No, international students do not automatically have to leave Canada after graduation. However, they must take specific steps to maintain legal status in the country. Here are the key options:
The PGWP allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to work in the country for up to 3 years, depending on the length of their program.
This work permit is an excellent opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which is crucial for PR applications through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
If a student cannot secure PR during their PGWP period, they may need to explore other options or leave Canada when the permit expires.
If a student cannot obtain PR before their PGWP expires, they can apply to extend their stay in Canada under a different status, such as a visitor visa or a study permit (if they enroll in another program).
Alternatively, they can apply for a work permit if they secure a job offer from an employer willing to support their application (e.g., through the LMIA process).
Many international students transition to PR through programs like:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which often have streams specifically for international graduates.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) for students studying in Quebec.
If a student meets the eligibility criteria for any of these programs, they can apply for PR without having to leave Canada.
If an international student is unable to secure PR through any of the available pathways, they may eventually have to leave Canada. However, this is not an immediate requirement, and there are steps they can take to extend their stay:
Some students may qualify for other immigration programs, such as:
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Agri-Food Pilot.
These programs have specific requirements but may offer alternative routes to PR.
If a student’s CRS score (for Express Entry) is too low, they can work in Canada to gain more points for factors like Canadian work experience, language proficiency, or job offers.
Enrolling in another program can allow students to extend their stay in Canada on a study permit. This also gives them more time to improve their PR eligibility.
If all options are exhausted, a student may need to return to their home country. However, they can continue to improve their profile (e.g., gain work experience, improve language scores) and reapply for PR in the future.
No, international students cannot stay in Canada indefinitely without obtaining PR. They must maintain legal status through work permits, study permits, or visitor records. Overstaying without valid status can lead to removal orders and affect future immigration applications.
To avoid having to leave Canada, international students should:
Apply for a PGWP immediately after graduation.
Gain skilled work experience in Canada, as this is a key requirement for many PR programs.
Improve Language Scores: High scores in English (IELTS/CELPIP) or French (TEF) can significantly boost CRS points.
Research PNPs: Many provinces have streams specifically for international graduates.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult an immigration consultant or lawyer to explore all available options.
Leaving Canada after spending years as a student can be emotionally challenging. However, it’s important to remember that returning home does not mean the end of the Canadian dream. Many individuals successfully reapply for PR after gaining more experience or improving their profiles.
International students in Canada do not necessarily have to go back to their home country if they cannot obtain PR immediately. By leveraging options like the PGWP, extending their status, or exploring alternative immigration pathways, they can continue their journey toward PR. However, if all options are exhausted, leaving Canada may become necessary, but it doesn’t have to be the end of their immigration story.
Sanjay Prasher is a trusted immigration consultant based in North York, Toronto, specializing in helping international students and skilled workers navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration. With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of Canada’s immigration system, Sanjay provides personalized guidance to help clients achieve their dreams of staying and thriving in Canada.
If you’re an international student or a temporary resident in Canada, you may have questions like:
What happens if I don’t get PR in Canada?
Can international students stay in Canada without PR?
How does the PGWP to PR pathway work?
What are the Canada PR requirements for students?
What are the best options for international students after graduation?
How can I extend my stay in Canada after PGWP?
Sanjay Prasher can answer these questions and more. He offers expert advice on:
Canada immigration tips for students to improve their chances of success.
Strategies to work in Canada after studies and gain valuable Canadian experience.
Navigating the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for students and skilled workers.
Maximizing your Express Entry for international students profile to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Personalized Solutions: Tailored immigration plans based on your unique situation and goals.
Expert Knowledge: Up-to-date insights on Canada’s ever-changing immigration policies.
Proven Success: A track record of helping clients successfully transition from temporary status to permanent residency.
Compassionate Support: Understanding the challenges faced by international students and immigrants, Sanjay provides clear, empathetic guidance every step of the way.
Don’t let uncertainty about your immigration status hold you back. Whether you’re exploring the PGWP to PR pathway, need help with Express Entry, or want to know your options after graduation, Sanjay Prasher is here to help.
Contact Sanjay Prasher in North York, Toronto, to schedule a expert immigration consultation and take the first step toward securing your future in Canada.
Canada is well known for its spacious countryside, cultural diversity, superior education, healthcare system and economic stability, has one of the highest immigration rates and is considered one of the most popular destinations for Immigrants.
If you and your same-sex common-law partner have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least a year, you can sponsor them. Generally, you must provide proof of this union, such as joint financial records, property, mail, or purchases. You can sponsor your same-sex partner if you have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year
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