International students who have completed their studies or still studying might wish for Canadian permanent residence status and this might sound complicated or impossible, but it’s not.
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world and another reason you might consider relocating is that it embraces immigrants and has a high quality of life. However, there are requirements for applying for PR.
Canada also provides lots of immigration programs for students, and they can choose one to apply for. However, international students have to ensure they meet the required criteria, and also some major parts of Canadian resident permit have to be considered.
The Permanent resident card is proof that you have a permanent resident status in Canada and this is an opportunity many international students would love.
Each immigration program available to international students operates differently and some of these requirements are beyond studying in Canada. However, read on to learn how you can apply for PR when studying in Canada.
Also read:
- How to Study Nursing In Canada For FREE
- University Of Toronto Scholarship For International Students
- 7 Ways To Make Money While Studying In Canada
- 10 Schools Offering Scholarship In Canada NOW
Can I Apply For PR When Studying In Canada?
You can apply for permanent resident status when studying in Canada, this gives you a chance to become a citizen and get a high-paying job as well, but some programs require work experience to be eligible.
The permanent residence card is official proof that you have a permanent residence in Canada and you do have to comply with all of Canada’s rules and regulations.
Applying for a studying permit and PR is called ‘dual intent’ and the practice is common, and is accepted by immigration law
Many Canadian immigration programs, for international students, require a certain level of skill which can put some international students at a disadvantage. But not to worry, the majority are also allowed to apply for a work permit which provides a chance to work in Canada and gain some experience.
So, you can apply for PR when studying in Canada provided you meet all the requirements and 6 months is the standard processing time after the completion of your studies under the Express Entry System.
There are also provinces in Canada that let you apply for a PR permit after completing 1 year of study, these provinces include Manitoba, British Colombia, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
Guide to Permanent Residency (PR) For International Students
The immigration policy in Canada thankful now allows many students to see this as the first step needed to become permanent residents. International students can’t count the experience gained during a period of full-time study in the requirements for getting a PR.
Some of the immigration program available for securing PR requires eligible Canadian work experience. While you can apply for PR while you study in Canada, you do need work experience, although some immigration programs can let you apply.
The Express Entry program favors international students with study and work permit giving students and graduate a chance to apply for a Permanent resident card.
Note that completing an Express Entry profile does not give any guarantee that you will be invited to apply for permanent residency.
- First, complete your studies in Canada
- A job offer may be required (requirements vary by province)
- Prove your language ability in either French or English by taking a recognized test
- Work experience
- Create an Express Entry profile or apply directly to the province
- Check for more immigration details here.
Is Work Experience Necessary For PR in Canada?
Canada has 100 immigration and visa programs you can apply for and thankfully, many do not require a work permit hence you can apply while you study, but they do have certain requirements.
If you are applying for PR under the Canadian Express Class then you must have completed at least 12 months of full-time work within the three years of your application.
If you do not have a full year of work experience then you should not apply for the Express Entry which happens to be the most popular and fastest pathway to becoming a resident of Canada. It handles immigration of Experience Class, Federal Skilled Workers, and Federal Skilled Trades.
How Can International Students in Canada Get PR?
The Canadian Express Class as earlier stated is one of the best PR programs for international students, but there are several permanent resident categories that you may fit into.
Most of these categories require eligible Canadian work experience.
Apart from the Canadian work experience, other programs you can apply for include the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Provincial Nominee Program.
Wrapping Up
You do not have to stay in Canada to understand the favorable view of the country, lots of international students can’t help but proclaim how great it is.
Not only are international students highly motivated to work there but now planning to apply for permanent residency and work.
So, if you are currently studying in Canada or have graduated, compare the PR programs above to get all the details and find one that has suitable eligibility for you.
