Canada’s immigration levels plan for 2024–2026 aims to grant permanent residency to 883,635 primary applicants in the economic category by 2026. International students in Canada are finding it harder to get permanent residency (PR) due to increased competition from abroad and temporary residents.
This includes highly trained foreigners and Canadians, particularly international students, making the PR transition tough for everybody. Even immigration minister Marc Miller has stated that international students are not guaranteed Canadian permanent residency.
In an October 31, 2023 immigration system improvement plan issued by the IRCC Minister, Canada is exploring new approaches to integrate PR seats with international student labor market demands. The International Education Strategy by Global Affairs Canada aims to better educate international students for careers.
What is the most effective method for obtaining PR for overseas students?
According to current immigration legislation, overseas students can pursue one or more of the alternatives below to improve their chances of permanent residence.
1. Enter High-demand Industries
One option is to work in IT, healthcare, or skilled trades while studying. Certified skilled trades earn 50 points in Express Entry, and the cutoff score is lower than in regular draws. In the respective PR draws, all Canadian provincial nominee programs (PNPs) target these industries.
2. Learn two languages
International students are unwilling to study French, making this the least competitive path to permanent residency. Francophone immigration has the lowest PR points cutoff in PNPs or Express Entry; therefore, studying French will help you qualify.
3. Stacking programs
Increase your education by stacking programs. A student who has graduated in one-year diploma program from abroad might enroll in another program to advance their study in Canada. This will boost their PR points and post-graduation work permit length. Never forget, you can only get PGWP once. If you acquire a 4-year degree in healthcare or other high-demand fields, you can lawfully stay and get a PGWP of the same length.
4. Emphasize Immigration in Rural Areas
International students rarely use rural immigration programs because they prefer big cities.
The IRCC is exploring methods to expand the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) to new towns and make it permanent. A promising rural rejuvenation stream in Alberta delivers PR to over 22 rural communities. Some provinces grant rural or regional permanent residency. Not everyone likes to leave the city, but PR requires a new approach.
5. Become a Business Owner
Although not for everyone, entrepreneurship is a seed that develops against all odds and defies conception. So work on your concept or entrepreneurial spirit and apply for the start-up visa program, which can enable at least five international students to become permanent residents. This seems appealing, but it’s not easy. However, this could lead to Canadian permanent status and lifelong residence.
Fill out our free online assessment form to learn more about your choices if you want to explore the Top 5 Paths for International Students Seeking Permanent Residency by moving to Canada.