Pathways to Permanent Residence

International students have the education, skills, and work experience that Canada is looking for. After graduating, you might be able to make Canada your permanent home through one of the permanent immigration programs.

Transitioning to Work after Graduation

• International students who are eligible to work off-campus can continue to work off-campus, upto 20 hours a week, until they get a notification of completion of studies from their institution.
• Once you get written confirmation from the educational institution stating that you are eligible to obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate (completion letter or final transcript), you can apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Once you have applied for a PGWP, you can transition to full time work if you had a valid study permit when you submitted your application.
• If your PGWP application is refused, you should stop working.

Pathway to Permanent Residence while in Canada on PGWP

Express Entry

• Express Entry (EE) is an online system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It manages applications for three economic immigration programs:
• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• You may be eligible for more than one program under EE.
• For eligibility and other details of each program, please refer to Immigrate section of our website.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

• Employer Driven Model: Employers select candidates that meet their labour demands
• Flexible Criteria: Three pathways based on work experience, education, and job offer
• For eligibility and other details of each pathway, please refer to Immigrate section of our website.

Provincial Nominee Programs

These programs are for people who:

• have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
• want to live in that province, and
• want to become permanent residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own immigration programs that target certain groups and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers, or semi-skilled workers.

Other Programs and Pathways

You may have other options if you are from specific economic sectors or are willing to contribute to specific communities throughout Canada. Some of these programs and pathways are:

• Home Child Care Provider Pilot Program and Home Support Worker Pilot Program
• Agri-Food Pilot Program
• Pathway through Work Permit under Temporary Foreign Worker Program
• Pathway through Work Permit under International Mobility Program
• Start-up Visa Program
• Self Employed Persons Program
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
• Quebec-selected Skilled Workers Program

NEED HELP?

Get in Touch for more information or for applying for Permanent Residence while in Canada on Post Graduation Work Permit.