As an international student, to qualify for Canada Permanent Residency after 1 year study program, you have to apply for a postgraduate work permit (PGWP).
Upon completion of study program in Canada, many international students decide to remain in the country permanently. However, acquiring a Canada Permanent Residency after 1 year study program is no easy feat.
In this article we’ve curated 4 pathways to achieve this goal to enable your smooth transition into a Canadian Resident.
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How to get Canada Permanent Residency after 1 Year Study
Below are various pathways to acquire a Canada Permanent Residency after 1 year study program as an International student;
Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
The first step to applying for Canada permanent residency after 1 year of study is to obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after you complete your studies. As an international student with a one-year study program experience in Canada, the duration of your program plays a crucial role in determining the length of your PGWP.
The PGWP allows you gain valuable work experience in Canada, which is essential for both your career development and permanent residence applications.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
The BOWP allows you to continue working in Canada while your permanent residency application is being processed. This can be a helpful way to maintain your legal status in Canada while you gain valuable work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This is a program for skilled workers who have at least one year of full-time work experience in Canada, if you meet the eligibility requirements.
International students upon completion of study program and acquiring work experience for a year can then proceed to apply for Canada Permanent Residency after 1 year study via Express Entry. Here’s all you need to know about Canada Express Entry.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, which allows the province or territory to nominate skilled workers for permanent residency.
If a province or territory nominates you, you will receive an additional 600 points in the Express Entry system, which will make you more likely to be invited to apply for permanent residency.
As an international student aiming for Canada permanent residency after 1 year study, this is a great option.
Student Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
The Student Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a group of provincial immigration programs that allow provinces and territories to nominate skilled immigrants who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and have work experience in Canada.
Alternative Options: The Post PGWP Phase
If you cannot obtain Canada permanent residency after 1 year of study through any of the aforementioned pathways, here are other options available to you;
- Returning to School: You may be able to obtain a second PGWP if you return to school and complete another one-year study program in Canada.
- Securing a Job Offer: If you can secure a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be able to apply for a work permit through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
- Spouse/Partner Sponsorship: If you are married to or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your spouse or partner may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency.
It is important to stay up-to-date on immigration policies and programs in Canada. The Canadian government regularly updates its immigration policies, and there are several different programs available for international students who want to become permanent residents.
By staying informed, you can make sure that you are aware of all of your options and that you are making the best decisions for your future.
Note: The information provided in this blog post is intended for guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
For personalized advice, consult with immigration professionals who can assess your unique circumstances and provide tailored recommendations based on current immigration regulations and policies.
