From Student to Skilled Worker: Your Express Entry to Canada

 

Canada is a top destination for international students looking to immigrate after graduation. With world-class universities, a high standard of living, and an open immigration system, it's easy to understand why. This guide will walk through the key options international graduates have for living and working in Canada long-term.

There are several excellent reasons students consider staying in Canada after their studies:

• Canada actively encourages immigration, especially for those with Canadian education and work experience. There are multiple pathways to permanent residence designed for international graduates.
• Work opportunities are plentiful, particularly in major cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Canada needs immigrants to meet labour market needs and fill skills shortages.
• Canadian experience helps graduates qualify for permanent immigration programs like Express Entry. International students can gain this experience during and after their studies.
• The lifestyle is welcoming and inclusive. Canada has multicultural cities, stunning landscapes, and high standards of living and public services. It's an appealing place to launch a career and settle long term.
• Graduates may already have established professional networks, friends or family in Canada during their studies. Remaining in Canada allows them to maintain these connections.
• There are options for spouses and children to accompany the graduate and also gain permanent status in Canada. This makes immigration more seamless.

For these reasons, Canada is rated one of the best countries for studying and immigration. The next sections will explore the options.

Study Permit

To study in Canada as an international student, you will need a study permit. This permit allows you to pursue an education at a designated learning institution (DLI) while temporarily living in Canada. There are a few key things to know about study permits:

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a study permit, you must:

• Have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada. This can be a school, college, university or other approved institution.
• Prove you have enough money to support yourself and cover tuition fees while studying in Canada. This is usually done by showing ~$10,000 CAD for each year of your program. The financial stipulation for study permit applicants has remained stagnant since the early 2000s, established at $10,000 for a sole applicant. Unfortunately, this fixed requirement has failed to mirror the evolving cost of living, leaving students who arrive in Canada to discover their financial reserves are insufficient. Commencing from January 1, 2024, a notable adjustment comes into effect. Single applicants are now obligated to demonstrate financial capability by presenting $20,635, equivalent to 75% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), in addition to covering their initial year of tuition and travel expenses. This modification will be applicable to fresh study permit applications submitted on or after the specified date in 2024, signifying a pivotal shift to ensure aspiring students are adequately equipped for the financial obligations associated with life in Canada.
• Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and pass a medical exam.
• Convince visa officers you will leave Canada at the end of your program. This means showing strong family, job or community ties in your home country.

How to Apply

You can apply for a study permit online or by paper before traveling to Canada. The application requires documents like:

• Proof of acceptance from your DLI
• Recent education transcripts and diplomas
• Valid passport
• Proof of financial support
• Any other supplementary forms

Processing times range from 2-3 months so apply well in advance of your program start date.

Rights and Restrictions

A study permit allows you to:

• Pursue full-time studies at a designated learning institution
• Work part-time on campus without a work permit
• Work off campus up to 20 hours during the academic session with a work permit

However, study permit holders cannot:

• Work full-time while enrolled without authorization
• Pursue studies part-time in most cases
• Work in jobs unrelated to their field of study

So in summary, a study permit gives international students temporary resident status in Canada for pursuing an education while respecting certain conditions.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

One potential pathway for international students in Canada after graduation is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience after finishing their studies.

To be eligible for a PGWP, international students must:

• Have continuously studied full-time in Canada for at least 8 months at a designated learning institution
• Have completed a program that awards a degree, diploma, or certificate
• Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of completing their program

PGWP holders can work for any employer in Canada, change employers freely, and work in any type of job. The PGWP is typically valid for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of 3 years. For example, if an international student completes a 4-year bachelor's degree program, they would be eligible for a 3-year PGWP.

There are many benefits to obtaining a PGWP for international students:

• Gain Canadian work experience that can help qualify for permanent residence
• Improve language skills and cultural understanding by immersing in the Canadian workplace
• Establish professional connections and network in their field
• Earn income to support themselves and pay back student loans
• Position themselves competitively if they choose to apply for permanent immigration pathways later

The PGWP gives graduates time to explore employment opportunities across Canada. With an open work permit, they can develop their career before deciding where to permanently settle down. It's an invaluable opportunity to gain skills, achieve professional goals, and transition smoothly from student to worker within Canada.

Finding a Job in Canada

International students have excellent opportunities to find meaningful work in Canada after graduation. There are certain industries that actively recruit and hire international students due to their education, skills, and familiarity with Canadian work culture.

Some top industries hiring international students in Canada include:

• Information technology - There is high demand for software developers, computer programmers, systems analysts, and other IT roles across Canada. Major technology hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Waterloo have a strong appetite for tech talent.
• Engineering - Engineering graduates are sought after in Canada, especially in fields like computer, software, civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and petroleum engineering across various industries.
• Accounting and finance - International accounting and finance graduates qualified as CPAs are welcomed into public accounting firms, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.
• Healthcare - There is continuous demand for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in Canada due to retiring baby boomers. Clinical hospital roles, long-term care, and home care are options.
• Teaching - Public and private schools actively recruit teachers for math, sciences, technology, ESL and French. Early childhood educators are also needed for daycares and preschools.

To find work in Canada, international students should begin their job search well before graduation. Strategies include:

• Seeking on-campus career support - Most schools offer resume reviews, mock interviews, career fairs and access to job postings.
• Networking - Connecting with professionals in your industry can uncover unposted opportunities. Attend industry events and connect with alumni working in Canada.
• Applying directly to employers - Identify companies you want to work for and check their career sites regularly. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application.
• Leveraging online job boards - Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, Glassdoor and newcomer-focused boards list openings from various employers.
• Getting help from recruiters - Many companies hire via professional recruitment agencies who can match you to suitable roles.
• Looking for internships and co-ops - These programs allow you to gain Canadian work experience during your studies.

International students can legally work part-time during studies and full-time during breaks. You can begin working full-time after graduation while awaiting your post-graduation work permit approval. Take advantage of this flexible work authorization to develop your professional network and land a great job in Canada.

Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s application management system for many of the country’s economic immigration programs. The system manages applications for three of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs - Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry aims to simplify the immigration process and shorten overall processing times for skilled foreign workers looking to gain permanent residency in Canada. Candidates who meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs create an online Express Entry profile and become part of a pool of candidates. The highest-ranked candidates in the pool are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence on a regular basis throughout the year. Express Entry draws typically happen every 2 weeks.

Creating an Express Entry Profile

In order to be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must meet the minimum criteria for one of the three federal immigration programs managed by Express Entry. Some key requirements include:

• Skilled work experience: At least 1 year of full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the last 10 years.
• Language ability: Get a score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher on approved language tests in English and/or French.
• Education: A Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment showing equal Canadian education.
• Sufficient funds to support you and your family after you move to Canada.

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements can create an online Express Entry profile which includes details about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other relevant factors.

Minimum Criteria for Express Entry

To be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the minimum entry criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program:

• 1 year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B).
• CLB level 7 or higher on approved language tests.
• Have an education credential of high school diploma or higher.
• Undergo and pass security background checks.
• Meet job offer requirements (if applicable).

Federal Skilled Trades Program:

• Have 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
• Meet job offer requirements (if applicable).
• CLB level 5 or higher on approved language tests.
• Have a certificate of qualification for your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

Canadian Experience Class:

• Have 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada.
• CLB level 7 or higher on approved language tests.
• Meet job offer requirements (if applicable).

By meeting the minimum entry criteria for any one of these federal economic programs, candidates can enter the Express Entry pool. Those with the highest rankings will receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Each province has its own unique PNP streams tailored to attracting certain workers and immigrants to meet local labor market needs.

PNPs can be a great pathway for international students looking to live and work in Canada after graduating. The key benefits of PNPs for students include:

• You may receive priority processing if you graduate from a Canadian university or college. Many PNPs have streams specifically for international student graduates or candidates with a job offer in the province.
• You do not need a job offer to be eligible for some PNP streams, such as the Express Entry-linked streams. You can gain additional points toward Express Entry this way.
• PNPs help you gain permanent residence more quickly compared to other immigration programs. Processing times are often faster.
• Each province has quotas for nominating immigrants through their PNP. So there are more opportunities available through PNPs compared to programs like Express Entry which are limited.

The main PNP streams that international students should consider are:

Express Entry-linked PNP streams - These allow you to gain additional points toward your Express Entry ranking if a province nominates you. Your profile will rank higher and you can get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence faster.

International Graduate PNP streams - These are for graduates of Canadian schools. You usually need a job offer in the nominating province but some do not require this. You'll need to apply within a set period after graduating.

Skilled Worker streams - You must have work experience in an in-demand occupation, though some PNPs allow international student work to count toward this. Language ability and other factors are also assessed.

Entrepreneur/self-employed streams - For those wanting to start a business or be self-employed in the province. Requirements vary but investment funds, a business plan, job creation and local experience are often needed.

Check each province's PNP website to determine which streams are best suited for you based on your education, work experience, language ability, connections to the province, and other eligibility criteria.

Becoming a Permanent Resident

After studying and working in Canada for a period of time, many international students choose to pursue permanent resident (PR) status in Canada to continue living and working there long-term. There are several pathways that students can take to become permanent residents after graduation.

One option is to apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class program if you have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada. This program is designed specifically for qualifying international student graduates and workers with Canadian work experience and skills. To be eligible, you must meet work experience requirements, pass language testing, and undergo background checks. If approved, you can become a permanent resident through this program.

Another pathway is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Most provinces and territories in Canada have PNPs that nominate applicants for PR based on labor market needs in that province. As a graduate with Canadian work experience and skills, you may qualify for certain PNP streams designed for international student graduates. PNP programs facilitate the transition from temporary to permanent status in Canada.

You can also apply directly for permanent residence in the Federal Skilled Worker Class if you meet eligibility criteria in terms of skilled work experience, education, language ability and other requirements. This option does not require a job offer to apply. You are scored based on a points-based system called Express Entry. The higher your points, the better your chance of qualifying.

Gaining permanent resident status offers many long-term benefits. As a PR, you have the right to live, work and study anywhere in Canada. You can apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years as a permanent resident. PR status also allows you to sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada. Overall, PR provides security, opportunities and a pathway to citizenship for international student graduates who want to permanently establish themselves in Canada.

The Role of Immigration Consultants

Immigration consultants play an important role in helping international students transition from their studies to working and living permanently in Canada. Consultants can provide valuable guidance and support with navigating the often complex immigration process.

Hiring an authorized immigration consultant can streamline your applications and increase your chances of success. Consultants stay up-to-date on the latest immigration programs, rules and trends. They can ensure your application accurately reflects your situation and meets eligibility requirements. Consultants are also familiar with how to best present your credentials, education, work experience and language skills to maximize your ranking under Express Entry.

An experienced consultant offers complete start-to-finish support, from assessing your options, to preparing your application, to corresponding with immigration authorities on your behalf. They can save you time and hassle dealing with paperwork, while avoiding mistakes that could negatively impact your application.

However, it's important to be wary of immigration fraud. Only authorized consultants who are members of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) can legally charge fees for immigration services in Canada.

Warning signs of an unauthorized consultant include:

• Guaranteeing visa approval or a specific outcome
• Charging fees upfront before submitting an application
• Providing inaccurate or exaggerated claims
• Pressuring you to provide false documentation
• Communicating through personal emails instead of official business channels

To verify a consultant's credentials, check that they are an ICCRC member in good standing. Authorized consultants must follow a strict code of conduct and will be transparent in all dealings with you. Meeting with multiple consultants before deciding on who to hire can help you assess their reputation, experience and understanding of the immigration process.

Choosing an authorized immigration consultant will ensure you receive high-quality guidance and representation. This can make a major difference in successfully transitioning from study to work and permanent residence in Canada.

Key Destinations for Students in Canada

Canada is home to some of the best cities in the world for international students. The major destinations provide excellent education opportunities, a range of job prospects, and a high quality of life. Here's an overview of some of the top student cities in Canada:

Toronto

As Canada's largest city, Toronto has a vibrant multicultural community and is a hub for finance, technology, arts and culture. Toronto has numerous universities and colleges located across the city and surrounding regions. Jobs are plentiful, particularly in business services, IT, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Housing is expensive but neighborhoods like Liberty Village, The Annex, and Parkdale offer more affordable options for students. Transit is reliable and makes getting around the massive metro area fairly easy.

Montreal

Montreal is a beautiful cosmopolitan city with a European flair and lively arts scene. McGill University and Concordia University attract students from around the world. The tech sector is growing rapidly in Montreal and jobs abound in IT, gaming, visual effects, and aerospace. Rent is very affordable compared to other large Canadian cities. Getting around via transit, walking, or biking is easy. The city offers tons of festivals, concerts, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Vancouver

Situated along Canada's scenic West Coast with views of ocean and mountains, Vancouver boasts top-ranked schools like the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Jobs are concentrated in sectors like technology, renewable energy, forestry, tourism, and the film industry. Housing costs are very high in central Vancouver but more affordable options exist in Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey. Transit includes the Skytrain system and an extensive bus network. Outdoor recreation like skiing, hiking and water sports are easily accessible from the city.

Calgary

Calgary is situated in oil and gas country but also has strong representation in financial services, technology, and healthcare. The city is home to the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and SAIT Polytechnic. Living costs are lower compared to Toronto or Vancouver. Calgary has an extensive system of bike paths and walking trails that connect many parts of the city. Banff National Park is located just 1.5 hours outside the city. Calgary gets more sunshine than anywhere else in Canada.

Waterloo

Home to the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo is a smaller city but an emerging tech hub sometimes referred to as "Silicon Valley North". Many technology companies are based in the Waterloo region. Cost of living is affordable for students. Getting around is easy by bus, or via the city's network of cycling lanes and trails. There is a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene in uptown Waterloo.

Conclusion: Recapping Immigration Pathways for International Students

International students have a variety of options to stay and work in Canada after graduating. This article has covered the key immigration pathways available:

• Study Permit: Allows you to study at a Canadian educational institution full-time. Can include off-campus work authorization.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Allows you to live and work in Canada for up to 3 years after you graduate. Duration depends on length of study program.
• Express Entry: Canada's main system for immigrating permanently as a skilled worker. Having a PGWP helps improve your points score.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Allow provinces to nominate immigrants based on local labor market needs. Can provide a fast-track option for permanent residence.
• Canadian Experience Class: A Federal skilled worker program where previous Canadian work experience boosts your eligibility. PGWP helps qualify.

Next Steps for Prospective Students

If you are an international student considering Canada, be strategic and plan ahead. Research your options for staying after graduation early on. Obtaining a PGWP can open doors to permanent immigration. Seek support from your school and consider hiring an immigration consultant. With the right preparation, you can chart a path to building a new life in Canada long-term.

The Canadian immigration system recognizes the benefits of retaining international talent. Each year, tens of thousands of students successfully transition from temporary to permanent status. With a bit of planning, you can join the many students who have made Canada their permanent home.