A Must-Read for International Students in Canada: How to Obtain Permanent Residency (PR) After Getting a Study Permit

Canada, as a popular study-abroad destination, attracts countless international students with its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and relatively lenient immigration policies. For many international students, Canada is not only an ideal place for higher education but also an excellent choice for achieving personal growth and immigration dreams.

This article provides a detailed analysis of the entire process from a student visa to permanent residency (PR), helping you better plan your study-abroad and immigration journey.

Application and Preparation for Student Visa

The journey to studying abroad in Canada starts with applying for a student visa. Successfully obtaining a student visa is the first step for every international student to realize their study-abroad dream, so thorough preparation is crucial.

Application Steps and Required Documents

Online Application for Student Visa: Submit your student visa application online through the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You need to fill out the application form (e.g., form IMM1294) and pay the application fee. Relevant personal documents and proof must also be provided when submitting your application.

Required Document List:

Valid Passport: The applicant must have a passport that covers the entire period of study.

Letter of Acceptance: Proof of admission from a recognized Canadian institution.

Proof of Funds: Proof that you have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, usually by providing a bank statement.

Medical Exam and Police Certificate: Sometimes, a health examination report and a police clearance certificate are required to ensure compliance with Canada’s health and safety standards.

Tips to Improve Student Visa Approval Rate

Complete and Accurate Application Materials: All application materials must be authentic and complete. Any omission or false information can affect visa approval. Ensure that all documents are fully prepared to avoid mistakes.

Reasonable Study Plan: Attach a reasonable and detailed study plan, including your purpose of studying and future career development plans. This can enhance the visa officer’s confidence in your application and demonstrate your commitment to studying.

Clear Source of Funds: Ensure you provide a detailed proof of the source of funds so that the Canadian government believes you have sufficient financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses. This can be done through bank statements or scholarship certificates.

BiyaPay: A Good Helper for Cross-Border Payments for Studying Abroad

Cross-border remittance is often an important aspect that international students face during their studies in Canada. Whether it is applying for a student visa, paying for health examination fees, or paying tuition and daily living expenses, a secure and convenient payment tool can greatly simplify the process. BiyaPay provides such a solution.

With BiyaPay, you can access local transfer services in most parts of the world, with fees as low as 0.5%, and funds are credited on the same day, making it especially suitable for students needing urgent payments. For users of digital currencies, BiyaPay also supports real-time exchanges to mainstream fiat currencies like USD and GBP, making cross-border remittances and fund management more convenient and secure.

How to Extend or Change Your Study Permit to Ensure Legal Status

Extending a Study Permit

If your study plan has been extended, for example, if you need more time to complete your course, you must apply for an extension of your study permit in time. Apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires to avoid the risk of staying illegally due to an expired permit. The extension application can be completed online, and required documents include: a valid passport, proof of enrollment (e.g., a letter from your school), study plan, and proof of funds.

Changing a Study Permit to Another Type of Visa

During your studies or before graduation, you may consider switching to another type of visa, such as changing your study permit to a work permit. If you obtain an internship opportunity during your studies, you can apply for a Co-op Work Permit, allowing you to participate in paid or unpaid internships as part of your academic program, thereby gaining more practical experience.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

After completing their studies in Canada, most international students apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain work experience in Canada and prepare for future immigration.

Application Requirements and Process

Eligible Institutions: To apply for a PGWP, you must graduate from a recognized Canadian higher education institution on the list of eligible institutions. The completed program must be a full-time course of at least eight months.

Application Time Limit: You need to apply for a PGWP within 180 days of graduation. Ensure that your study permit is still valid during this period, or you have applied for a visitor visa to maintain your legal status in Canada.

Required Documents: Graduation proof documents, including a degree certificate, official transcript, or a graduation confirmation letter from the school, and a valid passport covering the duration of the desired work permit.

How to Use a Work Permit to Pave the Way for Future Immigration

Gaining Canadian Work Experience

After obtaining a PGWP, you can legally work in Canada and gain valuable work experience. This experience is highly valuable when applying for permanent residency, especially through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.

Increasing Immigration Scores

Canada’s immigration system uses a points-based system where factors like work experience, education level, and language skills affect your overall score. Full-time work experience accumulated through a PGWP can significantly boost your immigration score, making you more competitive when applying for permanent residency.

Choosing the Right Employer

Finding an employer who supports immigration can provide more convenience for your immigration application. Some employers can provide you with a job offer, which can help you maintain your work status in Canada and add extra points to your immigration application.

Through obtaining a PGWP and gaining work experience, international students can effectively pave the way for future immigration, thus better transitioning from a student to a permanent resident.

Pathways from Work Permit to Permanent Residency (PR)

After graduation, many international students aim to convert their work permits into permanent residency in Canada. Here are some main immigration pathways, including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), to help you choose the most suitable route for transitioning from a work permit to permanent residency.

Main Immigration Pathways

Express Entry

Express Entry is one of the main channels for immigration to Canada, suitable for applicants with Canadian work experience. It consists of three main programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Among these, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the top choice for most international students as it specifically targets applicants with Canadian work experience.

Requirements: Typically requires at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) Canadian work experience, as well as meeting the minimum language proficiency requirements (English or French).

Points System: Express Entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess applicants’ eligibility, including factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Applicants with Canadian education and work experience often have an advantage in the CRS.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each province in Canada has its own PNP to attract skilled workers and international students who meet the province’s economic needs. Through PNP, applicants can receive an additional 600 CRS points, significantly increasing the chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.

Application Process: You must first submit a nomination application to a province. If nominated, you can receive additional points through Express Entry or apply directly for permanent residency.

Suitable Candidates: PNP is particularly suitable for applicants with work or study experience in a specific province and who wish to settle there long-term.

Choosing the Right Immigration Plan to Achieve Status Transition

Improving your CRS score is key to receiving an invitation through Express Entry. Applicants can increase their score by improving language test results (e.g., IELTS or TEF), gaining more Canadian work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination. The entire process, from applying for a PGWP to finally submitting an immigration application, requires careful planning. Make sure to accumulate enough work experience within the validity period of your work permit and submit your immigration application at the right time to ensure a smooth transition of status.

Through these pathways, international students can efficiently move from a work permit to permanent residency, achieving the dream of studying and settling in Canada.

With reasonable planning, full use of various policy supports, and immigration pathways, international students can achieve their academic and career aspirations in Canada, ultimately gaining opportunities for long-term development. Whether for career advancement, entrepreneurship, family reunification, or social integration, Canada provides international students with a broad platform.