Pathways to Permanent
Residence for International
Students
Michael Frenette
IRCC Outreach Officer
November 2019
IMPORTANT: The information in this presentation is accurate as of the
date of the presentation. Policies & programs are subject to change.
For the latest updates, please consult www.Canada.ca.
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• International students
have the education, skills
and experience that
Canada is looking for.
International Students and
Permanent Residence
• After graduating you might
be able to make Canada
your permanent home
through one of our
immigration programs.
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Transitioning to Work After Graduation
• International students who are eligible to work off-campus can continue to work off-
campus, up to 20 hours a week, until they get a notification of completion of studies
from their institution.
• Once you get written confirmation from the educational institution stating that you
are eligible to obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate (completion letter or final
transcript), you can apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit.
• Once you have applied for a work permit, you can transition to full-time work if
you had a valid study permit when you submitted your application.
• If your work permit application is refused, you must stop working.
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
• Allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain
valuable Canadian work experience.
• A PGWP is an open work permit – You can only apply once in a lifetime.
• Must be applied for within 6 months of receiving written notification of completion of studies.
• Once you find a skilled job with your PGWP, your spouse or partner can also apply for an open work
permit.
Duration of study program
(determined by DLI)
Duration of PGWP
at least 8 months
but less than 2 years
same as study program
2 years or longer 3 years
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PGWP eligibility
• You may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit if:
You have completed and passed a post-secondary academic, vocational, or
professional education program in Canada
The program was at least 8 months in length
You studied at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
You studied full time
You did not take unscheduled breaks
You did not exceed the allowable hours of off-campus work
You hold or held a study permit
You apply within 6 months of receiving written confirmation from the educational
institution indicating that you are eligible to obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate
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Important: National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a classification system used by the Government of
Canada to classify occupations (jobs).
• NOC codes are used to classify jobs by occupational area and skill level.
• Work experience for Express Entry (EE): NOC 0, A and B.
• Job Offer for Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): NOC 0, A, B and C.
• Important Tip: Don’t rely on job title alone. Duties listed under the NOC must match
your actual work experience.
NOC
0
Management Jobs
NOC
A
Professional Jobs
(usually require university education)
NOC
B
Technical Jobs
and Skilled Trades (usually require college education or
apprenticeship
training)
NOC
C
Semi
-skilled jobs (usually require secondary school or vocational training)
NOC
D
Entry
level jobs (on-the-job training)
EE
AIPP
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• Language Tests are used to determine the language ability of applicants applying for permanent
residence in Canada.
• Language Test Scores are equated to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) - language
test equivalency charts are available on the IRCC website.
• Everyone must prove their language ability by taking an approved language test:
English: CELPIP General
English: IELTS General Training
French: TCF Canada
French: TEF Canada
• Test results must be less than two years old when the candidate completes their Express Entry
profile, and when they apply for permanent residence.
Important: Language Tests
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Express Entry
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Express Entry: Background
• Express Entry is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled
worker under the:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
A portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• In order to be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the criteria of at
least one of these programs
• Quebec manages its own immigration programs outside of Express Entry
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Canadian
Experience Class (CEC)
Federal
Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
Federal
Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Language
Skills
English or French skills
CLB 7 if your NOC is
0 or A
CLB 5 if your NOC is
B
English or French skills: CLB 7
English or French skills
CLB 5 for speaking and listening
CLB 4 for reading and writing
Type/Level of
Work Experience
Canadian experience in
1 of these
NOCs: 0, A or B
Canadian or foreign experience in
1 of
these NOCs: 0, A or B
Canadian or foreign experience in a skilled
trade under key groups of NOC B
Amount of Work
Experience
One year in Canada in the last
3
years (either combination of full-
time or part
-time work)
One year
continuous within the last 10
years (combination of part
-time, full-
time
or more than 1 job in your primary
occupation)
Two years within last 5 years (either
combination of full
-time or part-time work)
Job Offer
Not
required.
Not required but you can get selection
criteria (FSW) points for having a valid job
offer.
Required:
A valid job offer of full
-time employment for
a total period of at least 1
year or
a certificate of qualification in that skilled
trade issued by a Canadian provincial,
territorial or federal authority
Education
Not required.
Secondary education required but you
can get more selection criteria (FSW)
points for your post
-
secondary education.
Not required.
Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry Programs
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What DOESN’T count:
Any employment in Canada
during full-time study (e.g.
while on a co-op work permit
or off-campus work, while a
full-time student)
Self-employment, even if
skilled
Unauthorized work
What DOES count:
Full-time (or part-time
equivalent) work experience in
Canada at NOC 0/A/B level in
the past 3 years
Work experience gained while
legally authorized to work in
Canada, (e.g. on a Post
Graduate or other work
permit)
Canadian Experience Class: Work Experience
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Express Entry Step by Step Process
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User friendly, online system from profile creation to application for permanent residence
Creating an Express Entry profile is free and a profile is active for up to one year
Candidates may be eligible for more than one program under Express Entry
When a candidate is accepted into the pool, they are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
• Points are awarded to former international students who completed at least a one year program of
education in Canada
• The top scoring candidates in the pool are invited in regular invitation rounds
• Fast processing of permanent residence applications – within 6 months in most cases
Express Entry Highlights for International Students
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Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile
Before creating a profile, candidates need to complete language tests and obtain any necessary
Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs). Language tests and ECAs are done by third parties which
charge fees for services.
Be prepared to answer questions about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and
other details.
Be Truthful: Anyone who provides false information could be found inadmissible for
misrepresentation and could be barred for five years from applying to come to Canada.
No Guarantees: Completing a profile does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Keep Your Profile Up to Date: Update your profile with a valid job offer, new language test results,
education completed, new changes in family composition or new contact information.
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Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Core
Human
Capital
Factors
Single
500
Spouse
460
Age
110
100
Education
150
140
1
st
Official Language
136
128
2
nd
Official Language
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Canadian work
experience
80
70
Spouse Factors
40
Education
10
1
st
Official Language
20
Canadian
work
experience
10
Skill Transferability
100 points max
Education
(with
OL or CDN exp)
50
Foreign work experience
(with
OL or CDN exp)
50
Qualification
cert
(with
OL)
50
Total: 1200 points max
Additional Points
600 points max
Provincial Nomination
600
Valid job offer
200 (max)
Canadian Education
30 (max)
French proficiency
30 (max)
Siblings in Canada
15 (max)
This tool will help you calculate your Comprehensive
Ranking System (CRS) score:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp
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Step 2: Invitation to Apply
• Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are issued to the highest scoring candidates in the
pool in each round.
• Invitation rounds take place regularly, usually approximately every 2 to 3 weeks.
• Lowest-ranked candidates invited to apply in recent rounds have been in the CRS
range of 430-460 points
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After Receiving an Invitation to Apply
• Candidates have 60 days to complete and submit an application for permanent
residence.
• IRCC then determines if the application has all required forms, documents and fees.
• If your application is complete, IRCC will verify all eligibility and admissibility criteria.
• IRCC processes complete applications in six months or less, 80% of the time.
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The Atlantic Immigration
Pilot Program
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Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: Background
• Launched in March 2017.
• The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program complements existing suite of immigration programs.
• Collaborative between federal and provincial governments, employers, and immigrant
settlement agencies.
• Employer Driven Model: Employers select candidates that meet their labour demands.
• Flexible Criteria: Three pathways based on work experience, education and job offer.
• Priority Processing: Permanent residence processed in as quickly as 6 months.
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Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: Process
Step by Step Guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/atlantic-immigration-pilot/guide.html
Provinces designate
employers
Employers identify
candidates
Provinces issue
endorsements
Candidates submit immigration
applications
Permanent
residence
Work permit
(optional)
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Atlantic High-Skilled Program
(NOC 0, A, B)
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled
Program
(NOC C)
Atlantic International Graduate
Program
Work Experience
1 year in a NOC 0, A or B occupation
1 year in a NOC C occupation
None required**
Job Offer
Full
-time, one-year contract in
a related* NOC 0, A, or B occupation
Full
-time, indeterminate in a related*
NOC 0, A, B, or C occupation
Full
-time, one-
year contract in a NOC 0,
A, B, or C occupation
Education
High School Graduation
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
High School Graduation
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
2 year post
-secondary diploma from
publicly funded institution in Atlantic
region
Languages
Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 in
English or
Niveaux de compétence
linguistique canadiens 4 in
French
Mandatory
Testing
Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 in
English or
Niveaux de compétence
linguistique canadiens 4 in
French
Mandatory
Testing
Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4
in English or
Niveaux de compétence
linguistique
canadiens 4 in French
Mandatory
Testing
Settlement
Supports
Customized
Customized
Customized
*Related occupation means an occupations for which the applicant meets the employment requirements.
**Applicants with or without work experience can apply into this program as long as they meet its requirements.
Minimum Selection Criteria
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No work experience required
Education requirement: 2 year post-secondary educational credential (or higher) from a publically
funded institution in Atlantic Canada
Application for permanent residence must be received within 24 months after graduation
Job offer: Full-time, one-year contract in NOC 0, A, B or C with a provincially designated employer
Residency requirement: Lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months in the 2 years before
getting your degree, diploma or educational credential
Language requirement: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) - 4
Atlantic International Graduate Program Highlights
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How Much Money Do I Need? Fees and Proof of Funds
• Application Fee:
• $550 for principal applicant
• $550 for spouse or partner
• $150 per dependent child
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee:
• $490 for principal applicant
• $490 for spouse or partner
• Proof of Funds (EE):
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• $12,669 for a family of 1
• $15,772 for a family of 2
• $19,390 for a family of 3
• $23,542 for family of 4
• Proof of Funds (AIP):
• $3,167 for a family of 1
• $3,943 for a family of 2
• $4,847 for a family of 3
• $5,885 for family of 4
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Proof of funds are only required for FSW and FST streams if the candidate does not have a valid job offer. Not required for CEC or PNP.
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Online Resources
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What if I’m Not Eligible for Express Entry
or the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program?
Work Permit Options: Temporary Foreign Worker Program & International
Mobility Program
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada
Other Immigration Programs:
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada
Provincial Nominee Programs:
• May include options for candidates who do not meet EE entry requirements.
• Visit your Province or Territories’ website to find out more information.
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ANNEX
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How to Find your NOC Skill Type or Level
• Skill Type or Level is Referenced in each NOC Code:
Skill Type 0 – 1
st
digit of code is 0
NOC 0015 – CEO of Manufacturing Company
NOC 0112 – Human Resources Manager
Skill Level A – 2
nd
digit of code is 0 or 1
NOC 4021 – College Instructor
NOC 1111 – Accountant
Skill Level B – 2
nd
digit of code is 2 or 3
NOC 1241 – Administrative Assistant
NOC 6322 – Cook
Skill Level C – 2
nd
digit of code is 4 or 5
NOC 1414 - Receptionist
NOC 6513 – Food and Beverage Server
Skill Level D – 2
nd
digit of code is 6 or 7
NOC 6611 – Cashier
NOC 6711 – Food Counter Attendant
NOC Level Tool:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-
refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-
canada/express-entry/eligibility/find-
national-occupation-code.html
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Comprehensive Ranking System:
Additional Points
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CRS Points: Official Languages
• Candidates can get more CRS points if they have proficiency in both of Canada's official
languages (English and French), and submit the results of an approved language test for
both English and French.
• Parlez-vous français? Visit canada.ca/francoimmigration to learn about Francophone life
across Canada.
Additional CRS Points for French Proficiency:
• 15 additional points for French test results at NCL 7 in all four abilities (listening, speaking,
reading, writing).
• 30 additional points for French test results of NCL 7 in all four abilities + English test
results at CLB 5 or higher.
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CRS Additional Points:
Provincial/Territorial Nomination (600 pts)
• A total of 600 points are awarded to candidates with a Provincial/Territorial (P/T)
nomination
• Participating Provinces and Territories can nominate foreign nationals under their Express
Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
• PNP criteria and streams differ across the country; check individual P/T websites to learn
more.
• All candidates nominated via an Express Entry PNP stream must meet the minimum entry
criteria for Express Entry including meeting the criteria for one of the three federal
economic programs.
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CRS Additional Points:
Valid Job Offers (200 or 50 pts)
• A total of 200 points are awarded to candidates with a valid job offer in a NOC 00 occupation.
• A total of 50 points are awarded to candidates with a valid job offer in a NOC 0, A or B
occupation.
• A job offer must be for a minimum of one year once an applicant receives permanent
residence.
• Job offers must also be non-seasonal, at the NOC 0, A, or B level, and supported by a Labour
Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless one is not needed.
• Candidates who don’t have a valid job offer can still get points for Canadian work experience.
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CRS Additional Points:
Education Completed in Canada (15 or 30 pts)
• A total of 15 points are awarded for a one- or two-year diploma or certificate.
• A total of 30 points are awarded for a degree, diploma or certificate of three years or
longer, or for a Master’s, entry-to-practice professional degree*, or doctoral degree of at
least one academic year.
• To get these points, a candidate must have completed their studies at a designated
learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Each educational program completed in Canada needs to be entered separately into the
Express Entry profile.
*Entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification matrix at Skill level A, for
which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required. Eligible occupations: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry,
optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.
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CRS Additional Points:
Sibling in Canada (15 pts)
• 15 points for having at least one sibling* who is a Canadian permanent resident or
citizen, is residing in Canada, and is aged at least 18 years old
• *Sibling = the biological or adoptive children of candidate or accompanying spouse’s
- father or mother
- father or mother’s spouse
- father or mother’s common-law partner
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Start-Up Visa Program
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Another pathway to permanent residence
• For entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada that
• Is innovative
• Can create jobs for Canadians
• Compete on a global scale
• To qualify, your business must be supported by a designated participating
• Venture capital fund ($200,000+ investment)
• Angel investor group ($75,000+ investment)
• Business incubator program
• Minimum official language ability CLB 5
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-
canada/start-visa.html
