PERMANENT RESIDENCE (PR) FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN CANADA

The timing for applying for immigration depends on the specific program and your eligibility. Several pathways to permanent residence are available for international students. Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow graduates to apply immediately after graduation. Additionally, if you have a job offer or Canadian work experience, you may qualify for other immigration programs.

A common pathway is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Most international graduates are eligible for a PGWP, which permits them to stay and work in Canada for a specified period. Gaining one year of full-time, skilled work experience in Canada often makes candidates eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, part of the Express Entry system.

Yes, you can travel outside Canada while studying. However, note that your study permit is not a travel document; it only provides you with legal status to reside in Canada as a student.

If you are on a student visa in Canada and become pregnant, your pregnancy will not affect your ability to stay in the country. International students, like other temporary residents, cannot be denied entry or residency solely due to pregnancy.

Yes, international students can apply for Canadian permanent residency either during their studies or after graduation, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for the relevant Canadian immigration program.

A study permit authorizes you to study in Canada, while a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) permits you to enter the country. If your study permit application is approved, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue either a visa or an eTA, depending on what is required for your entry into Canada.

There are several reasons why IRCC may deny a study permit application. Financial considerations are a primary factor, but other common reasons include an insufficiently detailed study plan, limited travel history, and incomplete or missing required documents.

Scholarships are an excellent option for studying in Canada without incurring costs. These scholarships are granted to international students with strong academic records, and the amount and type of funding vary by institution. Due to intense competition, applications must be submitted directly to each university.

To work on a study permit in Canada, you must meet specific requirements:

1. Work Off-Campus:

   • Eligibility: You must be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), enrolled in a program that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
   • Hours: You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (such as summer or winter holidays).
   • Permit Conditions: Ensure that your study permit includes a condition that allows off-campus work. If it does not, you may need to apply for a work permit.

2. Work On-Campus:

   • Eligibility: You can work on-campus if you are a full-time student at a DLI, and your study permit does not prohibit on-campus work. This applies to students in any program or duration of study.
   • Hours: There is no set limit on the number of hours you can work on-campus, provided you maintain your full-time student status and adhere to the institution’s guidelines.
   • Location: Employment must be on the premises of the educational institution or at a location affiliated with the institution, such as a research facility.