Get Permanent Residence After Your Studies

Express entry is a popular and rapid route for internationals to settle in Canada. It handles skilled worker immigration applications online. Three programmes managed by Express Entry are:

(1) Federal skilled worker programme

(2) Federal skilled trades programme

(3) CEC: Canadian Experience

To join one of these three programmes, you must meet all qualifying conditions.

The only French-speaking Canadian province with its own immigration system. The province prefers French speaking, but there are programmes for non-French speakers who want to immigrate to Quebec.

The Quebec Skills Worker Programme (QSW), Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), and Quebec Experience Programme are available.

When looking for work after graduation, choose an occupation with a National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill level that matches the skilled worker immigration programme you want. Stream worker programmes are classified as “high”, “intermediate”, or “lower” skilled. Most skilled worker streams require "High-skilled" job experience, however federal and provincial pathways allow intermediate and lower-skilled individuals to petition for permanent residence.

Other PR routes for international students include Canada's Provincial Nominee Programme. Canadian permanent residence is available to immigrants to a specified province. Besides Quebec and Nunavut, each province has its own PNP to suit its population needs.

Canadian PNP application steps

(1) Find your ideal PNP.

(2) Join your preferred PNP

(3) Get a provincial nomination certificate

(4) Apply for permanent residency.

If you're a Canadian citizen or PR, you can sponsor your spouse or legal partner for permanent residency if they meet the government's eligibility requirements.

Canada offers many avenues for international students to immigrate, including:

(1) Rural & Northern Immigration pilot—This pathway grants permanent residence to international students in rural and northern Canada.

(2) Atlantic Immigration Programme - This immigration programme is appropriate for students from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador who have an official work offer.