International students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. degrees in Canada received a significant boost in their immigration prospects with the recent update to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This blog post explores how this change, along with other existing pathways, makes Canada an even more attractive destination for ambitious students seeking permanent residence (PR).
Extended PGWPs Offer Valuable Work Experience
Effective February 15, 2024, all master’s graduates from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) – universities and colleges authorized to accept international students – are now eligible for a three-year PGWP, regardless of the program length. Previously, the PGWP validity directly mirrored the program duration. This extension provides graduates with crucial time to gain valuable Canadian work experience, a major asset for pursuing PR through various immigration pathways.
Canadian Experience Boosts Express Entry Applications
Canada’s Express Entry system prioritizes candidates with a strong Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Work experience in Canada plays a significant role in boosting this score. For instance, under the Core/Human Capital Factors section of Express Entry, candidates with pre-application Canadian work experience can gain a minimum of 80 additional CRS points (this value may vary depending on circumstances like having a spouse). The extended PGWP allows graduates to accumulate this valuable experience, strengthening their Express Entry profiles.
Higher Education Rewarded by Express Entry
Beyond the benefits of work experience, Express Entry inherently rewards higher education. Master’s and Ph.D. graduates receive the highest CRS points under the “level of education” category – 126-135 points for master’s and 140-150 points for Ph.D. (depending on marital status). These high points significantly increase a candidate’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Provincial Nominee Programs: Another Route to PR
Obtaining a master’s or Ph.D. in Canada also opens doors to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) operated by 11 out of 13 Canadian provinces and territories (excluding Quebec and Nunavut). Popular destinations like Ontario and British Columbia offer dedicated streams specifically for graduates of these programs. Examples include Ontario’s Masters Graduate and Ph.D. Graduate Streams, and British Columbia’s International Post-Graduate Category. These PNP streams provide alternative pathways to PR with their own eligibility criteria and application processes.
Statistics Highlight the Growing Demand for Skilled Immigrants
Canada’s immigration strategy is driven by the need for skilled workers. In 2023, over 430,000 new permanent residents were welcomed, and this number is expected to rise in 2024. Master’s and Ph.D. graduates with Canadian degrees are well-positioned to meet this demand and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
A Welcoming Environment for Aspiring Professionals
The recent PGWP policy update, combined with Canada’s existing immigration pathways, creates a supportive environment for international students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degrees. With the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, benefit from an education-focused points system, and explore PNP options, Canada offers a clear path towards permanent residency for ambitious students seeking a successful future.
Ontario: Ontario Masters Graduate Stream and Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream
British Columbia: International Post-Graduate Category
Manitoba: Graduate Internship Pathway
More information on Canada’s PNPs can be found here.
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