Study Visa to Canada PR: Step-By-Step Guide

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 17 Apr, 2024 | 10:35 AM]
About Author - 7 min read
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Have you recently completed your studies and are looking for permanent residence?

Well, you will be happy to know that Canada offers various pathways for international students to apply for Canada PR like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

Being a permanent resident in Canada has many advantages including the ability to live and work anywhere across the country and the ability to sponsor your family members for permanent residency.

The best part? A PR status will open doors to many job opportunities that were limited as an international student.

Study Visa to Permanent Residence for International Students

You don’t wake up one day after completing your educational journey in Canada and get permanent residence status. You have to follow specific steps to achieve your dream of becoming a PR. After studies, it usually takes 2 to 3 years to get permanent residence status.

If you are up for the challenge, achieve these 5 milestones to convert your study visa to Canada PR:

Milestone 1: Complete a study program (Minimum 8 months)

First things first, you must enrol in a study program in Canada. It can be a diploma, degree, or certificate course, as long as it is completed from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The minimum duration of the course must be 8 months.

During this time, you can immerse yourself in academics, learn more about the Canadian culture, and explore opportunities for personal and professional growth. You can even explore the on and off-campus job opportunities for international students in Canada and gain valuable experience.

Milestone 2: Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (4 months)

Upon completing your study program successfully, the next important step is to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP enables international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience – essential for your permanent residence application.

The duration of the Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on the length of your study program or the expiration date of your passport, whichever comes first. The validity of PGWP ranges from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 3 years. So, make sure to meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application as soon as possible, to avoid delays.

Milestone 3: Gain Canadian work experience required for PR (Minimum 12 months)

With a Post-Graduation Work Permit in hand, you can now explore the work opportunities in Canada. This step is crucial as the work experience you accumulate will help you demonstrate your integration into the Canadian workforce and gain points towards your CRS score.

You need at least 12 months of work experience in a full-time, skilled occupation, listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0, A, or B.

Milestone 4: Apply for Canada PR (Minimum 6 months)

Now that you have 12 months’ worth of skilled work experience in Canada, prepare to apply for Canada PR. There are several immigration programs for international graduates, each operating differently and with requirements of their own.

Here are the top immigration pathways to apply for Canada PR:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The best way to become a PR in Canada is to apply through Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a program under Express Entry. Meet the eligibility requirements of the program which includes your work experience, education, adaptability factors, and other relevant factors. The work experience you gained working for a Canadian employer will be considered, increasing your chances of qualifying for CEC. Note that the experience gained as a full-time student in Canada will not be considered for CEC.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Another way to get PR in Canada after graduating is through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). You will need a nomination certificate, which you can only gain if you meet the unique eligibility requirements for PR set by the province you are applying for.

Research the province you would to settle in, considering the job opportunities, housing, healthcare, and other factors. Many provinces prioritize candidates who have completed their studies or worked in their province. This helps you gain points for eligibility and eventually, you will get an invitation to submit a complete PR application in that province.

Some popular PNP streams you can apply for are Manitoba Career Employment Pathway, Ontario Masters & PhD Graduates, and Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

• Quebec Immigration

Last but not least we have Quebec immigration. This province has its own laws for inviting international graduates for PR. Quebec offers two options:

If you have completed your education in Quebec or are about to finish it in the next six months, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is an ideal option for you to become PR. To get an invitation from the Quebec government through PEQ, prove you have advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French.

The second is the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program, which is quite similar to the Quebec Experience Program but the only difference is that French skills are not mandatory. That said, you must meet the minimum score requirement on the program’s points assessment grid.

Milestone 5: Wait for Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) (2 months)

Once you have submitted your Canada PR profile successfully, patiently await the outcome of the draw rounds conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your points in the CRS score calculator, move ahead to submit a complete PR application. IRCC takes about 5 months to process applications submitted through the Canadian experience class and 6 for PNP via Express Entry.

Once your documents are verified and IRCC is satisfied, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Each milestone represents a significant achievement and therefore, you need a reliable, trustworthy, and legally authorized immigration consultant who can make your dream of calling Canada your permanent home a reality.

Converting your study visa to Canada PR is a long journey that requires careful planning, dedication, and patience. For a hassle-free process, reach out to the best immigration consultants in India, Nationwide Visas, who will help you navigate through each milestone with confidence.

Good Luck!

Read More: Job Opportunities for International Students in Canada 2024