5 Ways International Students Can Increase Their Chances at Permanent Residence in Canada

Completing the education degree is just a part of the journey for various international students. Their primary goal is to become a permanent resident of Canada. This requires the right planning in order to boost the chances. Below are five practical ways international students can improve their chances of PR.

1. Choose a Program with Co-op

If you are targeting permanent residence, then you must gain Canadian work experience, as it makes it easier for students to enter the job market right after graduation. If your performance went well, then your co-op employer may even offer you a full-time job.

Once you have Canadian work experience, you become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) which is considered one of the most popular as well as competitive PR pathways under Express Entry system. Each year of eligible Canadian work experience adds valuable Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.

Work done while you are a full-time student does not count for the Canadian Experience Class. That is why co-op programs are helpful. They make it easier and faster to move into a full-time job in Canada after you graduate.

2. Gain Skilled Work Experience (Even Overseas)

If you don’t have work experience yet, try to gain skilled work experience while you are studying. This foreign work experience can give you extra points in Express Entry and improve your chances of being selected.

You can gain this experience by:

• Working abroad during summer or winter breaks (if your study schedule allows).
• Working remotely in Canada for a foreign employer.
• Completing internships that are recognized as skilled experience.

These additional points can improve your overall CRS score and increase your likelihood of receiving an ITA.

3. Target In-Demand Occupations

Having work experience in occupations that are in-demand can improve your chances of PR, even with a lower Express Entry score. Canada holds category-based Express Entry draws that invite candidates with at least 6 months of experience in specific fields, such as healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, agriculture, and education.

4. Build a Strong Professional Network

Connecting with alumni and professionals in your field can help you get mentorship, job advice, referrals, and even job leads. This can make it easier to find a job in Canada after graduation. A job offer can then enhance your PR possibilities in different ways, like raising your Express Entry score or allowing you to meet the criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

5. Learn French (If You Can)

It is true that English is commonly spoken in Canada, but learning French can greatly improve your immigration chances. If you reach an intermediate level of French, you can earn up to 50 extra Express Entry points. You can also be eligible for French-language Express Entry draws which usually have less score requirements.

This can be extremely helpful if you plan to live in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, or New Brunswick, because these are strong French-speaking communities. Learning and practicing French during your studies can also make French language tests like TEF or TCF easier to pass.

Need Help Planning Your PR Pathway?

Every student’s situation is different, and choosing the right strategy early can make a big difference. To understand the best PR options based on your education, work experience, and long-term goals, speak with a licensed immigration consultant.