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How to Get PR in Canada After Study - Eligibility & Process

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Feb 12,2024 01:09 PM IST

Earning a degree in Canada can lead to exciting career opportunities, but for many ambitious graduates, the dream extends further towards permanent residency (PR). Transitioning from student status to valued member of Canadian society offers both personal and professional growth. Read this blog to understand the process of obtaining PR after graduating from Canada, covering eligibility criteria, fees, career prospects and more.

How to get PR in Canada after study.webp

Many international students see studying abroad as a chance to build a future beyond academics. For those seeking career opportunities within their host country, Canada stands out. Its strong economy, diverse and welcoming culture, and a clear path to Permanent Residency (PR) make it a prime destination for those looking to turn their temporary student visa into a long-term residency.

Delve into the blog to know about Permanent Residency in Canada, the eligibility criteria and more with Canam!

What is a Canada PR visa?

A Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) is a status that grants individuals the right to live and work in Canada permanently. Unlike citizens, PR holders cannot vote in federal elections or hold certain government positions, but they enjoy most of the same rights and benefits as citizens, including:

• Living and working anywhere in Canada

• Owning property

• Enrolling in provincial health insurance plans

• Accessing social benefits (under certain conditions)

• Sponsoring family members for immigration

• Applying for Canadian citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements

PGWP in Canada

The experience gained by working in Canada after graduation helps students earn valuable points, making them more competitive candidates than applicants without Canadian experience.

A PGWP is a work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work in the country for up to three years after graduation. Depending on the graduate degree, students can get permit to work for any employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for PGWP in Canada

Below is the Eligibility criteria associated with PGWP in Canada:

• Student must be a foreign national.

• Student must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada with a program that was at least eight months long and led to a degree or diploma.

• Student must have applied for the PGWP within 180 days of completing your studies.

• Student must have maintained a full-time student status throughout their study program in Canada

• Student must meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.

How to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada?

While gaining experience through PGWP can help, getting a Canadian PR is a competitive process. Applicants must put in dedicated effort across various areas, like improving their English or French language skills, acquiring valuable work experience through internships or by getting co-op work placements, and actively engaging with their communities. Canada offers permanent residency through various programs, each with its own process and criteria. Here are some programs students can apply to get a PR in Canada.

canadian immigration programs.webp

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a category within the Express Entry immigration system that offers a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Canada for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada after graduation. It is a popular option for international students who wish to stay and build a future in the country after completing their studies.

Eligibility	Benefits	Steps to Apply
• Student must have a minimum of 1 year of skilled work experience within 3 years before applying under National Occupational Classification (NOC). • Student must have gained their work experience by working in Canada under authorized temporary resident status. • Student must meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.	• Direct and merit-based pathway to PR • No employer sponsorship required • Faster processing times compared to other PR • Points awarded for Canadian work experience through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used in Express Entry	• Create an Express Entry profile. • Meet the eligibility requirements for the CEC. • Submit the Express Entry application and pay the processing fee. • Receive and respond to an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. • Submit the complete PR application.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a government program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency in Canada. Each province and territory has its own PNP with its own selection criteria and application process.

Eligibility Criteria for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Below is the Eligibility criteria associated with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

• Student must be eligible for 1 of the province or territory’s PNP programs.
• Student must be nominated by a specific Canadian province or territory's PNP program.
• Student must be eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
3. Canadian Experience Class
• Before applying through Express Entry student must:
1. Thoroughly review the PNP program's specific eligibility criteria for the desired province.
2. Verify if they are fit for the chosen Express Entry program's requirements

Benefits of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Below are the benefits associated with Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

• Faster processing time compared to federal immigration applications
• Lower application fees
• Targeted to meet specific labour market needs for each territory
• Additional points awarded towards Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to help applicant improve their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry

Steps to apply for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Below are the steps that will help the candidates apply for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

• Student will get an invite on their Express Entry account if they are invited to apply for PR through PNP.
• Students have up to 60 days to accept or reject the invitation after which the invitation automatically expires.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a major pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) for individuals with skilled work experience and qualifications outside Canada.

Eligibility

Benefits

Steps to apply

• Student must have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in the past 10 years in an occupation classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC).

• Student must meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.

• Student must have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.

• Student must demonstrate their adaptability to settle in Canada based on factors like age, education, and language skills.

• Unlike some other programs, applicants do not need a job offer/experience from within Canada to qualify.

• Transparent and meritocratic selection process based on individual skills and qualifications.

• Open to a wide range of skilled occupations.

• Meet the minimum eligibility requirement

• Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• Submit the complete PR application

• Medical exam and police checks

Quebec Immigration for Skilled Workers

The province of Quebec has its own selection process for immigrants, separate from the federal government. Applicants need to first get a Quebec selection certificate from the province, then apply for permanent residency with the federal government. Students can connect with experts at Canam or visit Quebec immigration websites for full details and eligibility requirements.

Application fees for PR after graduation in Canada

International students need to submit various fees to complete their PR application. Here is a breakdown of some general fees required to apply for PR in Canada.

Application	Fees (CAD)
Citizenship application fee (18 above)	$630
Study permit (including extensions)	$150
Work permit (including extensions)	$155
Temporary resident permit	$229.77
Biometrics (per person)	$85

Note: These are only some general fees and estimate costs may vary.

Documents Required to apply for Canadian PR after Study

Similar to the documents needed for studying abroad, the documents required for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) vary based on the program one is applying through, here is a general overview for international students to simplify the process:

documents required to apply for PR.webp

• Valid Passport or Travel Document

• Language test Results

• Proof of Canadian education (official transcripts or diplomas)

• Proof of work experience

• Provincial Nomination (PNP) (if applicable)

• Trade accreditation from a Canadian province or territory (if applicable)

• Proof of funds

• Police verification certificate

• Medical Certificate

• Proof of dependents (if any)

This is a general guide, and specific document requirements for Canada PR application may differ depending on the program applied. Students can take professional guidance from immigration consultants like Canam for tailored advice.

Conclusion

For many international students, securing PR in Canada goes beyond a simple desire to stay. Canada's welcoming immigration policies provide clear routes to Permanent Residency for international students who have completed their studies and gained relevant work experience. Want to explore more options? Connect with study abroad experts at Canam to get personalized guidance on programs, universities and more to help ease the PR process.

FAQ

What is express entry?

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency from skilled workers around the world. It ranks candidates based on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Higher the CRS score, the more likely applicants are to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Is IELTS mandatory for Canada PR?

While IELTS is not strictly mandatory for obtaining PR in Canada, demonstrating English or French language proficiency is important for most immigration programs like Express Entry, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for international graduates. Applicants can prove their language proficiency through any recognized language assessment test.

How long does it take to apply for permanent residency in Canada?

The processing time for Permanent Residency (PR) applications in Canada can range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on factors like immigration program type, case complexity, etc. Applicants are advised to connect with study abroad consultants at Canam to get personalized guidance on processing times based on their specific situation.

Can I apply for PR while studying in Canada?

Students can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) while studying in Canada under certain conditions. Canada allows "dual intent," meaning students can apply for PR while holding a temporary visa like a student permit.

Is 2-year diploma eligible for PGWP in Canada?

A 2-year diploma can be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, provided the student meets all the eligibility criteria. The length of their PGWP is determined by the length of their study program, for up to a maximum of three years. The PGWP would also be valid for two years if the diploma program were two years long.

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How to Get PR in Canada After Study - Eligibility & Process

Table of Contents

What is a Canada PR visa?

PGWP in Canada

Eligibility Criteria for PGWP in Canada

How to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada?

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Eligibility Criteria for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Benefits of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Steps to apply for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Quebec Immigration for Skilled Workers

Application fees for PR after graduation in Canada

Documents Required to apply for Canadian PR after Study

Conclusion

FAQ

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