graduation from a Canadian institution.
1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
Under this program, international students who have graduated from institutions in Canada can obtain an open work permit (a permit which allows them to work for any Canadian employer).
You are eligible if you:
Studied at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
Undertook a course/program in Canada for at least 8 months or longer
Apply within 180 days after you have completed your program
Submit documents to prove you have completed your program (such as your transcripts)
Apply with valid immigration documents (a valid passport and study permit)
Perks
You can apply even if you do not have a job offer yet.
You can work part-time, full-time or be self-employed.
The work permit is issued for 8 months or longer, up to a maximum of 3 years.
You can apply to other federal programs for permanent residency after obtaining your PGWP.
For more information: PGWP Canada
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This is a federal immigration program managed through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry system.
You are eligible if you:
Have proof of at least 1 year of skilled work experience inside Canada
Your work experience is in a job group within one or more of the recognised National Occupation Classifications (NOC)
Your work experience is within the last 3 years pre-application
Can prove your language ability by passing an approved language test
Perks
Your Canadian education earns you extra points in the Express Entry pool.
The CEC program is a route to Permanent Residency.
For more information: Canadian Experience Class
3. Federal Skilled Workers (FSW)
This is another federal immigration program managed through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry system.
You are eligible if you:
Have proof of at least 1 year of continuous, paid work experience inside or outside Canada
Can show that your work experience NOC is same as that of your primary occupation
Can prove that your work experience is within the last 10 years pre-application
Prove your language ability by passing an approved language test
Show proof of secondary or post-secondary education inside or outside Canada
Show a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, proof of legal work in Canada or proof of funds
Perks
Your Canadian education earns you extra points in the Express Entry pool.
You can still apply even if you have non-Canadian/International work experience.
If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you are exempt from showing proof of funds.
The FSW program is also a route to Permanent Residency.
For more information: Federal Skilled Workers
4. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
This is another federal immigration program managed through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry system.
You are eligible if you:
Have proof of at least 2 years of paid, full-time work experience in a skilled trade
Your work experience is within the last 5 years pre-application
Have a Canadian certificate of qualification in your trade or an offer of full-time employment for at least 1 year (offer of employment)
Prove your language ability by passing an approved language test
Perks
There is no education requirement for this program. However, your education earns you extra points in the Express Entry pool.
If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you are exempt from showing proof of funds.
The FST program is also a route to Permanent Residency.
For more information: Federal Skilled Trades
5. Provincial Nominee Program
Under this program, you apply to be nominated by the province which you want to settle in. After provincial nomination, you then proceed to apply for permanent residency.
The application processes and eligibility requirements vary from province to province.
For more information: Provincial Nominee Program
Are you a prospective applicant interested in studying in Canada? You can still benefit from these immigration programs. Our education consultants are available to offer you support as you make your study application to Canada.
Click here for more details on the services we can offer you.
You can also check out this article to learn more about scholarship opportunities available for international students in Canada.