Canada is an attractive study destination that ranks among the top 10 global destinations for international students.
International students choose Canada mainly because of its high quality of education that makes them globally competitive. Additionally, Canada is a multicultural society that embraces diversity, and is also reputed as a safe and tolerant country.
Studying in Canada: Pathway to Permanent Residence
The federal government’s international education strategy intends to increase the number of students choosing to stay in Canada after graduation.
To stay in Canada after graduation you need to: a) secure a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which allows you to find work in the country without a job offer; or b) get an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit.
The government has outlined several pathways for permanent residence after graduation which have eligibility criteria on:
a) competency in English/French language and;
b) skill level of work experience under the National Occupation Classification.
Apply to 40+ universities and colleges that offer Post Graduate Work Permit- eligible programs
Comparing PR Pathways for international student graduates
Eligibility criteria | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Workers Program | Federal Skilled Trades | Provincial Nominee Program | Atlantic Immigration Pilot |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Language skills | You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 7 if your NOC is 0 or A CLB 5 if your NOC is B) |
You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 7) |
You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 5 for speaking and listening CLB 4 for reading and writing) |
You have strong English or French skills
Levels vary by province |
You have strong English or French skills
(CLB 4) |
Type of work experience | Canadian experience in oneof these NOCs:
|
Experience in NOC
|
Experience in a skilled trade under key groups of NOC B | It depends on the province, but includes NOC O, A, B, C or D | Not required |
Amount of work experience | 12 months (either combination of full-time or part-time work) | 1 year continuous (combination of part-time, full-time or more than one job) | 2 years within last 5 years | It depends on the province | Not required |
Job offer | Not required, but you can get points for having a valid offer | Not required, but you can get points for having a valid offer | Required:
|
It depends on the province | Required. Job offer must:
|
Education | Not required, but you can get extra points for your Canadian education | Secondary education required. You can get more points for your post-secondary education | Not required, but you can get extra points for your Canadian education | It depends on the province | You must have graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada. Program must have been at least 2 years. |
Other | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Job offer must be for an employer in Atlantic Canada |
Source: Stay in Canada after graduation
Main job groups according to NOC:
- Skill Type 0 (zero): management jobs
- Skill Level A: professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university
- Skill Level B: technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice
- Skill Level C: intermediate jobs that usually call for high school and/or job-specific training
- Skill Level D: labour jobs that usually give on-the-job training
Designated Learning Institutions
When studying in Canada as an international students make sure that are registered in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a school approved by the provincial or territorial government to host international students.
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. Not all post-secondary schools are given DLI status by the government. If you are planning to enroll in a post-secondary school in Canada you can check the status of the college in this DLI list.
Also note that not all DLIs offer PGWP eligible-programs.