Pathways to Permanent Residency for International Students
KPU International Advising team strives to support our international students and keep the information current; however, the most authoritative source of immigration-related information can be found online at the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Our team provides holistic support for immigration inquiries (Permanent Residency excluded for now). Should you have any questions, please always book an appointment or attend our drop-in sessions to speak to an International Student Advisor.
Please note that only International Student Advisors from the KPU International Advising Unit are able to support current international students with immigration-related inquiries.
International students possess the combination of education, skills and experience that Canada is on the lookout for. After graduating from your post-secondary program and gaining relevant work experience, you could have the life-changing opportunity to make Canada your permanent home.
There are various pathways developed by the Federal Government and Provincial Governments that allow international students to transition from temporary residents to Canadian permanent residents.
As permanent residents, you will be afforded many social benefits that Canadian Citizens also receive, including:
- Health care coverage.
- Ability to live, work or study anywhere in Canada.
- Right to apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Protection under Canadian law and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Part of the responsibilities of a permanent resident in turn is paying taxes and respecting all Canadian laws. Permanent residency indeed offers a promising prospect but there are a number of factors to consider and terms to understand before commencing the processes.
Important terms and definitions related to Permanent Residence
Permanent Resident (PR) - Unlike temporary residents who are only allowed to stay in Canada for a certain period, Permenant Residents are granted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the right to reside in Canada permanently. As per their legal status, PRs retain their original citizenship.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) - An LMIA is a document that a Canadian employer must secure prior to hiring a foreign worker. Obtaining a positive assessment (also called a confimation letter) will show a labour demand for the job in which the foreign worker can fill since no Canadian or permanent resident is available to do the job. Employers must contact Employment and Social Development Canada to apply for an LMIA.
Express Entry (EE) - An online application management system designed to organize and process the application of skilled imigrants who want to settle in Canada permanenty. Three economic immigration programs are managed under this system: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class. A portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs are also facilitated throught the Express Entry system.
Refer to the Express Entry Rounds of Invitations
National Occupation Classification (NOC) - a standardized system used to identify and categorized the work performed and occupations within the Canadian labour market. in Canada. The NOC 2021 version transitioned to TEER categorization system, which represents the degree of training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) required for an occupation. The TEER categorization system replaces the current skill type and level structure. All skilled work experience must be paid work, including paid wages or earned commission; volunteer work or unpaid internships do not qualify.
Find your NOC Code
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for general information purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. The results are based on the information you enter and while we strive for accuracy based on the most up-to-date policy, students are responsible for verifying for their own immigration eligibility or other relevant selection factors. KPU International will not be held liable for any decisions made by students regarding their immigration applications.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) An Educational Credential Assessment, or ECA, is a report issued by an organization designated by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration that verifies the authenticity of a foreign credential, and assesses its equivalence to a Canadian educational credential.
See the list of Designated Organization for ECA
For more information please consult the IRCC Expanded terms and definition related to Permanent Residence.
Relevant PR pathways for international students in British Columbia
The federal, provincial and territorial governments share jurisdiction over immigration in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible in facilitating the screening, selection and settlement of potential temporary and permanent residents in a manner that optimizes their socio-economic and cultural contribution to Canada. At the same time, IRCC also needs to protect the health and safety of Canadians and to maintain the security of Canadian society.
Permanent Residency targets immigrants who can best contribute in boosting the Canadian economy. The selection process largely depends on factors like age, work experience, and education. Each economic immigration programs and streams weigh in of these factors differently.
There are several different ways to apply for permanent residence and the first step begins in determining which program offers the best fit depending on your qualification and unique combination of skills and experience.
"Link to E-Advising Platform - Coming Soon"
This tool is intended for general information purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. The results are based on the information you enter and while we strive for accuracy based on the most up-to-date policy, students are responsible for verifying for their own immigration eligibility or other relevant selection factors. KPU International will not be held liable for any decisions made by students regarding their immigration applications.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Economic programs based in different provinces are designed for workers who want to settle permanently in a specific province or territory and have the necessary qualifications to contribute to its economy. To immigrate as a provincial nominee, applicants must be nominated by a Canadian province or territory under a specific stream. These PNP streams target certain groups (e.g., international graduates, skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, sector-specific workers, or business people) depending on the labor demands or the overall immigration needs of that province or territory. Once nominated, the applicant will need to apply for PR through either the Express Entry process or the Non-Express Entry process.
Check the application process to Immigrate as Provincial Nominee
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an economic immigration program that allows selection of eligible economic immigrants who wish to live permanently in British Columbia and help support the province's economic goals.
After receiving provincial nomination, the principal applicant and their dependents can apply to IRCC for permanent residence in Canada.
Check out the latest BC PNP Draw
These immigration streams are tailored for workers and recent graduates that possess the skills, experience, and qualifications needed by B.C. employers. Skills Immigration is made up of five streams, each with a unique set of criteria. Eligibility for most of these streams largely depends on employer support and job qualifications.
*Note: Beginning January 2025, three new immigration streams will be launched to replace the existing International Graduate and International Post-Graduate Streams. International students who complete other non-degree programs (i.e., diploma or certificate programs) will not be eligible for the new graduate streams, but they can still qualify for other BC PNP pathways.
The Skilled Worker stream offers a permanent residence route for experienced workers in professional, management, technical, trade, or other occupations.
The Health Authority stream provides those employed under the health authority in BC a pathway to live permanently in the province. This includes eligible occupations such as physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner.
The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream offers an option for select workers in the tourism/hospitality and food processing sectors to gain permanent residence in B.C.
This stream targets recent graduates who earned a bachelor's degree from accredited post-secondary institutions, in any field of study. A confirmed full-time job offer is part of the requirement to be eligible for this permanent residence stream.
The Master's stream is geared for recent graduates holding a master's degree from recognized post-secondary institutions, in any field of study. Eligible applicants with a job offer in a skilled occupation can register for this stream.
The Doctorate stream caters to both recent graduates and candidates of doctoral-level programs from eligible public universities in British Columbia. A job offer is not required to be eligible for this stream.
The province sets broad strategic goals to help address particular labour market demands. In order to support these goals, the program prioritizes applicants in select sectors where there is critical need and issue targeted invitations. Workers must have a job offer or be employed in the list of priority occupations to be eligible.
BC has a crucial need for more care workers. In particular, the province places greater priority to workers who are able to secure an employment offer as Early Childhood Educators and Assistants to support growing demand for childcare.
Housing development is a major challenge and a big priority for BC that is why workers employed in the construction related occupations are prioritized. Worker must meet the job offer requirement as well as valid trade certifications in order to qualify for this priority stream.
BC is committed to delivering essental healthcare services to the province, which is why in-demand healthcare occupations are given primary consideration for targeted invitations.
Workers who are direct employees of a provincial health authority or who are physicians, nurse practitioners, or midwives with the support of a provincial health authority can submit an application directly to the Health Authority stream.
Workers who are not employed by a health authority (and so must register in another stream) and who have a job offer in one of the priority healthcare occupations may benefit from targeted invitations to apply.
The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream offers an option for select workers in the tourism/hospitality and food processing sectors to gain permanent residence in B.C.
Retaining international talent in tech sector has been a top priority for the province. This stream offers support for skilled workers in select, in-demand technology occupations to be nominated for permanent residence. As compared with other streams, priority technology occupations are not required to have a permanent job offer. Workers in the technology sector must meet the job offer requirements to benefit from targeted invitations to apply: [place holder]
Workers with job offers in one of the priority veterinary care occupations may benefit from targeted invitations to apply.
Medical Requirements
The requirement for medical examination serve the purpose of protecting the health and safety of Canadians as well as preventing potential excessive demands on Canada's health and social services.
To be eligible for a program, the approved language test must be taken. The applicant must get the minimum score required by the program and include the result in your profile. Please refer to IRCC Language Requirements for Express Entry
An immigration medical exam conducted by a panel physician is part of the requirement for permanent residency application. This requirement applies to the principal application as well as accompanying family members.
Based on the recent termporary public policy, applicants are no longer required to get an upfront medical examination before submitting a permanent residence application. If the applicant has already completed a medical exam within the past 5 years as part of a previous application, you may not need to complete another medical exam for a permanent residence application.
Reasons you may be exempt:
- You applied or are applying for either permanent residence or temporary residence
- You already live in Canada
- You completed your previous IME in the last 5 years
- Your previous IME indicated a low risk or no risk to public health or public safety
IRCC has a list of approved panel physician who can conduct an immigration medical exam. IRCC makes the final decision about your medical exam not the panel physician. If there are any issues with your medical exam, the applicant will be contacted in writing by IRCC.
Find out the list of Panel Physician
Link of Approved Panel Physician
As of October 1st, 2024, upfront medical exam is no longer a requirement before submitting an application. IRCC will provide instructions on how to obtain the medical exam after you submit a complete permanent residence application.
Proof of Funds Requirement
Unless you apply under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you are normally required to show that you have enough money to settle in Canada. Once you are invited to apply, you must provide documentary proof from your bank or financial institution that you have this money. The funds must be available when you apply and when the application was approved. The applicant must also prove that they can legally access the funds.
The size of your family will determine the amount of money you need as proof of funds. In calculating your family size, you must include yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and your spouse or common-law partner's dependent children. Find out the Minimum Proof of Funds you need
Fee list for PR application (EE)
Government processing fees must be submitted concurrent with your immigration application. For permanent residence application under Express Entry, the list of fees will be shown once all sections of the online form has been completed and documents are uploaded.
The list of fees includes the processing fee for the principal applicant and dependent family member, right of permanent residence fee (RPRF), and biometric fee. You can pay the RPRF at the same time as your application fees to avoid delays. A debit or credit card is needed to complete the online payment.
| Fees | $ CAD |
|---|---|
| Your application | $1,525.00 |
| Processing fee ($950) and right of permanent residence fee ($575) | |
| Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | $950.00 |
| Include your spouse or partner | $1,525.00 |
| Processing fee ($950) and right of permanent residence fee ($575) | |
| Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) | $950.00 |
| Include a dependent child (per child) | $260.00 |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575.00 |
Standard requirements for PR application under Express Entry
Language Requirements
Applicants must have adequate knowledge of either English or French to immigrate or work in Canada. Language Tests are used to determine speaking, listening, reading, and writing ability in Canada’s official languages: English & French. Language Test Scores are equated to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) - language test equivalency charts are available on the IRCC website.
To be eligible for a program, the approved language test must be taken. The applicant must get the minimum score required by the program and include the result in your profile. Please refer to IRCC Language Requirements for Express Entry
Applicants in certain classes must have adequate knowledge of either English or French to immigrate or work in Canada. The accepted English Language Tests are Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core). As for the French language, the accepted test are Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada) and Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada).
This English language test is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises. The CELPIP has 2 tests: CELPIP-General (CELPIP-G) and CELPIP-General – Listening and Speaking (CELPIP-G LS). The CELPIP-G test is accepted by IRCC for immigration and citizenship purposes. Link: https://www.celpip.ca/
This English language test is administered by Cambridge Assessment English, International Development Program (IDP) Australia and British Council organizations. The IELTS General Training option is accepted for permanent residence application. Link: https://ielts.org/
This English language test is administered by the Pearson Canada Inc. The PTE Core is accepted by IRCC for permenent residence and citizenship application. Link: https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-core
This French language test is administered by France Éducation International. Applicants must submit results for the following TCF Canada modules: reading (compréhension de l’écrit), listening (compréhension de l’oral), writing (expression écrite) and speaking (expression orale). Link: https://www.france-education-international.fr/en/test/tcf-canada
This French language test is administered by Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Applicants must submit results for the following TEF Canada modules: reading (compréhension de l’écrit), listening (compréhension de l’oral), writing (expression écrite) and speaking (expression orale). Note that grammar and structure (lexique et structure) module is not required for immigration purposes. Link: https://www.lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr/en/tests-diplomas/test-for-evaluating-french-tef/tef-canada/
The Canadian Language Benchmakr (CLB) is an official descriptive standard used in measuring the English language ability in each of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. There are specific language proficiency requirements for different immigration programs. The points earned are generally awarded according to CLB level. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) is used to assess abilities in the French language.
Check your CLB Level based on the Language Test Equivalency Chart
Find your CLB Level based on your test results using the CLB Converter Tool [PLACEHOLDER]
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for general information purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. The results are based on the information you enter and while we strive for accuracy based on the most up-to-date policy, students are responsible for verifying for their own immigration eligibility or other relevant selection factors. KPU International will not be held liable for any decisions made by students regarding their immigration applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. To meet the purpose of obtaining the additional bonus score in CRS, one's job offer must be supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or it must be through an employer-specific work permt (closed work permit) under one of the eligible LMIA-exempt job offers for Express Entry.
If the applicant does not receive an invitation to apply, the Express Entry profile will remain in the pool. The EE profile will remain valid for 12 months after submission, after which it will be automatically removed from the system. If your EE profile expires, a new profile will need to be created to be considered in the subsequent rounds.
No. Any period of employment during which the applicant was engaged in full-time study does not count towards the minimum requirement for CEC and FSTW or towards the CRS score once you are in the pool. However, student work experience gained while studying in Canada or abroad may be used to meet the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
No. Work performed under co-op term or off-campus work permit does not count towards the minimum requirements for the Canadian Experience Class.
Yes. All applicants are required to have temporary resident status during the period of work claimed under the CEC. Since you will have temporary resident status with work authorization when your PGWP is being processed (provided you meet all the eligibility requirements to work full-time), you should be able to count work experience gained while waiting for your PGWP towards the skilled work experience requirement under CEC. Note, however, that an open work permit that has "do not confer temporary resident status" condition will not be eligible for CEC.