Did you know that you don’t have to leave the country after your studies? You can transition from being an international student to a permanent resident in Canada!
This wonderful study abroad destination has numerous positive qualities such as diversity, multiculturalism, work opportunities, beautiful nature, and of course highly ranked universities.
But, if we think about other study abroad destinations, they technically share similar qualities. So, what makes Canada unique and a great option?
The answer is the pathway to becoming a permanent resident after graduation!
International students take this path every year and you can do it too! Below, you will find the steps, requirements, and rules to reach that goal. 😉 👇
How to Become a Permanent Resident in Canada
The best way to get a permanent residence card would be under the Express Entry, which is an immigration system that has three programs that graduates, workers with Canadian experience, or even foreign workers can apply for.
This system is the fastest and most popular route; the processing times often take six months or less to get your permanent residence card application approved!
This system has a “ranking” rule where applicants are ranked against one another based on their age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors to see who’s eligible for a permanent residence card.
The three potential programs under this Entry Express system that you can apply to are:
#1 Canadian Experience Class
This program is for anyone who has Canadian work experience and want to become a permanent resident in Canada!
International students, this is the BEST route for you:
After studying at a Canadian institution and graduating, you can get a post-graduation work permit to complete a year of work experience in Canada.
With that experience and other requirements that will be listed below, you can apply to the Canadian Experience Class program.
Requirements to Apply to the Canadian Experience Class
- Work Experience: At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada. “Skilled work” means managerial jobs, professional jobs, and technical and skilled trades. Check the official website to find out the specific jobs that you can work in!
- Language Ability: Take an approved language test, like IELTS. Check out the accepted tests here. Your language level will be evaluated depending on the job you worked. For example, if you have work experience as a restaurant manager, you need to prove that you meet the language level of CLB 7, which means scoring 6.0 in IELTS. Take a look at what language level you need to apply for CEC.
- Education: There is no education requirement for this program. However, you do get points and a better chance of being accepted if you have a Canadian degree/diploma, or even a foreign degree (you just need to prove that is valid and equal to a Canadian degree).
#2 Federal Skilled Worker Program
This program would be the ideal choice for you if you have foreign work experience and want to immigrate to Canada permanently!
Requirements to Apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Work Experience: You need at least 1 year of foreign “skilled work experience”, meaning that you’ve worked in 1 of these National Occupational Classification jobs within the last 10 years.
- Language Ability: Take an approved language test in English or French and get the minimum score needed for the “CLB”.
- Education: You need a degree/diploma from a Canadian high school or university/college. Or, If you have foreign education, you should complete something called an Educational Credential Assessment to show that your degree is valid.
- Proof of Funds: Show that you have enough money to settle in Canada; check out the amount here. (You don’t need this if you already have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada).
#3 Federal Skilled Trades Program
If you want to move to Canada and are experienced in the trade careers, such as being an electrician, chef, or other jobs that require hands-on work, this program is for you!
Requirements to Apply to the Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a “skilled trade”, which means one of these jobs, check them out under the “Skilled work experience” section.
- Job Offer: You need either a valid full-time job offer for at least 1 year or take an exam to earn a certificate of qualification.
- Language Ability: You also need to take an approved language test in English or French and get the minimum score needed for the “CLB”.
- Education: There is no education requirement for this program. However, you get a better ranking if you have a Canadian degree/diploma, or even a foreign degree (you just need to prove that is valid and equal to a Canadian degree).
- Proof of Funds: Show that you have enough money to settle in Canada; check out the amount here. (You don’t need this if you already have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada).
Which program seems the best fit for you? Let us know in the comments and share this content with your friends who want to move to Canada permanently! 😍
