Canada has become a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education, diverse culture, and excellent opportunities for permanent residency (PR). If you’re wondering how to get PR in Canada after study, you’re not alone. Thousands of students aim to transition from a study visa to PR each year. This guide will help you navigate the best pathways available and provide essential insights on how to make the process smooth and successful.
Why is Canada a Popular Destination for PR After Study?
Before diving into the process of how to get PR of Canada, let’s explore why international students are so keen on staying. Canada offers:
- A stable and growing economy: Canada’s steady economic growth ensures ample job opportunities for international students after their studies.
- A strong job market for graduates: Graduates benefit from a diverse job market with numerous career advancement opportunities across various industries.
- Access to universal healthcare: International students can enjoy Canada’s universal healthcare system, providing medical coverage and reducing financial burdens.
- Friendly immigration policies aimed at retaining international talent: Canada’s immigration policies are designed to attract and retain skilled international graduates, making PR applications accessible.
Ways to get PR in Canada After After Study
There are multiple programs through which international students can obtain PR after study in Canada. Below are the most common routes:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the fastest routes to obtaining PR. Designed for those with Canadian job experience, this program underlines the Express Entry system.
- Eligibility: You have to have worked in Canada for at least one year, during which time you acquired your last three years of experience. This is a popular choice for students who complete their studies and transition into work through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
- Advantages: Since you have already been part of the Canadian workforce, it makes you an ideal candidate for PR in Canada after study.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province in Canada operates its own immigration program, allowing them to nominate individuals for PR. Several provinces offer streams specifically targeted at international graduates.
- Eligibility: Requirements vary from province to province, but generally, you need to have completed your studies in Canada and have a job offer or work experience.
- Advantages: This is a fantastic way for students to obtain PR, especially if their field of study aligns with the in-demand occupations in the province.
For instance, Ontario’s International Student Stream and British Columbia’s International Graduate Stream are among the most popular.
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you’ve studied in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is another route for obtaining PR.
- Eligibility: You must have graduated from a publicly funded institution in one of these provinces and have a job offer.
- Advantages: This program provides a streamlined process for students looking to stay in Atlantic Canada.
Transitioning from Student Visa to PR
If you’re wondering about the way to get PR in Canada after studies, the steps generally include:
