How to Apply for Permanent Residence After Study in Canada

On This Page You Will Find

• How Express Entry benefits international graduates
• Atlantic Immigration Program for students in Atlantic provinces
• Provincial nominee programs for international graduates
• Eligibility criteria by province (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, etc.)
• Options for post-graduation work and permanent residence

Canada’s network of immigration programs includes a multitude of opportunities for international graduates to apply for permanent residence after study.

• The international graduate provision is spearheaded by the federal Express Entry system, which includes specific points for Canadian education.
• Elsewhere, the employer-driven Atlantic Immigration Program has a specific stream for international graduates.
• Ontario has three streams aimed at different levels of graduates, only one of them requiring a job offer.
• Quebec’s international graduate stream also does not require a job offer, provided the candidate has an advanced level of French.
• Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick also have specific international graduate streams.
• Alberta includes a provision for international graduates under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
• Prince Edward Island does not have s specific stream, although it does fall under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

Several of the provinces require the graduate to hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This document gives graduates a window of up to three years to gain the required work experience to qualify for Canadian permanent residence.

Read on for information on the options available to apply for permanent residence after study in Canada.

Express Entry for International Students

At the federal level, international graduates from Canadian universities get extra points under Canada Express Entry. 

Comprehensive Ranking System points are offered for three-year post secondary, master’s, professional degrees and doctorates (30 CRS points) and post-secondary diplomas lasting one or two years (15 CRS points). No points are awarded for a Canadian high school education or below.

This gives many graduates the extra push they need to achieve a coveted Invitation to Apply.

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a combined effort between the Canadian federal government and the four provinces on the Atlantic coast: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

An international graduate who completed their education at a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada and obtained a job offer from a designated regional employer can successfully seek permanent residency through the AIP.

Ontario

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

The Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream stream is for recent graduates of eligible Canadian institutions who have a job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

International Graduates Streams

Ontario also offers two streams for international graduates:

PhD Graduate Stream

1. Graduated from a PhD degree program at a publicly funded Ontario university and have completed at least two years of study.
2. Intend to live and work in Ontario.
3. Must legally live in Canada if applying from within. Applications from abroad also accepted.
4. Application must be within two years of date on PhD diploma.

Masters Graduate Stream

1. Graduated from a Master’s degree program at a publicly funded Ontario university and have completed at least one-year full time.
2. Have level 7 or above English or French.
3. Lived in Ontario for at least one year in the last two.
4. Have sufficient settlement funds.
5. Intend to live and work in Ontario.
6. Must either legally live in Ontario or live abroad. Applications from elsewhere in Canada will not be accepted.
7. Application must be within two years of date on master’s degree certificate.

Quebec

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast-track immigration program with an international student stream.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have completed a recognized diploma, degree, or certificate from a designated educational institution in Quebec within the last 36 months.
• Have studied in Quebec for at least half the duration of their program.
• Demonstrate advanced intermediate French proficiency (B2 level) unless their program was entirely in French.
• Show intent to settle in Quebec.

Eligible Diplomas Include:

• Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
• Diploma of College Studies (DEC)
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees from Quebec universities

British Columbia

British Columbia has closed its BC PNP streams for international graduates and students.

Alberta

Alberta Opportunity Stream

The Alberta Opportunity Stream includes a provision for graduates holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

As well as meeting other requirements, PGWP holders must:

• Have a minimum of 6 months full-time work experience in Alberta within the last 18 months.
• The work must be in an occupation related to the candidate’s studies.
• The candidate must hold an Alberta-approved credential from an Alberta-approved institution.

Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The Alberta Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is aimed at international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in the province.

Requirements

Education: Have completed at least two years of full-time education in Alberta, resulting in a degree or diploma from a designated post-secondary institution in Alberta. Completion of program of study must result in qualifying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Work Permit: Have a PGWP valid at the time of your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission.

Language: Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 for each in one of the following: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

Business Establishment: Must establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with a minimum 34% ownership. The proposed business type must not be on the list of ineligible businesses.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Experience Category has a stream aimed at international students.

Eligibility:

• You have graduated from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Saskatchewan with:
  • A certificate.
  • A diploma.
  • A degree.
• You currently hold a valid post-graduation work permit
• You have worked for a minimum of six months (780 hours) of paid in employment in Saskatchewan related to your field of study.
• You have a permanent, full-time job offer in your field of study from an approved Saskatchewan employer. The job should be:
  • In an occupation in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER level 0, 1, 2, or 3; or in a designated trade.o
  • Related to your field of study and requires post-secondary education.
• You have a minimum language score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 if your job offer is in a designated trade occupation NOC TEER level 4 or 5.

Manitoba

The Manitoba International Education Stream is designed for international graduates from Manitoba post-secondary institutions. It includes three targeted pathways:

a. Career Employment Pathway

Eligibility criteria:

• Graduated in the last three years from a Manitoba institution
• Completed a full-time program of at least one year
• Job offer in an in-demand occupation listed by the province
• Currently working full-time in Manitoba
• CLB 7 or higher in language proficiency
• Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds or hold full-time long-term employment

b. Graduate Internship Pathway

Eligibility criteria:

• Completed a master’s or doctoral degree in Manitoba within the past three years
• Completed a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate internship with a Manitoba-based employer
• CLB 7 or higher in English or French
• No job offer required at time of application
• Must be residing in Manitoba and meet settlement fund requirements

c. International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

Eligibility criteria:

• Completed a two-year full-time post-secondary program in Manitoba
• Between 21–35 years old
• CLB 7 or higher in language proficiency
• Own at least 51% of the business
• Operate the business as a senior manager for at least six months before nomination
• Submit a Business Performance Agreement (BPA)
• Provide a financial verification report and demonstrate funds for 12 months

Nova Scotia

As well as being part of the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Nova Scotia Nominee Program operates two streams for international graduates.

1. International Graduates in Demand Stream

International Graduates in Demand is for international graduates with job offers in specific, high-demand healthcare and education occupations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Full-time, permanent job offer in one of these NOC codes:
  • 32102 – Paramedical Occupations
  • 32124 – Pharmacy Technicians
  • 33102 – Nurse Aides
  • 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
• Age between 19 and 55
• High school diploma
• Completed a relevant program at an eligible Nova Scotia post-secondary institution:
  • Minimum 30 weeks (or 24 weeks for NOC 33102)
  • At least 50% of studies completed in Nova Scotia
• Required credential by NOC:
  • NOC 32102 or 32124 – diploma
  • NOC 33102 – certificate, diploma, or degree
  • NOC 42202 – diploma or degree
• Valid certification from Nova Scotia regulatory bodies (if applicable)
• CLB 5 in English or French
• Proof of settlement funds

2. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

The International Graduate Entrepreneur stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or college who have started a business in the province.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must intend to live in Nova Scotia and actively manage a business
• At least 1 year of continuous business ownership and operation (33.3% minimum ownership)
• Completed a degree or diploma through at least 2 years of full-time, in-person study at a Nova Scotia university or Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
• Valid post-graduation work permit
• CLB 7 in English or French
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Receive an Invitation to Apply

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador operates two streams for international graduates. The province is also part of the Atlantic Immigration Program.

International Graduate

This stream targets international graduates with a PGWP working in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Hold a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) with at least 4 months validity
• Have a full-time job or job offer:
  • In TEER 0–3, or TEER 4 (in-demand) occupations
  • From an eligible NL employer
  • Minimum 30 hours/week
  • At least 1 year duration with expectation of extension
  • Commission-based work is not allowed
• Be aged 21–59
• Meet all NOC requirements for the occupation
• Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds
• Intend to live in Newfoundland and Labrador long-term
• Must be working in the field of study, unless:
  • Graduate of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic
  • Job meets TEER 0–3 or TEER 4 (in-demand) with career potential
  • Job aligns with recent skills/experience (within 5 years)
• Graduates from outside NL:
  • Must work for at least 1 year in NL before applying
• TEER 4 applicants must submit language test results:
  • IELTS: Listening 4.5, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0
  • CELPIP-G, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF scores accepted

International Graduate Entrepreneur

For recent NL graduates who have started or bought a local business.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Completed at least two years of in-person, full-time study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic
• Hold a valid PGWP
• Have a business continuity plan validated by a third-party
• Have actively managed and owned a business (33.3% minimum ownership) for at least one continuous year
• Business must:
  • Be for-profit and income-generating
  • Create at least 1 full-time job for Canadian citizens or PRs
• Meet CLB 7 in English or French
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply

New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Private Career College Graduate Pilot offers a permanent residence pathway for international students who complete specific programs of study at eligible private career colleges in New Brunswick.

Candidate Requirements

You must meet all of the following criteria:

• Intent to Reside: Show strong ties to New Brunswick and your plans to stay long term.
• Job Offer: Secure full-time, non-seasonal employment related to your field of study within 90 days of graduation.
• Wage: Your offered wage must be competitive for your occupation in New Brunswick.
• Language: Minimum of CLB/NCLC 5 in each language ability using an approved test (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF).
• Education: Completion of an eligible program (minimum 10 months, with one 35-week exception) from an approved college.
• PR Ready: You must be ready to apply for permanent residence with all required documentation on hand.

Work experience is not required to apply under this pilot.

The province is also part of the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Prince Edward Island

There is no specific stream for international students under the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program.

However, the province is part of the Atlantic Immigration Program.

FAQ