Did you know that, following the introduction of the study permit cap in early 2024, Canada's study permit approval rate for applications processed between January and October 2024 was around 50%? This reflects the impact of recent policy changes aimed at managing the growth of the international student programme. Despite these shifts, Canada remains a prime destination, with thousands of international students continuing to apply for permanent residency (PR) every year after completing their studies. If you're considering studying in Canada, you've probably wondered, "Can I apply for PR in Canada while studying?
This guide covers everything you need, including student visa and PR Canada options, as well as eligibility, pathways, and practical steps. Let's clear up the confusion and help you plan your path to permanent residency the right way.
What Is PR (Permanent Residency) in Canada?
PR in Canada gives you the right to live, work, and settle permanently in the country. It's the status many international students aim for, as it opens the door to a secure future, beyond the restrictions of temporary visas like student or work permits.
Benefits of PR in Canada include:- Freedom to live and work in any Canadian province
- Access to healthcare and social benefits
- Opportunity to sponsor family members to join you
- Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship later
- Better job prospects without employer-specific restrictions
Permanent residency while studying in Canada is a goal worth understanding early, especially if you want to build a long-term life in Canada. Planning early for PR in Canada gives international students a strong advantage when making education and career decisions.
Can International Students Apply for PR in Canada While Studying?
A common question we hear is: Can students apply for PR in Canada before finishing their studies? You can submit a PR application as a student legally, but practically, most students apply after gaining work experience post-graduation. Let's break down when applying during your studies might work, and when it's better to wait.
- You can apply while studying, but approval is rare without Canadian work experience.
- Most PR pathways require you to finish your course first.
- Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) like Ontario and Manitoba allow master's and PhD students to apply without work experience.
- Undergraduate students usually need to wait until after graduation.
It's uncommon to qualify during your first year. PR pathways like Express Entry and PNP reward graduates who gain Canadian work experience.
PR Eligibility for International Students in Canada
Understanding PR eligibility is crucial for international students. You don't want to waste time applying before meeting the basic requirements.
PR Eligibility Checklist for Students
- Full-time enrolment in a recognised institution
- Graduation from a Canadian college or university
- Valid study permit with no legal violations
- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) minimum scores
- Proof of funds, where applicable
- Work experience, usually a full-time post-graduation
- Clean immigration history and good health
Remember, meeting eligibility criteria allows you to apply, but doesn't guarantee approval. Each programme assesses candidates based on points, demand, and personal circumstances.
Best Pathways for Students for PR in Canada
Your study for the PR pathway in Canada depends on your qualifications and future goals. Here's a breakdown of the main options:
|
PR Pathway
|
Best For
|
Pros
|
Cons
|
|
Express Entry (CEC)
|
Graduates with Canadian work experience
|
Faster processing (around 6 months), no provincial restrictions
|
Requires at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience
|
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
|
Individuals with ties to a specific province (students, workers, family ties, job offers)
|
Lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-offs, targeted provincial pathways
|
Limited mobility; must live and work in the nominating province initially
|
|
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
|
Highly skilled individuals with foreign or Canadian experience
|
No Canadian work experience needed, wider eligibility
|
Higher CRS cut-offs, more competitive pool
|
|
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
|
French-speaking students and workers in Quebec
|
Streamlined process for eligible graduates and workers; Quebec selection (CSQ) processed typically within 6 months
|
French language required; some streams need work experience after graduation
|
Important Note for PEQ: The Quebec Graduate stream of the PEQ has been subject to temporary suspensions (until November 30, 2025). Prospective applicants must verify the latest status and eligibility requirements directly on the official Quebec immigration website (Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration - MIFI), as rules and availability can change.
Many students in Ontario use OINP (Ontario PNP) after studying, while those in British Columbia often transition through BC PNP, particularly in high-demand fields. Choosing the right PR options in Canada for students means knowing where you want to live and building eligibility based on your province's rules.
PR Points: What Counts While You're Still a Student?
PR in Canada uses a point-based system, especially under Express Entry. While studying, you can already start accumulating points that count later.
What adds to your PR score
|
Factor
|
CRS Points (Range)
|
Notes
|
|
Canadian educational qualifications
|
15–30
|
Higher education levels (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) earn more points; Canadian credentials add bonus points
|
|
Strong language test scores
|
Up to 136
|
Strong English and/or French test scores can contribute the highest individual factor points
|
|
Age (20–29 years)
|
Up to 110
|
Maximum points awarded to applicants aged 20–29; points decrease as age increases
|
|
Adaptability (family, partner’s skills)
|
Up to 35
|
Factors like your spouse’s skills or family in Canada help increase your chances of success
|
|
Full-time internships/co-op work
|
Varies
|
Only paid, skilled work outside of study programmes counts toward CRS; most student internships do not
|
Tip: Prepare for English or French language tests while studying, and focus on securing internships or co-ops that can lead to full-time roles.
Note that completing your studies in Canada also gives you additional bonus points, making it easier to qualify through options like Express Entry or provincial nomination streams. Need help choosing the right course for your study to be eligible for PR in Canada? Speak to experts at AECC Sri Lanka. From course counselling and visa application support to scholarship guidance and post-study work advice, we assist you every step of the way.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and PR
One of the most direct pathways to PR in Canada for international students is via the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) route. This permit allows you to work full-time after graduation, a crucial step for most PR programmes.
PGWP basics
- Duration depends on your course length, up to 3 years
- Helps build the required Canadian work experience for Express Entry or PNP
- Simplifies the transition from a student visa to PR Canada
Example timeline:
- Year 1–2: Study
- Years 3–5: PGWP work
- Years 4–5: Apply for PR via CEC or PNP
PGWP to PR in Canada is the most common and practical route, providing students with a clear post-study work and settlement pathway.
Provinces that favour International Graduates
Some provinces make it easier for graduates to transition to PR in Canada through PNP streams focused on retaining international students.
Province-specific highlights
- Ontario: OINP International Graduate Stream (no job offer needed for master's grads)
- British Columbia: BC PNP Tech prioritises tech sector graduates
- Alberta: AAIP offers pathways for recent graduates with job offers
- Manitoba: Prioritises international graduates with jobs in in-demand occupations
- Nova Scotia: Offers a dedicated International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
- Saskatchewan: SINP favours graduates who work in the province post-study
- Quebec: PEQ allows PR within 6 months after graduation if you meet French requirements
Always check your chosen province's "in-demand occupation" list before planning your PR route. Provinces with student-focused pathways offer great PR in Canada options for international students wanting to stay in their study location.
Benefits of Applying Early vs After Graduation
Some students apply for PR in Canada before graduating, but for most, waiting has advantages.
|
Applying Early
|
Applying After Graduation
|
|
Possible via certain PNPs
|
Higher CRS score after gaining work experience
|
|
Faster PR if eligible
|
More pathway choices, stronger profile
|
|
Risk of rejection if points are low
|
Greater stability before application
|
Master's students in Ontario can apply early via OINP, but diploma holders usually benefit from working first. Applying for PR after graduation gives students stronger eligibility and flexibility while planning their settlement in Canada.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the PR in Canada Process
Many international students aiming for PR in Canada often make avoidable mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections. Knowing where students usually go wrong can help you avoid the pitfalls, which is key to a smoother PR process. Here's what to watch out for:
- Applying too soon without sufficient points
- Neglecting to maintain a valid immigration status
- Skipping language test preparation
- Not researching province-specific pathways
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Choosing the wrong TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) category for work experience (previously NOC code)
Always consult certified advisors before submitting your application. By understanding these common errors, you'll have a clearer, more confident approach to your study-to-PR pathway in Canada, reducing the risk of setbacks.
Studying in Canada offers excellent opportunities for PR in Canada, especially if you plan ahead. By preparing early during your course, improving language scores, gaining relevant work experience, and exploring provincial pathways, international students can make their study-to-PR pathway in Canada much smoother and more achievable.
Ready to create your personalised PR pathway? Speak to our experts at AECC Sri Lanka today, and we will help you build the best plan for permanent residency in Canada. Book a free consultation today.
Apply for PR in Canada FAQs
Can I apply for permanent residency while studying in Canada on a student visa?
Yes, you can apply for PR in Canada while studying, but approval is uncommon without work experience. Permanent residency while studying in Canada is usually possible only through specific PNP streams. Most international students apply after graduation, following the standard study to PR pathway Canada options.
Which PR pathway is best suited for international students in Canada?
The Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry for students is the most popular option. PR in Canada for international students also includes Provincial Nominee Programmes, which offer easier routes for graduates with job offers, especially in high-demand fields or certain provinces looking to retain international graduates.
Does part-time work during studies count toward PR eligibility?
Part-time work doesn't count toward PR in Canada for international students under Express Entry. However, co-op placements and internships do help build experience. Focusing on these during your course strengthens your student visa to PR Canada plan by increasing employability and future PR eligibility after graduation.
When is the best time to apply for PR as a student in Canada?
For most students, the best time to apply for PR in Canada is after graduation while holding a PGWP. This allows international students to earn Canadian work experience, boosting their points and eligibility under pathways like Express Entry for students and provincial nomination programs.
Can I apply for PR without completing my course in Canada?
In most cases, you must complete your course before applying for PR in Canada. Permanent residency while studying in Canada is mainly limited to postgraduates in select provinces. Completing your programme improves your PR options in Canada for students by boosting eligibility and overall application success.
Liked what you read? Spread the word
Anuj Gupta, with a decade of experience in higher education, has guided countless students to study in Canada. Known for his detailed knowledge of Canadian education and visa processes, Anuj's mentorship has led many to success. Outside work, he's a football player and scuba diver, adding a personal touch to his expertise.
