Permanent residence in Canada for international students and graduates
After successfully completing the studies in Canada, many international students decide to make Canada home. There there are many pathways available to international students who want to apply for permanent residence.
There are many immigration programs available to international students. The following programs are the pathways for international student graduates to becoming Canadian permanent residents:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Quebec Immigration Options
- Post-Graduation Work Permits
Here is an overview of the options for permanent residence in Canada for international students and graduates, from federal programs to provincial programs to family sponsorship.
| Immigration Program | In Conjunction with Express Entry? | Job Offer needed? | Notes |
| Canadian Experience (CEC) | Yes | No | International students who have gained Canadian working experience after graduating can be eligible to apply under this category. |
| Federal Skilled Worker | Yes | No | Study in Canada awards you 5 points. |
| British Columbia
BC PNP Skills Immigration: International Graduate |
No | Yes | International Students graduated from any province in Canada can apply under this stream. Students who have completed post secondary education in BC then you will be awarded 8 points and graduates from outside BC will be awarded only 6 points. |
| British Columbia
BC PNP Express Entry: International Graduate |
Yes | Yes | International Students graduated from any province in Canada can apply under this stream. Students who have completed post secondary education in BC then you will be awarded 8 points and graduates from outside BC will be awarded only 6 points. |
| British Columbia
BC PNP Skills Immigration: International Post-Graduate |
No | No | Restricted to International students who have have been awarded master’s or doctoral degree in natural or health sciences by an BC educational institution. |
| Alberta (AINP) Strategic Recruitment Stream: Post-Graduate Worker |
No | At the time of making application must be employed by an employer in Alberta | You are eligible if you have been graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution in Alberta. You must be having a post graduation work permit and be working in Alberta. |
| Alberta AINP Employer-Driven Stream: International Graduate | No | At the time of making application must be employed by an employer in Alberta | You are eligible if you have been graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution in Alberta or any other province in Canada. You must be having a post graduation work permit and be working in Alberta. |
| Manitoba MPNP Skilled Worker in Manitoba | No | Yes | Either you have graduated from a institution in Manitoba or if you have graduated from any other province then you must be working for an employer in Manitoba for minimum of one year duration. |
| Manitoba Intl. Education Stream (IES) – | No | Yes | Full-time job offer from Manitoba employer is required |
| Manitoba IES Student Entrepreneur Pilot | No | No | This program gives a chance to pursue entrepreneurship to students who have completed post secondary education in Manitoba on Full time basis. Only 20 spots are available. |
| Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island)
Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) |
No | Yes, 1 Year full time job offer contract is required for the jobs at skill level NOC O, A, B or C | If you have obtained two year post secondary diploma from an eligible institution in the Atlantic provinces, then you are eligible to apply under this stream. No work experience is require. Note: you must apply within 12 months of completing your education and you need CLB 4 in English . |
| New Brunswick
NBPNP Express Entry Labour Market Stream |
Yes | No | If you will be awarded 5 points if you have completed study in New Brunswick. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador
NLPNP International Graduate Category |
No | Yes | Students graduated from any eligible publicly funded college in Canada can apply under this stream |
| Newfoundland & Labrador
NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker |
Yes | Yes | If you have graduated from an institution in in Newfoundland & Labrador you will be awarded 3 points. |
| Nova Scotia
NSNP Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry |
Yes | No | Currently closed for new applications. |
| Nova Scotia
NSNP Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry |
Yes | No | You require 12 months full time paid skilled experience in Nova Scotia. |
| Nova Scotia
NSNP International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream |
No | No | You are eligible if you have purchased an Business in Nova Scotia after graduating from a Post Secondary institute in Nova Scotia. |
| Ontario
OINP International Student with a Job Offer Stream |
No | Yes | For students who have completed a full-time degree or diploma ( 2 years Duration) course at an eligible university or college in Ontario. |
| Ontario
OINP International Masters Graduate Stream |
No | No | For students who have completed a full-time minimum 1 year Master’s course at an eligible university in Ontario. |
| Ontario
OINP International Student PhD Graduate Stream |
No | No | For students who have completed minimum two years of PhD studies at a university in Ontario. |
| Prince Edward Island
PEI PNP |
No | Yes, in field of study. | Graduates can work with PEI employers. |
| Saskatchewan
SINP |
No | Yes | Students who have completed their studies and graduated from recognized institution in Saskatchewan may apply for this program. |