Uncertainty of permanent residence for foreign students in Canada

Uncertainty surrounding permanent residence for international students in Canada. The environment for international students studying in Canada has been greatly affected by the events of this year. This is an important fact that foreign graduates and students traveling to Canada must understand. Permanent residency is not guaranteed.

Upon graduation, international students have the opportunity to explore diverse career options and potentially obtain permanent residency in Canada. It is important to note that while the government does not provide a guarantee for permanent residency, there are possibilities for it. This uncertainty is highlighted by the country’s evolving immigration laws.

Understanding the challenges that international students encounter with Permanent Residency is crucial when mapping out academic and professional journeys in Canada. The application process can be challenging and competitive due to various factors such as eligibility requirements, legislation changes, and Canada’s immigration policies.

Canada’s Immigration Policies and How They Affect PR for Students

Graduating from a DLI in Canada can be a challenging experience for international students, as they often face numerous obstacles in their quest for permanent residency, despite their outstanding qualifications.

Many economic PR programs have a requirement for graduates to gain work experience before they can be considered eligible. This often involves obtaining a Post Graduation Work Permit, which allows students to work for a wide range of Canadian companies in various sectors. The validity period of the PGWP is usually determined by the length of the student’s study program, although there may be changes to this program in the future.

Applying for permanent residency is a necessary step for graduates who wish to settle permanently. This can be done by going through an approved PR program once the required work experience has been gained. The Canadian Experience Class program within the Express Entry system is a popular choice among individuals who have previous job and educational experience in Canada. Graduates may also qualify for alternative pathways, such as those provided by their province or territory’s PNP. Certain PNP courses specifically cater to international graduates immediately upon their completion of studies.

Considerations and Challenges in Canada’s Immigration System

Obtaining permanent residency in Canada can be challenging for international graduates due to lengthy processing timeframes and a recently implemented system that prioritizes based on the labor market and demographic requirements of the nation. As an illustration, the Express Entry system now includes category-based selections, which prioritize candidates with strong French language skills and/or work experience in high-demand industries. It is important to note that in Canada’s federal immigration procedure, applicants who meet these requirements may be given priority over those who score higher on the CRS.

Similarly, various Provincial Nominee Program streams have similar criteria for granting PR status. This includes meeting specific requirements such as work experience, demographic characteristics, or family ties to a province or territory. These individuals are given priority over those with higher-ranking scores.

Foreign graduates may encounter challenges when trying to obtain permanent residency due to these elements. There are certain restrictions that individuals need to be aware of during their Post Graduation Work Permit period in Canada. If a foreign graduate is unable to secure permanent residence within the validity period of their PGWP and cannot obtain another temporary residence status, they may be required to leave Canada. As long as they continue to meet program eligibility requirements, their Express Entry profile will remain valid. However, this poses an additional obstacle for international graduates aspiring to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Thoughtful Consideration of Study Programs and Institutions

Despite the challenges mentioned earlier, graduates of Canadian DLIs remain highly competitive candidates for immigration to Canada. Language competence and professional expertise in high-demand subjects are highly valued by the Canadian government. Foreign students can increase their chances of being granted permanent residence by focusing on these areas.

Through the Express Entry category-based selection procedure, candidates who meet specific criteria related to professional experience or language fluency may be given priority for permanent residency. This method places greater emphasis on these qualities rather than solely relying on the CRS score.

In the Express Entry system, certain categories are prioritized, such as healthcare professionals, STEM experts, tradespeople, transportation professionals, agriculture and agri-food professionals, and individuals who speak French at CLB level 7 or higher.

For international graduates seeking permanent residency, it is crucial to prioritize and focus on areas that can significantly enhance their eligibility and greatly improve their chances.

International graduates should consider exploring their eligibility under specific programs offered by each province, in addition to the federal programs. The Quebec Experience Program, for instance, offers tailored pathways to permanent residency for foreign graduates residing in Quebec. Similar initiatives are offered in other provinces to assist international graduates in obtaining permanent residency.

Alberta

• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Alberta Opportunity Stream

British Columbia

• International Post-Graduate Category
• International Graduate Category

Manitoba

• International Education Stream
• Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway.
• Pathways for Graduate Internship
• Manitoba Work Experience Pathway

Newfoundland and Labrador

• International Graduate category
• International Graduate Entrepreneur category

Nova Scotia

• International Graduate In-demand stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur stream

Ontario

• Human Capital Category
• Employer Job Offer Category
• Master’s or PhD Category

Saskatchewan

• International Graduate Entrepreneur category
• Saskatchewan Experience category—Student sub-category

How can students best position themselves to gain PR?

While the above remains true, international graduates of Canadian DLIs continue to be among the most qualified applicants for Canadian immigration. One of the most effective things that international students can do to increase their eligibility for PR is to focus on in-demand professional experience and/or improving language skills that the government values in newcomers.

Under Express Entry category-based selection, for example, candidates who fit any of the following characteristics can be prioritized for PR—with less attention placed on their CRS score:

• Healthcare professionals;
• STEM professionals;
• Trades professionals;
• Transport professionals;
• Agriculture and Agri-Food professionals; and
• Individuals with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in all aspects of French.

International grads seeking PR may benefit from enhancing their eligibility under one of these categories to improve their chances of acquiring PR.

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