Student Visa to Permanent Resident Canada: Eligibility and Process

Are you an international student dreaming of making Canada your permanent home? Understanding the pathway from holding a student visa to obtaining permanent residency (PR) is crucial for turning that dream into reality. 

Canada offers several programs and pathways to achieve permanent resident status. This comprehensive blog will explain all eligibility criteria you must follow and critical steps and requirements, helping you navigate the process quickly and clearly.

Can an International Student Apply for PR in Canada?

International students studying in Canada can apply for Canadian permanent resident status while studying in Canada or after completing their studies. To do so, they must meet the criteria under the Canadian immigration program, which means they must be eligible for PR.

The factors that might affect an international student's eligibility for PR:

• Completed a program of study at a Designated learning institution (DLI)
• Acquired relevant work experience in Canada
• Proficiency in English or French tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL OR PTE
• Necessitates compliance with all requirements for study permits, work permits and other visas
• Changes in immigration policies

How to Get Permanent Residency in Canada As a Student

Meeting specific requirements leads to permanent residency in Canada. There are immigration programs that allow international students to gain permanent residency more quickly. Each program is different, but it is a pathway to becoming a permanent resident.

Some of the programs that accelerate obtaining a permanent residence and status-changing include:

1. Express Entry Program for Skilled Workers
2. Canadian Experience Class
3. Federal Skilled Worker Program
4. Provincial Nominee Programs

Meeting the eligibility requirements early in your studies is significant as it involves successfully transitioning from student status to permanent residence.

Express Entry Program for Skilled Workers

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Canadian permanent residence and skilled worker immigration applications.

If you’re eligible for one or more Express Entry programs, you’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system assesses your skills, education, language ability, work experience, and other factors.

Some tips for improving Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores imply the following:

• Achieve higher scores on English or French language tests (e.g. IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)
• Get more qualified work experience
• Earn additional credentials to enhance your educational qualifications
• Receive a nomination from a Canadian province through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which provides additional CRS points

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A permanent residence procedure also entails applying for a work permit. 

A Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) program allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after graduating from a specific DLI institution. It is an open work permit that enables you to work for any employer in any location in Canada. Therefore, work obtained through the PGWP can be a stepping stone to transition from temporary to permanent residence in Canada.

The benefits of obtaining a PGWP for international students are:

• The possibility of acquiring valuable work experience in Canada
• A life-changing opportunity to explore career options and build professional networks in Canada
• It can lead to eligibility for permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Opportunity-providing in terms of job positions
• Possibility of good earnings

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is a step towards permanent residence in Canada. Twelve months of continuous full-time work, including other eligibility criteria such as age, language skills, and education level, is a prerequisite for this program. Also, it doesn’t include work experience during the study program but after graduation.

Here’s how to strengthen an application under this category:

• Gain relevant work experience after graduation
• Your work experience must be recent
• A valid job offer can provide much-needed additional points for a candidate in Express Entry's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
• You can prove your language skills by taking the CELPIP General, IELTS General or TEF (for French) test

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program differs from some others in that it doesn’t require work experience in Canada; it is acceptable that you have acquired it abroad.

The FSW program is a merit-based immigration program that uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), inviting only candidates with the most outstanding profiles

To meet the selection criteria for this program, you must:

• Have at least 12 months of full-time, continuous, qualified work experience completed in any country or
• Have the equivalent amount of part-time work experience

If you’re eligible for one of the above programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. If selected, you'll get extra points and be invited to apply quickly.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Each Canadian province has its own program, the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). It is adapted to a specific province, and those who live, study, and work there generally have a high chance of admission.

Provinces known for being particularly friendly to international students seeking PR are:

• Ontario: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia: British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• Manitoba: Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Quebec Immigration Options

The province of Quebec is mostly separate in every case, including immigration programs. Although it has separate procedures, it is similar to others in giving opportunities to international students when applying for permanent residence. 

French language proficiency is essential for Quebec immigration programs because of the following:

• An excellent command of the French language opens the door to many business opportunities
• It significantly increases your chances of being selected for immigration to Quebec
• Eligibility for Quebec immigration programs is achieved through standardised tests like the TEF

There are two main Quebec permanent residence programs.

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

You must complete the study program or remain at the institution after completion for a maximum of six months. In addition, you must be at an advanced level of French to qualify for the PEQ.

If you don’t know so much about application, here’s the tips for successfully applying:

• Meet the PEQ eligibility criteria, including language skills and education requirements
• Submit all regulated documents
• Provide clear, concise and relevant information in your application
• Prepare for the interview
• Track your application

Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

This program is intended for students who have completed their studies in Quebec or are about to graduate. Knowing French at an advanced level is unnecessary, but it is enough to have a minimum number of points.

These are the suggestions for enhancing an application to the QSW program:

• Learn French as much as possible
• Pursue an adequate business opportunity from a Quebec employer
• Demonstrate any connections to Quebec, such as previous study or work experience in the province
• Make sure your application includes all the required documents

Documents Required for Switching from Student Visa to PR in Canada

Switching from a student visa to PR in Canada includes gathering documents for your application process, which we will discuss in more detail in the following paragraphs.

The documents required for the transitional period of the student visa to permanent residence in Canada are:

• Valid passport
• Proof of education
• Proof of work experience
• Proof of funds
• Proof of dependents
• Medical certificates
• Police clearance certificate

You must ensure that all information is documented and review your documents carefully to ensure you are eligible for PR in Canada. Just be process-oriented if you want your application to go smoothly.

Valid Passport

A valid passport is required for the application process. It must be valid during the PR application process and should not expire before you officially receive PR status.

Proof of Education

Proof of education verifies your degree, certificate, official transcripts, or other evidence of your accreditation. It details your program, grades, and achievements.

Proof of Work Experience

These are mainly employment records, including details of your work duties, number of hours, and date of employment. They also include payment documents, tax documents, and employment contracts.

Proof of Funds

Proof of funds shows you have enough financial resources to live in Canada. This requirement includes submitting various financial documents, such as bank statements, investment reports, or letters from financial institutions confirming the availability of funds.

Proof of Dependents

If you stated in the application that you also have dependents, you must submit documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers, and study permits (study permit photo size, if necessary) to establish the relationship between you and your dependents.

Medical Certificates

Undergoing a medical examination shows that you meet the health requirements for immigration to Canada. The medical examination includes a physical exam and tests for conditions such as tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

Police Clearance Certificate

With these documents, you show that you don’t have a criminal record. The certificate must be valid at the time of application and may need to be submitted to immigration authorities as part of the PR application package.

Processing Time for Canada PR

Processing times for application processes in Canada may be time-sensitive and depend on various factors.

Since it is dependent on the selected immigration program, students must wait approximately six months to obtain a PR in Canada. However, the fastest route is considered to be through the Express Entry Program.

Tips for ensuring smooth and timely processing of the PR application:

• Complete documentation
• Deadlines observed
• Responding to all requests from immigration authorities in the event of the need to provide additional information or documents
• Tracking the status of your application online

Cost of Applying PR After Study

These are the costs associated with applying for PR in Canada after completing studies:

• Single applicant: The application fee for the principal applicant is CAD 850, and the right to Permanent Residence fee is CAD 515
• The application fee for a spouse is $850
• The application fee per child is CAD 230
• An additional fee for biometrics of CAD $85 per person, up to a maximum of CAD $170 for a family of two or more
• The cost of a medical exam is typically around CAD $200 to $300 per person

Start planning your finances early, check if you qualify for any fee waivers and keep an eye on extra costs. The entire process is facilitated by BorderPass. Contact us for help and we will review the part of your application you require in a secure and efficient way.

Key Takeaways

• You can apply for Canadian PR while studying in Canada or after completing your studies, which implies meeting the eligibility criteria under the Canadian immigration program
• The four well-known immigration programs include the Express Entry Program for Skilled Workers, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Provincial Nominee Programs
• Without submitting all required documents, your application will be incomplete
• You must wait approximately six months to obtain a PR in Canada, but be aware the processing time may depend on other factors
• As each part of the application, this also requires paying the fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Easy to Get PR in Canada After Study?

It can be easy if it complies with all the requirements of the Canadian immigration program, but it certainly takes time. 

The Canadian government offers programs such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system that make you eligible for PR, considering the Canadian education and work experience you have acquired and making the process easier.

What is the Stay-back Period Offered to International Students in Canada?

The stay-back period, also known as the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) duration, allows you to stay and work after completing your studies. A Post-Study Work Permit in Canada allows you to stay in Canada after your studies with a work permit for up to 3 years, contingent upon the program's duration. 

There is no stay-back period if the program lasts less than eight months.

What is the Processing Time for PGWP?

The processing time for the PGWP takes from 80 to 180 days to process.