Pathways to Permanent residence

Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR) for International Graduates in Canada

International students who complete their studies in Canada have multiple immigration pathways to permanent residence (PR). Canada values graduates because of their education, language skills, and ability to integrate into the labour market. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the main federal programs and provincial programs tailored for graduates.

Federal Pathways

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Express Entry

• Requires at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

• Language requirement: CLB 7 (for NOC 0/1 jobs) or CLB 5 (for NOC 2/3 jobs).

• Canadian education gives you additional CRS points.

• Most popular for PGWP holders.

2. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – Express Entry

• For applicants with skilled work experience inside or outside Canada.

• Education in Canada increases CRS score.

• Must meet language, work experience, and points grid requirements (67/100 minimum).

3. Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – Express Entry

• For graduates who move into skilled trades.

• Requires 2 years of skilled trade work experience OR a job offer.

• Canadian credentials provide an advantage.

4. Pilot Programs

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): For graduates in Atlantic provinces (must study at least 2 years and have a job offer).

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): For graduates from designated colleges in smaller communities.

• Agri-Food Pilot: For graduates working in eligible agriculture/food industries.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for Graduates

Every province (except Nunavut) has special graduate streams under their PNP. These programs often require you to have studied in that province and sometimes to have a job offer.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

1. International Student Stream – for graduates with a permanent, full-time job offer in a skilled occupation.

2. Masters Graduate Stream – for graduates of eligible Ontario universities with a master’s degree (no job offer required).

3. PhD Graduate Stream – for PhD graduates from Ontario universities (no job offer required).

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

1. International Graduate Stream – requires a job offer in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 1–3).

2. International Post-Graduate Stream – for master’s or PhD graduates in natural, applied, or health sciences (no job offer required).

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

1. Alberta Opportunity Stream – for graduates with a job offer in Alberta.

2. Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – for international graduates from Alberta post-secondaries who want to start a business.

3. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – for graduates educated outside Canada but starting a business in Alberta.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

1. International Education Stream (IES):

   • Career Employment Pathway – job offer in an in-demand occupation.

   • Graduate Internship Pathway – for master’s and PhD graduates through internships.

   • International Student Entrepreneur Pilot – for graduates starting a business.

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

1. International Graduate Entrepreneur Category – for graduates starting a business in Saskatchewan.

2. Student Sub-Category – requires graduation from Saskatchewan and a job offer in the province.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

1. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – for graduates who have operated a business in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year.

2. Skilled Worker Stream – open to graduates with a job offer, including semi-skilled workers if the occupation is in demand.

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

• Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream – for graduates of at least 2-year programs in New Brunswick who have operated a business for at least 1 year.

• Skilled Worker Stream – for graduates with a valid job offer from a New Brunswick employer.

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

• International Graduate Stream – for graduates of PEI institutions who have a job offer in their field of study.

Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

1. International Graduate Category – requires a job offer from a local employer.

2. International Entrepreneur Category – for graduates who have established a business in the province.

Quebec Immigration Programs

• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ – Graduate Stream): For graduates of Quebec institutions who have knowledge of French and eligible education credentials.

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): Graduates can apply through regular selection if they meet points requirements.

Other Pathways and Pilots

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Applies to Atlantic provinces for graduates of at least 2 years (no work experience required with a valid job offer).

• RNIP (Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot): For graduates from designated communities (e.g., North Bay, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, etc.).

• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP): Graduates with a job offer in Yukon can apply through the Skilled Worker or Critical Impact Worker streams.

Common Roles of International Graduates in Immigration

• Workforce Integration: Graduates fill skill shortages in healthcare, IT, engineering, trades, and education.

• Regional Retention: Provinces design graduate-specific programs to encourage students to stay and contribute locally.

• Entrepreneurship: Many provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Atlantic Canada) have entrepreneur streams for graduates who start businesses.

• Pathway to Citizenship: PR through graduate programs is often the first step toward Canadian citizenship.

Key Tips for Graduates

• Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) immediately after finishing studies.

• Use your PGWP time to gain Canadian work experience, boosting eligibility for PR.

• Stay in the province where you studied if you plan to apply through a PNP graduate stream.

• Keep your language test results valid (they are usually valid for 2 years for PR applications).

• Explore both federal and provincial pathways early to plan your strategy.

👉 Official Resources:

• Express Entry

• Provincial Nominee Programs

• Atlantic Immigration Program

• Quebec Immigration