If Canada is your preferred study destination, you’re making a really good decision here. There are lots of exciting opportunities beyond academics here. A significant number of international students aspire for Canada as their permanent residence once they finish their studies. Fortunately, Canada has specialized immigration pathways for international students.
What you need now is reliable information. So, this guide will give you a solid grasp of these pathways that you need to know ad an international student. Today, we will cover Canada’s immigration pathways for international students. So, stick around.
Canada Immigration Pathways for International Students
1. Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)
After your studies in Canada, as an international student, there is a way to extend your stay and omgain work experience through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
This program allows all eligible international students to gain work experience in Canada for 8 months to 3 years. It really depends on the duration of your academic program. So, how do you  qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program? Well, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a full-time academic, vocational, or professional training program at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Have a valid study permit when submitting the application for the PGWPP.
- Earn a degree, diploma, certificate, or any form of documentation that verifies the completion of your program.
- Fulfill the language requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The duration of the PGWPP depends on your type and length of the academic program.
Note these two things:
- The duration of the PGWPP is the same as the length of the program for programs that are less than 8 months long.
- Programs that last 8 months or more have a PGWPP duration of 3 years.
PGWPP Limitations
Although the PGWPP provides international students with the opportunity to acquire valuable work experience in Canada, there are some limitations that come with the program:
- Employment in Canada is not guaranteed by the PGWPP.
- International students must wait for approval of their PGWPP application before they can begin working.
So, when you apply for the PGWPP, this is a separate process from obtaining a study permit. As an international student, the PGWPP is not automatically granted.
You are required to stop working once your PGWPP expires.
Although there are some limitations, the PGWPP helps to gain valuable work experience in Canada. This experience can improve your job prospects and likelihood of getting permanent residency in the future.
2. Streaming within Provincial Nominee (PNPs)
Programs for International Students
Certain Canadian provinces have international student streams as part of their PNPs. This one has expedited routes to permanent residence for eligible international students. These streams simply acknowledge any valuable contributions made by international students to Canada’s economy and social fabric.
A. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
We also have AINP. It works for International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream designed for international students who want to start their own businesses in Alberta.
You are required to have a post-secondary degree, diploma, or trade certification from a recognized Canadian institution, as well as a minimum of 2 years of experience running a business, either in Canada or abroad. In order to proceed with your proposed business venture, you need a minimum investment of CAD$100,000.
B. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
MPNP offers an International Education Stream divided into 4 categories:
- Career Employment Pathway
- Graduate Internship Pathway
- Researcher Academic Pathway and
- Student Entrepreneur Pathway.
Every category covers needs of international students with different levels of education and work experience.
As an example, the Career Employment Pathway necessitates a post-graduate degree or diploma from a recognized Canadian institution, in addition to 6 months of full-time work experience in Manitoba.
C. Nova Scotia Express Entry Stream for International Graduates
So, the Nova Scotia Demand program is somehow new to some. But here’s the thing! This stream is for international students who have completed their studies at an accredited Nova Scotia university or community college.
As an applicant, you must have resided and have been employed in Nova Scotia for a minimum of one year after your studies. You also need a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code to be eligible.
D. The Quebec Graduates Stream
Do you reside in Quebec? Have you completed your studies at a Quebec school? Applicants are required to have lived in Quebec for a minimum of 2 years prior to their application and must have the intention to reside and work in Quebec.
To be eligible, you need good understanding of the French language and hold a valid Québec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec).
Every provincial international student stream has its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria.
3. Fast Track Study Permit Programs
Several schools in Canada now offer Fast Track study permit programs. It allows international students to enter the country more quickly to meet the growing demand. These programs expedite study permit approvals, so you can start your study faster. Some of the universities include:
A. Université Laval Accélérateur
Situated in Quebec City, the Accélérateur program was initiated by Université Laval in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program allows international students to quickly obtain their study permit, reducing the processing time from weeks to just a few days.
Enrollment in a pre-departure orientation session is required, which takes place at Université Laval’s campus in Shanghai, China. After the session, participants will receive a confirmation letter for their acceptance into the Accélérateur program. This letter can be presented when applying for a study permit.
B. McMaster University
McMaster University has collaborated with IRCC to create the Express Entry International Student Pilot Project in Hamilton, Ontario. This project assists international students in expediting the process of obtaining their study permits by facilitating direct video conference calls with IRCC officers.
Before being referred to the Express Entry International Student Pilot Project, participants are required to attend a mandatory pre-arrival workshop hosted by McMaster University.
C. York University International Student Application Portal (ISAP)
The online platform developed by York University in Toronto streamlines the study permit application process for international students. ISAP offers step-by-step guidance for users, providing tailored checklists and helpful tips to ensure a seamless and streamlined application experience. York University regularly hosts webinars that cover various topics related to study permits, visas, and other important aspects of studying in Canada.
So, what’s with this gast track?
Every Fast Track study permit program has its own set of conditions and requirements.
As an example, the Université Laval Accélérateur program requires attendees to take part in a pre-departure orientation session that is conducted at Université Laval’s campus in Shanghai, China. However, the York University International Student Application Portal (ISAP) helps students through the application process.
No matter which program you choose, Fast Track study permit programs can be a valuable resource for international students looking to enter Canada quickly and smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Canada is a good study destination, and fortunately, there are many pathways for international students to get permanent residency here, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, specialized streams within Provincial Nominee Programs, and Fast Track study permit programs. On your own, try to thoroughly research these opportunities. You need to fully understand the requirements and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before your application.
