A brand new opportunity has surfaced, which could make it simpler for international students who have graduated to acquire permanent residence in Canada. This alternative will be available from May 6 through November 5, 2021, or until 40,000 applications are received, whichever happens first.
Outlined below are the primary requirements for this program. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available ahead of the program’s opening on May 6, 2021.
The Latest International Student Regulations: Who Qualifies?
Canada has established a new pathway that allows international students to get permanent residence (PR) more easily, especially for those who have graduated. The following are the criteria for this pathway:
- You must be in Canada when you apply and until you are approved for PR.
- You must have lawful temporary status in Canada or be eligible to restore your status.
- You must have graduated from an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) from a qualifying program of study.
- Your Canadian studies must have been completed after January 1, 2017.
- You must be currently working in paid employment (not self-employed).
- You must have CLB 5 in all language skills on a valid test (less than 2 years old).
- You must meet all admissibility requirements.
If you meet all of the above criteria, you don’t need a valid post-graduate work permit at the time of application. Additionally, your current job doesn’t have to be a skilled occupation or related to your field of study. Unlike the Express Entry system, this pathway doesn’t use a points system. The above criteria alone allow you to apply for PR.
If you speak French and meet the criteria, there is a separate pathway that may be more predictable for you. This pathway has no numerical cap and is open until November 5, 2021. If you’re interested in this pathway, make sure to keep an eye out for more details that will be released before the new program opens on May 6, 2021.
What is a Qualifying Program of Study
To qualify for this program, you must have obtained a post-grad work permit as a result of your studies in Canada, and your credential must fall into one of the following categories:
- An Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree qualifies for this program.
- A program of any length that enables you to work in skilled trades listed by IRCC is eligible.
- A diploma or certificate program of at least 16 months’ duration, or a combination of two 8-month diplomas or certificates is accepted.
How to Apply
To apply for this program, use the IRCC online portal and make sure to create an account if you haven’t already. Submit all required documents upfront through the portal, including the following:
- Provide evidence of completing a Canadian degree or diploma and submit corresponding transcripts.
- Submit valid language test scores, such as IELTS or CELPIP.
- Obtain police clearances for all adult applicants in the submission.
- Complete upfront medical exams through a designated panel physician.
- Verify your valid Canadian status.
- Provide evidence of current employment
Permanent Residency in Canada for International Students – A Step-by-Step Approach
To ensure a successful application for permanent residence in Canada, take these immediate steps:
- If your language test results are over 2 years old, book a test with CELPIP or IELTS, the designated agencies in Canada for immigration purposes.
- Book immigration medical exams for you and your immediate family members.
- Request police certificates from all countries you have lived in for at least six months in the past 10 years, for all adults included in the application. You don’t need police certificates from Canada.
- Consult with a professional to ensure that you are on the right path to success with your application. Be proactive and take these steps to submit your application before the program reaches its capacity.
Additional Pointers for Utilizing the Pathway to Permanent Residence
International students have an exciting opportunity with the new rules in Canada. However, this chance is only available for a limited time, and the program will close as soon as the necessary number of applications have been received. To avoid disappointment, you must act fast and submit an impeccable application. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it is advisable to seek professional advice.
- In case you are unsure of your eligibility, it’s recommended to seek professional advice.
- If you are unsure about the specific documents required in your case, it’s best to consult with an expert.
- Obtaining necessary documents like police certificates might be challenging, and if you face any difficulty, it’s advisable to seek professional guidance.
- If you have family members living abroad and want to include them in your application, or you are unsure which family members can be included, consulting with an immigration expert would be beneficial.
- If you are not sure about your current status in Canada, it’s better to seek expert advice.
- If this is your only opportunity to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada and you are not eligible for other programs like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, it’s essential to make sure that you submit a flawless application, and seeking professional help can be beneficial.