After completing their studies, many international students strongly prefer settling in Canada. The country actively encourages international students to pursue PR through various tailored immigration pathways.
To be eligible for many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) designed for international students, having a valid PGWP is usually a requirement. Graduates from accredited institutions with study programs lasting at least one year can apply for this permit upon completion. It is important to note that you must apply for the PGWP within just 90 days after graduation. After obtaining your PGWP, you can live and work anywhere in Canada.
Let us find out the provinces that are best suited for permanent settlement.
PNPs For International Students In Their Study Province
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada serve as a means for individuals aiming to achieve Canadian permanent residency and are interested in settling in a particular province or territory.
Each province and territory within Canada has its own PNP, structured to address its distinct economic and demographic requirements.
PNPs enable a province to select a foreign national for Canadian permanent residency. With a nomination, the individual can then apply officially for permanent residence!
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Manitoba Career Employment Pathway
Graduates who complete a post-secondary educational program in Manitoba may qualify for an immigration route through the Career Employment Pathway. The completed program should be at least one year and finished within the last three years. Eligible candidates must secure a full-time job offer from a Manitoba employer in one of the province’s in-demand occupations.
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Ontario Masters & PhD Graduates
Graduates who finish a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized institution in Ontario can seek provincial nomination through this specific stream. Individuals can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile to Ontario’s candidate pool to receive an invitation to apply for nomination.
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BC International Post-Graduate Category
Graduating with a master’s or doctoral degree from an eligible institution in British Columbia allows you to apply directly for provincial nomination through this stream. This pathway’s significant advantage is that you do not need a job offer to apply.
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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is an alternative pathway for international students seeking PR in Atlantic provinces. AIP targets recent graduates who have completed a qualifying program of at least two years within one of the Atlantic provinces and possess a job offer in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Notably, this program exempts eligible graduates from the usual work experience requirements, enabling them to apply immediately after graduating, even before starting work.
Moreover, the Atlantic provinces are developing study-to-stay programs to support international students during their Canadian studies. These programs offer career guidance, training, and networking opportunities. Additionally, most of these provinces have their own PNP streams designed to facilitate permanent residency for international graduates.
PNP Choices for Graduates Outside the Province
Many international students may graduate from an institution in one province and receive a job offer in another province. Several PNPs cater to this scenario specifically. The listed PNPs below are intended for international graduates from institutions across Canada.
These programs commonly require two essential elements:
- You will need a valid PGWP.
- You must work for an employer in the province where you are applying with a valid job offer.
Ontario international students
International students who complete a post-secondary program in Canada and hold a valid job offer from an Ontario employer may qualify for this PNP. For eligibility in this PNP, your Canadian education must have lasted at least two years or necessitated a prior degree. This applies if you possess a valid job offer from an Ontario employer.
BC International Graduate Program
The program might suit you if you finished a post-secondary program anywhere in Canada and now have a job offer from a company in British Columbia. However, eligibility requires having two years of full-time work experience in a similar role to the job offer.
Newfoundland and Labrador International Graduate Program
The program is for those who have completed a post-secondary program lasting at least two years anywhere in Canada and are presently employed in Newfoundland and Labrador. The eligibility criteria are working in the province for at least one year on a PGWP.
In conclusion, while PNPs offer valuable routes for international students to attain Canadian PR based on their education and job offers in specific provinces, it’s important to remember that they are not the only immigration option available. Exploring additional pathways like the Canadian Experience Class within the Express Entry system, especially after gaining one year of Canadian work experience, opens up further opportunities for achieving PR in Canada. It’s advisable to thoroughly examine and consider the eligibility criteria for various programs to determine the best path aligning with your circumstances and aspirations for becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
At ImmiLaw Immigration, our seasoned team, consisting of immigration lawyers and consultants, offers support for study permits, second program selection, post-study pathways, and diverse immigration requirements. Contact us to pave your path toward a brighter future in Canada.
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