Securing permanent residency for international students in Canada before graduation is an achievable goal with the right strategies. Canada offers several immigration pathways specifically designed for students. This enables them to transition from temporary resident status to permanent residents while still pursuing their studies. You just have to abide by the rules for PR in Canada for international students. This article discusses some of the opportunities you can leverage to fast-track your journey to becoming a permanent resident and secure a long-term future in Canada even before you graduate.
1. Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers. However, you can still maximise it to obtain permanent residency (PR) before graduating as an international student. You’ll need to carefully plan around the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and meet the eligibility criteria of one of the three Express Entry programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Since you’re still studying, the Federal Skilled Worker Program is likely the most relevant.
Eligibility Criteria for FSW
Skilled Work Experience
At least one year (1,560 hours) of continuous, full-time skilled work experience in the past 10 years.
What You Can Do
As a student, if you have relevant skilled work experience in your home country, you can count that towards your FSW eligibility. Skilled work is categorised under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B (e.g., managers, professionals like engineers or teachers, and technical jobs).
If you don’t have this experience yet, gaining skilled work experience before or during your studies is essential for permanent residency for international students. You can take up part-time or freelance roles that meet NOC requirements. Also, you can leverage your pre-study work experience and possibly part-time work in Canada if it fits within these NOC categories.
Education
You must have a secondary school diploma or higher
What You Can Do
You likely already meet this requirement with your current education. You can also get more points for having a higher education level (like a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree). Ensure you get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for any foreign degrees to be recognised under the Express Entry system.
Language Proficiency
Demonstrate proficiency in English and/or French by taking approved language tests like IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French)
What You Can Do
Language ability can significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and increase PR points for students in Canada. Aim to score CLB 9 (Canadian Language Benchmark) or higher. This means achieving at least:
IELTS: Listening 8, Speaking 7, Reading 7, Writing 7.
TEF: Listening 298+, Speaking 349+, Reading 233+, Writing 371+.
Proof of Funds
You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada if any.
What You Can Do
This rule does not apply to people who have a valid job offer or are currently working. However, if you want permanent residency for international students, you have to show this proof. Ensure you have saved enough or have access to funds, as required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of 2024, the required amount for a single applicant is around CAD $13,757.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNP offers a relatively easy PR for students in Canada. Each Canadian province and territory has its own PNP streams tailored to meet its specific labour market needs. Many of these streams prioritise international students, but the requirements can vary widely across provinces. Nominees can apply for PR through the enhanced streams or base streams.
Enhanced PNP Stream:
They are linked with Express Entry. Thereby allowing you to enter the Express Entry pool and receive a 600-point boost if nominated, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Base PNP Stream:
These are independent of Express Entry. If you are nominated, you apply directly to the federal government for PR, outside the Express Entry system.
Key Eligibility Requirements for International Students
Each province has different criteria, so researching the PNP in the province where you are studying is crucial.
- Education: Typically, provinces prefer students who are enrolled in a full-time study program in Canada. Some may require you to have completed at least half or a significant portion of your program.
- Job Offer: Certain provinces require a valid job offer from a local employer, while others may allow you to apply without one.
- Work Experience: While some streams require work experience (either inside or outside of Canada) even for permanent residency for international students, others specifically waive this requirement for international students.
- Field of Study: Some provinces prioritise students studying in fields related to labour shortages (e.g., healthcare, tech, engineering).
Provinces Where You Can Maximize the PNP Before Graduation
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
OINP – International Student Stream: This stream allows international students to apply if they have a job offer in Ontario. But the key benefit is that you don’t need Canadian work experience. You must be studying full-time in a program of at least two years or a one-year postgraduate program.
Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate Streams: If you’re enrolled in a master’s or PhD program at a publicly funded Ontario university, you can apply before completing your degree. This stream doesn’t require a job offer, which is a major advantage for students still studying. However, you need to meet language and residency requirements (e.g., living in Ontario for at least one year).
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
International Graduate Stream: This stream requires a job offer from a BC employer but is open to students who are still enrolled in their study programs.
International Post-Graduate Stream: No job offer is required if you’re studying in a graduate-level program (Master’s or PhD) in certain in-demand fields such as natural, applied, or health sciences. You can apply before graduating if you’ve completed most of your program and can demonstrate progress in a field aligned with BC’s needs.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
MPNP – International Education Stream: This stream focuses on retaining international students in the province. The Career Employment Pathway under this stream allows students in Manitoba to apply if they have a job offer in a field related to their studies. To get permanent residency for international students, you can apply once you’ve completed part of your program, even if you haven’t graduated yet.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
SINP – Student Category: You need to have completed at least one academic year of study in Saskatchewan or Canada and have a job offer in the province. While this category typically targets graduates, students who can work part-time or during co-op placements can secure the job offer before graduating.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: If you’ve started or acquired a business in Nova Scotia while studying, you can apply for PR even before completing your degree. You need to actively manage the business and own at least one-third of it.
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: You can apply before graduating if you plan to start a business. Like Nova Scotia, Alberta is seeking students with entrepreneurial potential. You need to have a business plan and the ability to establish and operate a business in Alberta.
3. Quebec Immigration Programs
Quebec operates its own immigration system, separate from the federal government’s Express Entry system. It offers several immigration pathways that international students can leverage to obtain permanent residency (PR). As an international student studying in Quebec, the Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l’expérience québécoise – PEQ) is the most efficient and student-friendly option for obtaining PR before graduating.
Understanding the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
The PEQ is designed to fast-track the immigration process for international students and temporary workers living in Quebec. There are two main streams within PEQ:
- PEQ for Quebec Graduates (for students who have completed their study program).
- PEQ for Quebec Workers (for temporary workers who have work experience in Quebec).
However, the PEQ graduate stream offers significant benefits for international students because you can apply for permanent residency for international students even before completing your degree. However, you must meet certain conditions.
Key Advantages of PEQ for International Students
- No job offer is required for the graduate stream.
- Fast processing times (typically within 6 months).
- You can apply even before graduating, as long as you are in the final stages of completing your program.
Eligibility for PEQ – Quebec Graduate Stream
To apply for PR through the PEQ, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria as a Quebec graduate:
Eligible Study Program
You must be enrolled in or have completed an eligible program at a recognised Quebec educational institution. Eligible programs include:
- A university-level degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).
- A diploma of college studies (DCS/DEC – Diplôme d’études collégiales).
- A vocational diploma (DVS – Diplôme d’études professionnelles) of at least 1,800 hours.
Completion of 50% of the Program
You can apply for the PEQ graduate stream before graduating if you have completed at least 50% of your study program. You will need to provide confirmation from your educational institution that you are in the process of completing the program.
French Language Proficiency
One of the key requirements for PEQ is proficiency in the French language. You must demonstrate a level of French equivalent to level 7 on the Échelle Québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français (B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR). You can prove this by:
- Completing your study program in French.
- Passing a French language test (e.g., TEF or TCF).
- Completing an approved French course in Quebec.
However, if you completed secondary or post-secondary studies in French or in a recognised French-speaking institution, you may be exempt from proving French proficiency.
Study in Quebec
You must have lived in Quebec for at least half the duration of your study program. This is crucial for demonstrating your connection to the province.
Final Words
Achieving permanent residency for international students in Canada before graduating requires early planning and strategic use of immigration programs. You also need to understand the Canada PR requirements for international students. Whether through the fast-track options offered by Express Entry, the tailored pathways of Provincial Nominee Programs, or Quebec’s specialised programs, students have several opportunities to integrate into Canadian society. By maximising these immigration streams, you can secure your PR status and set the stage for a successful career and life in Canada before you even receive your diploma.
