How to Convert a Study Permit to PR in Canada?

Posted by Sneha chawla on July 29th, 2023

Canada provides numerous advantages to permanent residents, making it an attractive choice for many students who have completed their undergraduate or graduate programs. Opting to remain in Canada after their studies, these students seize the opportunity to acquire valuable work experience within the Canadian job market. This decision ultimately facilitates their pathway to applying for Canadian permanent residency.

However, many immigration programs require you to meet eligibility for Canada PR like a certain amount of skilled work experience, which may be a disadvantage for students. But the good news is that Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is one of the best and fastest ways to work for any employer, anywhere, and gain work experience in Canada and then, apply for Canada PR. If you still do not meet the eligibility criteria for PGWP, there are other ways to get PR after study.

Let’s look at them.

What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

International students who have finished their courses/programs from a Designated Learning Institution can apply for an open work permit and gain work experience in Canada by applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This permit says that foreign students can work with any eligible employer anywhere they like. 

How long is PGWP valid? 

The Post-Graduation Work Permit is valid for 8 months to 3 years, opening up more and more job prospects for Canadian work experience.

What are the eligibility criteria for PGWP?

It is essential to meet the eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if you wish to get one step closer to getting permanent residence. The requirements are as follows - 

• Be of at least 18 years of age.

• Have been enrolled as a full-time student continuously.

• Completed a study program that lasted for at least 8 months.

• Possess an official school document verifying the completion of your study program.

• Submit your application within a maximum of 180 days after officially finishing your program.

• Have graduated from a school program that qualifies for a PGWP.

Pathways to Apply for a Canada PR as an International Student

If not you are not eligible for PGWP for some reason, the Canadian government has other immigration programs for international students. Each program runs differently and has varied eligibility requirements beyond finishing Canadian studies. 

Here are the immigration ways that will help convert your study permit to Canada PR - 

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

One of the three streams under Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class uses Comprehensive Ranking System to rank candidates against each other. Those with higher CRS scores are sent an Invitation to Apply for Canada PR. However, you must meet the eligibility for Canada PR under CEC to become a permanent resident, which includes at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience. 

Remember that the part-time work experience you gained at the time of your studies will not be counted under the Canadian Experience Class program. Therefore, once you complete your education in Canada, apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit, gain the required work experience, and apply for the CEC program under Express Entry.  

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Apply for provincial nomination as it is one of the best ways for international students to get Canada PR in a particular province or territory. Each province has its own set of eligibility criteria, and a student must qualify for them to settle there. Also, if a student has a prior connection to a specific province (study/work) might have a higher chance of obtaining a PNP nomination. 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

The FSW program is one of the streams under the Express Entry system and needs international students to have prior work experience. To know your eligibility, check your score through a CRS Score Calculator as the Federal Skilled Worker Program ranks students based on their CRS score and if they meet the minimum requirements, invite them to apply for Canada PR after their studies.

• Quebec Immigration

Last but not least there is Quebec province that invites students to settle, but one has to meet its unique eligibility criteria. They are specifically designed to aid international students apply for permanent residence in Canada. Under Quebec immigration, there are two sub-categories - 

• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

PEQ is for those students who have completed their studies at a Quebec university/college or are about to complete in the next 6 months. To qualify, you need advanced French language skills to get Canada PR.

• Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

Similar to the Quebec Experience Program, students have to meet the Quebec Skilled Worker eligibility requirements, including competition or about to complete their studies at an educational institution in Quebec. French proficiency is not mandatory in QSW. However, international students must score and meet the needs of this program.

Grab your chance to settle in Canada after completing your studies in the country by applying for PR in one of the above-mentioned pathways. Live and work in your choice of province and earn handsome salaries. Enjoy the beauty, quality of life, free healthcare, and other benefits that come with being a permanent resident. Nationwide Visas is one of the best immigration consultants to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals of settling in Canada permanently. Contact today!