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.
Loading