How to get PR in Canada after study in 2024?

Are you an International student or a recent graduate looking to cement your stay in Canada as a permanent resident? Or have you recently graduated in your native country and are exploring opportunities to find yourself settling down in Canada? Whichever category you fall into, Canada is one of the most sought-after countries in the world by international students for settling down—and for good reason. 

But since you’re here, you already know why Canada is a great country to settle after studies in 2024. So, let’s instead go through the steps of how you can actually get PR in Canada after study.

Permanent Residence (PR) is a legal document in Canada that allows an immigrant from another country to legally live, work, and study within the country for an indefinite amount of time. While it is relatively easier to get PR in Canada than some countries like the US or UK, it can be quite confusing for someone who doesn’t know much about the full process. Hence, we have pieced together this step-by-step guide on how you can get PR in Canada in 2024. Let’s get right into it!

Available Pathways of PR in Canada for International Students

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

After graduating from a Canadian educational institute, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allows you to live and work anywhere in the country for a maximum of 3 years. 

The duration of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) depends on the length of the course you studied.

• For Undergraduate or Special Courses (below the Master’s level):
• If your course is between 8 months and less than 2 years, you may be eligible for a 1-year PGWP.
• If your course is 2 years or longer, you may qualify for a 2-year PGWP.
• For Master’s or higher-level courses:
• If your course is over 8 months in length, you may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.

Please note that these numbers are subject to change and are not guaranteed. The work experience gained through a PGWP is crucial for your PR application.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular pathway for international students to obtain PR and operates under the Express Entry system. 

To be eligible, you must have:

• One year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada. If you’ve worked part-time, you must accumulate an equivalent amount of skilled work experience.

Additionally, you must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French:

• For TEER 0 and 1 occupations, a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 is required.
• For TEER 2 and 3 occupations, a minimum CLB level of 5 is needed.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Another Express Entry avenue is the FSWP. To be eligible for the FSWP program, you must:

• Have at least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time relevant skilled work experience.
• Be proficient in English or French (level 7).
• Have at least completed a high school level of education.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory has a PNP for nominating people based on the person’s specific needs for PR. Some PNPs even have special streams for overseas graduates. Requirements may range from one province to another but will generally be made up of the following:

• An offer of employment from an employer based in the province.
• Work Experience and Education.

• Quebec Immigration Options

Quebec has its own immigration programs, separate from the federal system. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is designed for international students who have obtained a degree from a Quebec institution and have an intermediate level of French proficiency.

Steps to Obtaining PR in Canada

Step 1: Check if You Are Eligible

There are many online tools for this very purpose, such as the Come to Canada Tool, which helps in determining eligibility for various PR programs existing in Canada. However, general requirements that one needs to obtain a PR in Canada are:

• At least one year of skilled work experience.
• Knowledge of either English or French that is usually demonstrated through the results of a standardized test, such as IELTS or TEF.
• A minimum of a high school education, however higher education may grant you extra points.
• You must be able to support yourself and your family in Canada.
• Medical and Security Clearances.

For programs like the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker Program, creating an Express Entry profile is required. Your profile will be assessed based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines if you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Step 2: Gather all the Documents Required

Prepare the required documents, including proof of work experience, language proficiency testing results, and academic qualifications.

Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile. 

If applying through the above-mentioned Express Entry programs, create a profile and enter the pool.

Step 4: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

You can receive an ITA to a PR if you meet the eligibility criterion.

Step 5: Submitting Your application

Once you have completed the Permanent Residency (PR) application form, submitted the required documents, and paid the application fees, you will be on your way to securing a permanent stay in Canada.

Conclusion

So there you have it. A complete guide to obtaining a PR in Canada after your studies in 2024. However, if you already own a temporary residence permit and are looking for a TR to PR pathway, we’ve covered that in a different blog that you can check out. Please be informed that immigration rules are subject to change and it is crucial to consult a Canadian Immigration Consultant to guide you through the process with up-to-date information. 

FAQs

How many years of work permit can I get in Canada after a 1-year study?
If your course lasts between 8 months and less than 2 years, you are eligible for a 1-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, if you’re studying a Master’s or PhD program of the same duration, you may qualify for a 3-year PGWP.

How many years of work permit can I get in Canada after a 2-year study?
If your course is 2 years or longer, you are eligible for a 2-year PGWP. However, for Master’s or PhD programs of this length, you can qualify for a 3-year PGWP.

How long can I stay in Canada after my study permit expires?
You have a few options depending on your situation:

• If you apply for a PGWP before your study permit expires, you can stay and work in Canada while your application is being processed.
• You can apply to change your status to a visitor, which allows you to remain in Canada but prevents you from working or studying.
• If you don’t apply for another visa, you have a 90-day grace period after your study permit expires to either apply for a new permit or restore your status. During this period, you are not allowed to study or work until your status is restored.