2023 was a significant year for Canadian immigration, with growing immigration levels continuing to meet the country’s demographic and labor market needs. Every year, one of the largest groups of new permanent residents in Canada are former international students, who come to study in the country and have the opportunity to build eligibility for Canadian permanent residence (PR).
Canada’s immigration opportunities make it one of the most popular international student destinations. As of the most recent Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data from November 2023, 62,410 international students became permanent residents of Canada. This represented an increase from the previous year and highlights the country’s ongoing appeal to international students.
Canada has specific pathways for foreign graduates to find work and pursue immigration opportunities after their studies. This is the common path for most international students. To illustrate the process, let’s take the case of a fictional international student named Saahil.
Saahil, an international student from India, completed a two-year college course in civil engineering at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. As a DLI student, he is eligible to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing his studies. With the PGWP, he can work in Canada and build eligibility for permanent residency.
Saahil has opted to apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) immigration pathway through the Express Entry application management system, a common choice for international graduates. He will need to obtain at least one year’s worth of skilled full-time work experience in a specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) level, along with a required language test score.
Once Saahil’s profile is chosen, he will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence (PR). He will then need to submit additional documents in support of his PR application. Assuming he passes through all necessary checks and is found eligible, his PR application will be processed by IRCC, and he will receive a confirmation of permanent residence document confirming his new status in the country.
Canada has remained a top destination for international students, providing various pathways for achieving permanent residency. With increased immigration levels and an excellent education system, Canada continues to offer opportunities for international students looking to build a future in the country. If you are interested in studying in Canada, consider exploring your options to begin your journey toward a Canadian education and potential permanent residency.
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