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It is rhetoric now to answer the question of why study in Canada.
Canada enjoys a dominant position in world affairs by virtue of being a part of the G7 advanced economies. The world-class infrastructure to support the immigration of foreign skilled workers, international students make it an exciting destination to settle permanently.
The unique arrangement between the federal government and the provinces/territories allow each Canadian province and territory to identify and invite immigration candidates who can meet their local economic needs. In this process, many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams are geared towards international students, some are even dedicated to them.
In this blog, we look to summarize various pathways available for International students to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
To know your eligibility, take this free assessment online.
New Brunswick Launches New Immigration Pilot for International Graduates
The pilot aims to facilitate permanent residency for international students who have graduated from one of 19 eligible programs of study.
New Brunswick has unveiled a new immigration pilot project for international students who graduate from four private career colleges in the province.
Starting April 1, 2022, New Brunswick will extend provincial nominations to international students who graduate from four private career colleges in the province. These colleges include:
- Atlantic Business College,
- Eastern College,
- McKenzie College, or
- Oulton College.
Additionally, they are required to complete their study in one of 19 targeted occupations.
The press release made a note that the new immigration pilot will benefit recent graduates of designated learning institutions who are not currently eligible for the federal Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
All eligible designated learning institutions are expected to offer the following career courses for International students in Canada:
- social and community service workers;
- early childhood educators and assistants;
- educational assistants;
- health-care aides;
- home support workers;
- licensed practical nurses;
- paramedics and related occupations;
- medical laboratory technologists;
- medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants;
- medical administrative assistants;
- computer programmers and interactive media developers;
- web designers and developers;
- computer network technicians;
- user support technicians;
- accounting technicians and bookkeepers;
- payroll clerks;
- shippers and receivers;
- supply chain and logistics supervisors; and
- production logistics co-ordinators
This new initiative is in line with the priorities set by business groups and organizations in the province. Specific details and requirements for the new pilot project will only be available in the fall.
| ”With the increased competition for skilled labour, the potential to transition international students into permanent residents is crucial”, recognises both the business community and the provincial government. |
The usual route for International graduates from New Brunswick is to qualify for New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream. This program is for foreigners who have a job offer from a New Brunswick employer. It is not specifically for international student graduates, but they do allow people who completed a one-year program at a New Brunswick post-secondary to skip the one-year work experience requirement.
Other Provincial Level Programs for International Students
Ontario is one of the preferred immigration destinations for skilled foreign workers to work & settle in Canada. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Progam (OINP) has two streams dedicated to international student graduates: the Master’s Graduate Stream, and the PhD Graduate Stream. The good part is neither of these programs does not require you to have job offers in order to apply for provincial nominations.
British Columbia is another preferred immigration destination. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program ( BC PNP) has a number of options for international graduates through the Express Entry British Columbia stream and the Skills Immigration stream. If you are eligible for the International Post-Graduate Category, you need not require a job offer to apply.
The Canadian Province of Manitoba has an International Education Stream for people who graduated from a post-secondary institute in the province. It accepts applications for provincial nominations under three sub-categories: Career Employment Pathway, Graduate Internship Pathway, and the Student Entrepreneur Pathway
Saskatchewan is not behind with a dedicated stream for Experience Category students who recently graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary. You need a full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer to qualify.
Similar dedicated provincial streams for International graduates with a job offer is offered by Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. The job must be in your field of study.
Graduates Showing Interest in Entrepreneurship
For international graduates with an aptitude in entrepreneurship can benefit from Nova Scotia’s International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. You need to have at least two years of full-time study at a Nova Scotia university or college. You need to have operated your own business in the province for at least one year and intend to make Nova Scotia your new home.
Newfoundland and Labrador graduates who want to run a business in the province can apply under the International Graduate Entrepreneur Category and get nominated for a provincial nomination.
A successful provincial nomination may be valid for up to 6 months and eligible candidates can apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency within this time period.
Federal Level Immigration Program for International Graduates
A most common route to settle in Canada is by graduating from any Canadian learning institution and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which comes with a time validity of 3 years. Most PGWP holders choose to enter the Express Entry pool by qualifying for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after gaining at least one year of work experience.
Recent estimates from Statistics Canada has revealed that Canada was able to retain & transform more than 50% of international students who completed their under-graduation degree from Canadian learning institutions into a permanent resident in the last decade.
Another route to obtain permanent residency By international student graduates is through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. It is expected to become a permanent program in 2022.
Graduates including International students from eligible institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick may be able to apply for the Atlantic International Graduate Program. This program allows graduates to apply for permanent residence without having any previous work experience.
You can book a free appointment with us to plan a tailor-made strategy to immigrate to Canada.
