Did you know that over 30% of international students in Canada successfully transition to permanent residency? This statistic highlights the effectiveness of Canada’s student visa as a pathway to settle in the country.
Canada is known for its high-quality education, diverse cultural environment and robust immigration pathways. It has been home to some one the well-known academic institutions that have been attracting students from all over the world.
Many of the students don’t just dream of going to Canada for Education purposes only. They do not want to gain just a degree, what they want along with academics is a lifestyle that suits their standard. A lifestyle that they see in Canada. For those seeking not just an education but a permanent home, Canada offers an appealing pathway from Student Visa to Permanent Residency.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the benefits of Study in Canada, the process of transitioning from a student visa to PR, and the various immigration programs favoring international students. We’ll also highlight the advantages of starting with a student visa.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
Canada has transformed itself as a hub for international students to acquire degrees from some of the best colleges recognized worldwide. Here are some benefits of Study in Canada.
1. World-Class Education
Canada is home to many of the most prominent universities and colleges in the world, including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, and the University of Toronto. These universities are renowned around the globe for their rigorous academic programs and possibilities for research. Among overseas students, business, engineering, and healthcare programs are especially well-liked.
2. Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity
Being a multicultural nation is something that Canada is quite proud of. Multicultural hotspots like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal may make foreign students feel at home. This friendly environment not only enhances studying but also makes it simpler for students to integrate into Canadian society.
3. Quality of Life
Canada offers a high level of living characterized by excellent healthcare, safety, and a clean environment. The strong social support systems and public services that are offered across the country allow students to live a secure and enjoyable life while they pursue their studies.
Pathway from Student Visa to Permanent Residency
Knowing only the benefits of studying overseas won’t help you obtain permanent residence in Canada once you graduate; instead, you need be aware of the following pathways that the Canadian government has made available to students seeking permanent residency:
1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
For international students seeking permanent residency, the PGWP or Post-Graduation Work Permit is a crucial prerequisite. Graduates with an open work visa can work in Canada for any firm for a maximum of three years, depending on the length of their educational degree. The PGWP is crucial because it provides the Canadian work experience that is highly valued in immigration applications.
2. Canadian Work Experience
Getting work experience in Canada is very beneficial for applications for permanent residency. It demonstrates the ability to blend in with both the Canadian workforce and society. Programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) offer preference to applications with Canadian work experience, making this a helpful path to permanent residency.
Immigration Programs Favoring International Students
Along with these pathways there are some Immigration programs that favor International students, making it easier for them to acquire Canadian PR. Here are some of the programs:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
International students who have finished the PGWP are ideal candidates for the CEC as it is only available to those with work experience in Canada. To be qualified, candidates must meet the language proficiency requirements and have at least one year of professionally performed work experience in Canada. Having work experience and a Canadian degree increases your chances of success in this program significantly.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
There are PNPs in several provinces that provide preference to foreign graduates. For example, the International Graduate category in British Columbia and the International Student Stream in Ontario provide avenues to permanent residence in Canada for international students who have finished their studies in these jurisdictions. These initiatives give qualified applicants quicker paths to permanent residence while addressing particular labor market demands.
3. Express Entry System
Through the Express Entry procedure, candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking procedure (CRS). International students can improve their prospects of being asked to apply for permanent residency by earning additional CRS points for their education and work experience in Canada (ITA).
3.1 Additional CRS Points for Canadian Education
Canada uses a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking mechanism (CRS) to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. You can check your eligibility for Canada PR through CRS Score Calculator. The additional points that a candidate receives for their education in Canada significantly raise their CRS score. The following are the points awarded:
- 15 points for a one- or two-year post-secondary program.
- 30 points for a three-year or longer post-secondary program, or for a master’s, professional, or doctoral degree.
These points enhance a candidate’s CRS score by reflecting the value of a Canadian education in facilitating successful integration into the workforce.
3.2 Additional CRS Points for Canadian Work Experience
Candidates with Canadian work experience also receive substantial CRS points:
- Up to 40 points for one or more years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) Canadian work experience.
- Combined points for candidates with both Canadian and foreign work experience can reach up to 70 points.
With the additional CRS points, candidates are more competitive in the Express Entry pool and have a better chance of being asked to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Higher scorers are more likely to be selected in the pool drawings that the Canadian government does on a regular basis. If an applicant has a Canadian diploma (15 points) and one year of Canadian work experience (40 points), for example, they may significantly raise their CRS score by up to 55 points, making them a good candidate for an ITA.
Advantages of Starting with a Student Visa
Stating your Canada PR journey with student visa has not only educational or career advantages, but also numerous other, here listing a few:
1. Easier Transition to Canadian Life
International students can better adjust to the local way of life, climate, and culture by studying in Canada. Because they are already familiar with the customs and expectations of the society, the transition from temporary to permanent residence is easier for the students.
2. Networking and Building Connections
Students have the chance to develop both personal and professional networks while they are in school. These relationships may be quite helpful for advancing your career and assimilating into Canadian culture. Networking can result in employment prospects and offer vital support networks for recent immigrants.
3. Language Proficiency
International students can advance their English or French language proficiency while studying in Canada, which is beneficial for both everyday living and academic performance. Being able to speak one of Canada’s official languages is also a prerequisite for the majority of immigration programs, which offers students a leg up when applying for permanent residence.
Conclusion
There are several advantages to pursuing school in Canada, including a high standard of living, cultural variety, and access to top-notch education. International students find the PGWP to be an appealing choice since it provides a road from a student visa to permanent residence through a number of immigration programs, including the CEC, PNPs, and Express Entry. The prospects of obtaining PR are greatly increased by the extra CRS points for Canadian job experience and education.
For those considering this pathway, Rao Consultants offer expert guidance on studying in Canada and navigating the process of Canada PR for Student. Contact Rao Consultants to start your journey towards a promising future in Canada.