IRCC Announced BIG Changes for International Students in Canada July 2024
In this article, we will discuss the recent changes affecting international students in Canada and their path to permanent residence (PR). Please read on for all the details and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more updates.
BIG Changes for International Students in Canada
This year, Canada has introduced significant changes impacting international students. These changes highlight that permanent residence (PR) is not guaranteed for international students. Canada offers many pathways to work and even settle permanently, but this is not a given. The country’s immigration priorities have a significant impact.
Why PR is Not Guaranteed for International Students
International students who graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada face several hurdles before obtaining PR. Even if they are good candidates, they must often gain work experience to build eligibility for many economic PR programs. This usually involves obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows graduates to work for most employers in most industries across Canada.
PGWPs are issued based on the length of study undertaken by the student. However, new changes may be on the horizon for this program. After gaining eligibility, graduates must apply to a relevant PR program. Often, international graduates apply to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program within the Express Entry system, which is designed for those with Canadian education and work experience.
PR Program Requirements
Graduates may also be eligible for other routes such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) within their province or territory of residence. Some PNP streams specifically target international graduates. However, the transition to PR can involve long wait times and prioritization based on Canada’s labor market and demographic needs.
For instance, the Express Entry system has begun incorporating category-based selections, emphasizing candidates with French language ability and professional experience in high-demand sectors. This means Canada’s federal immigration system can prioritize these candidates over those with higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
Impact on International Graduates
International graduates might find it challenging to gain PR due to these factors. They are also bound by the length of their PGWP to stay in Canada. If they do not obtain PR within the validity of their PGWP and cannot obtain a new temporary resident status, they must leave Canada. Although their Express Entry profile remains valid if they still meet the eligibility criteria, this can be another hurdle for international graduates wanting to stay in Canada.
Maximizing Chances for PR
Despite these challenges, international graduates from Canadian DLIs continue to be strong candidates for Canadian immigration. To improve their eligibility for PR, students should focus on gaining professional experience in high-demand areas and developing language skills, especially in French.
Priority Sectors for PR
Candidates who meet any of the following criteria may receive PR with less emphasis on their CRS score:
- Healthcare Professionals
- STEM Professionals
- Trades Professionals
- Transport Professionals
- Agriculture and Agri-food Professionals
- Individuals with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of seven in all aspects of French.
Maximizing eligibility under these categories can enhance the chances of receiving PR. Additionally, international graduates should explore the eligibility of local provincial programs.
Provincial Programs Targeting International Graduates
Below are some programs targeting international graduates in different provinces:
| Province | Program |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, Alberta Opportunity Stream |
| British Columbia | International Graduate Category, International Post-Graduate Category |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Work Experience Pathway, Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway, International Education Stream, Graduate Internship Pathway |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | International Graduate Category, International Graduate Entrepreneur Category |
| Nova Scotia | International Graduate In-Demand Stream, International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream |
| Ontario | Human Capital Category, Master’s or PhD Category, Employer Job Offer Category |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Experience Category, Student Subcategory, International Graduate Entrepreneur Category |
Conclusion
That’s all for today’s article. We hope the information provided is helpful.
