International Graduates Pursue Permanent Residency in Canada

Canada has recently introduced changes that could make it easier for international students pursuing master's or Ph.D. programs to obtain permanent residency (PR). On February 15, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy, which had been announced on January 22 as part of a series of updates to Canada's international student system.

Under this policy, graduates of master's degree programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) now qualify for a three-year PGWP, regardless of the duration of their master's programs. Previously, the validity period of a PGWP for master's students was tied to the length of their program of study.

The significance of this change lies in the opportunity it provides for international student graduates to work in Canada upon completing a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI. This Canadian work experience is crucial for those aspiring to obtain PR, as many of Canada's immigration pathways require or favor applicants with such experience.

For instance, the Express Entry system, a popular application management system in Canada, awards additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to candidates with Canadian work experience. This extra points boost can significantly enhance a candidate's CRS score, thereby increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Moreover, higher levels of education, such as master's and Ph.D. degrees, are rewarded with higher CRS scores under the Express Entry system's "level of education" category. This means that master's and Ph.D. graduates receive more CRS points compared to candidates with lower levels of education, further improving their eligibility for PR.

In addition to the changes in PGWP policy, many Canadian provinces and territories operate Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that offer dedicated streams for master's and Ph.D. graduates. These streams provide further avenues for international students to obtain PR, as they cater specifically to individuals who have completed advanced education programs in Canada.

For example, provinces like Ontario and British Columbia have established PNP streams tailored to master's and Ph.D. graduates. These streams recognize the value of higher education and aim to attract skilled individuals who have acquired advanced degrees in Canada.

Overall, the recent changes introduced by IRCC, particularly the extension of PGWP validity for master's students, signify a positive step toward facilitating the transition from international student status to permanent residency in Canada. By providing international graduates with more opportunities to gain Canadian work experience and enhancing their eligibility for PR, these changes contribute to the country's goal of attracting and retaining skilled talent from around the world.