How to Get PR in Canada After Study, Canada provides educational and immigration pathways for global students. Discover the process of applying for work permits following your studying in Canada.
Renowned as one of the premier nations globally for studying, working, and residing, Canada is celebrated for its commitment to equal opportunities. The country boasts a luxurious lifestyle complemented by outstanding infrastructure, esteemed institutions providing education across diverse fields, and numerous career prospects. Additionally, Canada’s immigration-friendly policies contribute to its status as a preferred destination among students.
This provides a comprehensive overview of the reasons why a significant number of global students are choosing Canada for their advanced studies and aiming for permanent residency (PR). The article also highlights how to get PR in Canada after study.
How to Get PR in Canada After Study 2024
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) enables international students who have completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to obtain an open work permit, facilitating work experience in Canada. An open work permit grants international students the flexibility to work anywhere with any employer. The PGWP is valid for a duration ranging from eight months to three years, providing valuable opportunities for gaining Canadian work experience.
Eligibility for PGWP
A candidate must fulfill the following conditions before applying for a PGWP:
- They must have attained a minimum of 18 years of age.
- They must have studied full-time in a program for at least eight months in Canada.
- The study program must have been completed at a DLI.
- International students must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of their program/course completion.
- If the student’s study permit is about to expire, they must apply for visitor status first and then for PGWP.
- Students who apply for PGWP before the expiration of their study permit expires can begin to work full-time immediately after their PGWP application.
How to apply for the Permanent Residency Program in Canada?
Upon acquiring sufficient work experience in Canada, numerous international students become eligible to apply for residency programs (PR). The following outlines the PR programs available for international students seeking guidance on obtaining permanent residency in Canada after completing their studies:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) falls under the Express Entry system and utilizes the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and rank interested candidates. Those with competitive CRS scores are extended invitations to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). To be eligible for CEC application, a student must have accumulated a minimum of 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in the country. Notably, work experience gained during the period of study is not considered for the CEC application. Therefore, students can pursue the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies, accumulate relevant work experience, and subsequently apply for the CEC program.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provides international students with the opportunity to pursue Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) with a focus on migrating to a specific Canadian territory or province. Each province in Canada has its unique PNP requirements. Students with a connection to a specific province, whether through study or work, stand a better chance of meeting the eligibility criteria for the PNP program.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program functions within the Express Entry immigration system. Unlike some other programs, FSW does not mandate that international students possess prior work experience. Instead, the FSW program evaluates candidates based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, using this score to rank and extend invitations to eligible international students to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after studying in Canada.
Quebec Immigration Options
The province of Quebec administers its immigration system, which may vary from other provinces. The criteria for Quebec’s immigration programs are tailored to assist international students in applying for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). The PR program encompasses two subcategories specifically designed for international students:
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ):
This opportunity is accessible to students who have either finished their studies at an institution in Quebec or are on the verge of completing their courses within the next six months. To qualify for the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), international students must possess proficient French language skills.
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW):
Similar to the PEQ, international students applying for the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program must have either concluded their studies at a Quebec-based institution or be on the verge of completing their courses. However, in contrast to the PEQ, applicants for the QSW program are not obligated to demonstrate their proficiency in the French language. Instead, they need to achieve and fulfill the stipulated requirements for the QSW program.
| Top Universities in Canada | ||
| OCAD University | Laval University | Brescia University College |
| Bishop’s University | Nipissing University | Emily Carr University |
| St. Francis Xavier University | Acadia University | University of Windsor |
| University of Sherbrooke | Laurentian University | Memorial University of Newfoundland |
Switching to Work Permit Before Completing Studies
International students opting to discontinue their studies and pursue a work permit require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, it is essential for these students to notify the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship, Canada (IRCC) if they decide to cease their studies and apply for a work permit. In the event of a change in status, international students may be required to leave the country until their work permit is approved.
To secure an LMIA, the international student must acquire a valid job offer from an employer who is willing to support the student’s work permit application. The employer must also demonstrate that they have been unable to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the role. Unlike an open Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a closed LMIA ties the student to a specific job, location, and employer.
Documents Required to apply for Canadian PR after Study
When applying for a work permit and intending to remain in Canada after completing their course, international students must submit the following documents:
- Valid Passport
- Proofs of Education (copies of degrees/certificates/diplomas)
- Proofs of Work Experience (valid offer letters, appointment letters, relieving letters, pay slips, reference letters from employer (if required)
- Proof of funds
- Proofs of dependents (marriage or birth certificates of dependents, if any)
- Copies of fee receipts
- Medical certificates
- Police clearance certificate
- Current photographs
Processing time for Canada PR
The processing time for Canada PR applications for students can extend up to six months, contingent on various factors such as application volume, province, and the type of work permit. It is also influenced by the transition from the existing application type to the applied application type. For instance, the process of applying for a work permit in Canada from an existing study application may take up to 160 days to complete, excluding the time required for biometrics.
Cost of Applying PR after Study
International students are required to pay various fees based on categories and requirements. Some of the fundamental fees that international students need to submit include:
- Citizenship application fee – $CAN 630
- Processing fee – $CAN 850
- Permanent residence fee – $CAN 515
- Study Permit including extension – $CAN 150
- Temporary resident permit – $CAN 200
- Work permit including extension – $CAN 155
- Restore work permit status – $CAN 355
- Biometric fee – $CAN 85
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the processing time for PGWP?
The processing time for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application typically ranges from 80 to 180 days. However, candidates have the opportunity to work during the application period if they submit their PGWP application before the expiration of their study permit.
Can I apply for PR while studying in Canada?
If you find yourself uncertain about the process of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada after completing your studies, it’s essential to understand that there are several permanent resident programs available for students. These programs facilitate the application for a work permit and include options such as the Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, and Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Is it easy to get PR in Canada after study?
Obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada becomes more straightforward when you have a history of studying in the country. The combination of study and work experience plays a crucial role in enhancing the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, thereby increasing opportunities for an Express Entry profile.
What is Canada’s stay-back period offered to international students?
International students have the option to stay and establish themselves in Canada through a post-study work visa, which can be granted for a duration of up to three years.