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Getting PR after graduating from a master’s or PhD program as an international student

It may now be easier for students who come to Canada for a master’s or Ph.D. program to obtain permanent residence (PR).

On February 15, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enacted a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy that was first announced on January 22 as one of many changes coming to Canada’s international student system.

This policy now means that international student graduates of master's degree programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) – the only post-secondary institutions authorized by IRCC to accept international students – are eligible for a three-year PGWP . This is true even for students studying in master's programs that are two years or less in length.

Discover your options to study in Canada

Note: Before February 15, the validity period of a PGWP for master's students was directly correlated to the length of the program of study.

How does this make it easier to obtain PR in Canada?

The value of a PGWP lies in that it allows international student graduates to work in Canada once they complete a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI.

This Canadian work experience is valuable to those who later intend to pursue PR because many of Canada’s immigration pathways either require or reward such experience.

For example, Canada’s popular Express Entry application management system, which prioritizes a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, rewards candidates with a minimum of 80* additional CRS points for work experience acquired in Canada before they apply for PR.

*This point value is for Express Entry candidates without a spouse or common-law partner under the Core/Human Capital Factors section of the Express Entry system. Candidates in other circumstances, such as those applying alongside their spouse/partner, may receive a different number of CRS points.

Therefore, this expanded PGWP policy will make it easier for eligible students to obtain PR because it allows them more time to acquire valuable Canadian work experience, which they can then use on their immigration application.

Other ways IRCC makes it easier for master's and PhD students to immigrate to Canada

Express Entry’s CRS system rewards higher education

Further to the value of a master's or Ph.D. for Canadian immigration, the Express Entry CRS system rewards higher levels of education.

Specifically, students with master's and Ph.D. degrees are rewarded with the two highest CRS scores under “level of education” by the Express Entry system.

Master’s students: 126 points with a spouse/common-law partner; 135 points without
Ph.D. students: 140 points with a spouse/common-law partner; 150 points without

Simply, more CRS points gives candidates a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR.

Many provinces/territories have dedicated Provincial Nominee Program streams for Masters/PhD students

Students who obtain either a master's or Ph.D. degree in Canada also open themselves up to various additional Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

Note: 11 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, operate a PNP

This is because many of Canada’s top newcomer destination provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, operate specific streams for students who graduate from these programs. More information on some of these PNP streams is available at the links below.

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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I have a PhD and am in a post-doctoral program. Do I qualify for the Canadian Experience Class?

Work experience gained while you were on a study permit will not count toward meeting the Canadian Experience Class requirements.

But you may still be eligible if you

already gained 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience while you were not on a study permit
meet the language requirements for that occupation

Note : Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System .

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Study in Canada

After completing their studies in Canada, many international students decide they wish to move to Canada permanently. Thankfully, there are many pathways available to international students who want to transition to Canadian permanent residence .

Many of Canada’s permanent residency immigration programs privilege applicants who have a connection to Canada, either with ties to a specific province, Canadian work experience, or a Canadian educational credential. Canadian international students benefit from some or all of these advantages if they choose to pursue immigration to Canada permanently. Please note that international students in Canada should ensure they meet the conditions of their study permit throughout their stay. If a student violates the terms of their study permit, this could jeopardize future immigration applications.

Did you know?

Many of Canada’s immigration programs require a certain amount of skilled work experience, which may place international students at a disadvantage. However, the majority of international student graduates in Canada are eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit which authorizes them to work in Canada and gain this valuable work experience.

How to Get PR in Canada After Study?

There are many immigration programs available to international students . While each program operates differently and has requirements beyond completing Canadian studies, the programs listed below may provide international student graduates with accelerated pathways to becoming Canadian permanent residents :

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Provincial nominee programs, quebec immigration options, post-graduation work permits.

Please note that many of the programs are operated through Canada’s Express Entry system, the federal system for managing permanent resident applications.

Operated through the Express Entry immigration system, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is one of the fastest ways to obtain Canadian permanent residence . While there are a range of eligibility factors for this program, including age, language proficiency, and level of education, a distinguishing requirement is that applicants prove they have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years, or an equivalent amount in part-time experience. Once an international student obtains this level of work experience, CEC may become a great immigration option!

One condition of CEC is that work experience gained during a period of full-time study does not count towards the 12-month requirement, so international students cannot count work experience gained during their study program. However, once an international student graduates, they will likely become eligible for a post-graduation work permit , which will allow them to gain the work experience needed to qualify for CEC.

Operated through the Express Entry immigration system, the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program may be an option for some international student graduates. Unlike the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), FSW does not require a person to have Canadian work experience, so this is a good option for international student graduates who already gained skilled work experience abroad.

The FSW program is a merit-based immigration program that uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to automatically rank candidates against one another, only inviting those candidates with the most competitive profiles to apply for permanent residence . If an international student meets the eligibility requirements and is highly competitive within the CRS scoring system, FSW can be a great pathway to becoming a permanent resident.

It should be noted that the FSW program does require that applicants prove they have a minimum of 12 months of full-time, continuous, skilled work experience, completed in any country, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience. For international students who have never entered the workforce, this program will not be an option.

Each of Canada’s provinces and territories operates its own immigration programs, called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Every PNP works differently since they are designed to meet the needs of that specific province or territory. Many PNPs give preference to applicants who have some kind of connection to the province, including previous studies completed within the province and work experience gained in the province. Depending on the province where an international student completed their program of study, they may be eligible to apply for a PNP within that province.

Dive into our comprehensive guide on Provincial Nominee Programs tailored for international graduates .

The province of Quebec operates its own immigration system with requirements and procedures different from the rest of the country. However, similar to the rest of Canada, Quebec’s immigration programs are designed in such a way that international students do have advantages when applying for permanent residence . Quebec’s two main permanent residence programs have streams designed for international students in Quebec:

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) : This program requires students to have completed their program of study or to be within 6 months of completing their studies at an institution in Quebec. To qualify for PEQ, an international student must demonstrate an advanced intermediate knowledge of oral French.
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) : This program may be an option for international students in Quebec who have completed or are in the process of completing an educational credential in Quebec. Unlike the PEQ program, QSW does not have a mandatory French proficiency requirement, but candidates must meet a minimum score on the program’s points assessment grid.

A post-graduation work permit is not a direct permanent residence program. However, it does allow most international students who has graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) to remain in Canada after their period of study and work with any employer in Canada. This experience can help a person to qualify for Canadian permanent residence , usually through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or an employer-driven Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Please note that not all programs offered at DLIs are eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

Canadim’s International Student Program

If you want to immigrate to Canada permanently, coming as an international student is a practical first step on your journey. From choosing a school to applying for a study permit , Canadim’s International Student Program is here to help you keep it simple!

International Student Program

Our unique International Student Program will support you through every step of the process to becoming an international student in Canada and advise on pathways for transforming a Canadian education into Canadian permanent residence. With so many programs and possibilities for studies in Canada, it can be confusing to find the best fit for you. At Canadim, your dedicated Educational Counsellor will get to know your needs, your goals, and your dreams in Canada, ensuring that we can find the best fit for you!

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OINP PhD Graduate stream

Learn how to apply for a nomination for permanent residence in Ontario if you have a PhD degree from an Ontario university.

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The PhD Graduate stream gives international graduates with an Ontario PhD degree the opportunity to apply to permanently live and work in Ontario.

You must first register in the OINP ’s Expression of Interest System and receive an invitation to apply before you can apply online to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence.

If you are nominated, your next step is to apply to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC ). They make the final decision on who becomes a permanent resident.

Stream requirements

After you receive an invitation to apply, you may apply to the PhD Graduate stream. You must meet all the requirements in the categories below in order for your application to be approved. You don’t need a job offer to apply.

Please refer to section 9 of Ontario Regulation 422/17 for more details on each requirement.

1. Expression of interest and invitation to apply

You must have received an invitation to apply and applied within the deadline identified.
You must demonstrate that you had the qualifications that you claimed you had in the expression of interest that you registered with the OINP and attested to.

2. Education

You must have completed the requirements necessary to obtain a PhD degree. The degree must be from an eligible university in Ontario (see the list of eligible Ontario universities offering PhD degrees below ).

At least two years of your PhD studies must have been completed while legally living and studying in Ontario.

You don’t qualify if you have received a bursary, grant or scholarship that requires you return to your home country after you earn your PhD degree. You may only apply after you have fulfilled those commitments and can demonstrate an intention to live in Ontario.

3. Residency in Ontario

You must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before you apply.

Note that your one year of residency can be cumulative. This means that there can be gaps provided that all the periods of residency in Ontario add up to 12 months within the past two years before you apply.

4. Settlement funds

You must have enough money to support yourself and your dependent family members when you settle in Canada.

Note that a family member includes your spouse, common law partner and children under the age of 22, including their children.

You can meet this requirement through one or a combination of any of the following:

funds as demonstrated by the balance listed in bank statements, or statements of accounts showing other investments such as non-locked in, fixed term deposits, mutual funds, etc.
annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario, and/or
a job offer in Ontario

Learn more about the amount of money you must have available in order to apply (see “How much money you'll need”).

Example: You have checked how much money you must have available and, based on your family size, you must have $29,000 (CAD). You have a job offer in Ontario with an annual wage of $25,000 and you have a balance of $5,000 in your savings account for a total of $30,000. By using a combination of your job offer and bank statement, you would meet the settlements fund requirement.

If you provide bank statements that include a one-time large deposit, we may ask you to provide additional documentation to support that your funds are free of debt or liability.

5. Intention to live in Ontario

You must intend to live and work in Ontario after you’ve been granted permanent residence. We determine this by examining your ties to Ontario, which can include doing things like:

working or having worked in Ontario
getting job offers, to or applying/interviewing for jobs
volunteering
leasing or owning property
having professional networks and affiliations, family ties and social or personal relationships

6. Legal status in Canada (if applicable)

If you are applying from within Canada, you must have legal status (a visitor record, study permit, or work permit) at the time you apply and should maintain that status until the time of nomination.

You may apply if you are in ‘maintained status’ at the time of your OINP application submission. ‘Maintained status’ means that you submitted an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC ) to renew/extend your temporary status document (a visitor record, work permit, study permit) before its expiry date. You can remain in Canada and continue to work or study under the same conditions as your existing permit until a decision is made on your pending IRCC application.

7. Application period

You must submit your application within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain your PhD degree.

This means that the date on your degree must be within two years of your OINP application submission date, not the date you received the invitation to apply. For example, if your degree is dated June 1, 2021, you must have registered an EOI , received an Invitation to Apply, and submitted your application on or before June 1, 2023.

If you don’t have your degree yet, use the date on the official letter from your university which states when your degree will be granted.

Scoring factors

Once you register an expression of interest under this stream you will be assigned points based on the following factors.

If you are invited to apply, you will be required to submit specific documents to support each scoring factor for which you received points. Scoring factors are not the same as stream criteria. You must meet all criteria for this stream and provide the mandatory documents with your application. Refer to the document checklist for the PhD Graduate stream.

Employment / labour market factors

Work or study permit status.

With valid work or study permit – 10 points
Without valid work or study permit – 0 points

The work or study permit must confer legal status.

Earnings history

Based on a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency in the last five years.

$40k or more earnings in a year – 3 points
Less than $40k earnings in a year – 0 points

Highest level of education

Canadian credential or Educational Credential Assessment required.

PhD – 10 points
Masters – 8 points
Bachelors or equivalent – 6 points
Graduate diploma or certificate – 6 points
Undergraduate diploma or certificate – 5 points
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma – 5 points
Less than college or trade certificate – 0 points

Field of study

Points are awarded based on the field of study of the eligible education credential being used for the OINP application.

STEM /Health (Engineering, Health, Math, Computer Science) and Trades (agriculture and natural resources operations and management, mechanics and repair, architecture, construction and precision production) - 12 points
Business and administration, social, legal, education, behavioral science, personal, security and transport services, social work and related programs - 6 points
Arts and humanities, Business, humanities, arts, social science and education ( BHASE ) programs, not elsewhere classified ( n.e.c ) - 0 points

Learn more about fields of study on the Statistics Canada website.

Canadian education experience

Credential must be for a post-secondary education credential from an eligible Canadian institution that takes at least one year to complete on a full-time basis.

More than one Canadian credential – 10 points
One Canadian credential – 5 points

Official language ability

CLB 9 or higher – 10 points
CLB 8 – 6 points
CLB 7 – 4 points
CLB 6 or lower – 0 points

Knowledge of official languages

2 Official Languages – 10 points 10 points (a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark ( CLB ) score of 7 in one official language and a minimum  CLB  6 in the second official language)
1 Official Language – 5 points

Regionalization

Regional immigration: location of study (where you physically attended classes).

Northern Ontario – 10 points
Other areas outside GTA (except Northern Ontario) – 8 points
Inside GTA (except Toronto) – 3 points
Toronto – 0 points
Credential was completed without physically attending (in-person) classes – 0 points

For Regionalization scoring factors, the regions are defined as follows:

Northern Ontario – includes the following Census Divisions: Muskoka Haliburton, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River and Kenora
Other areas outside of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area ( GTA ), except Northern Ontario – includes all Ontario regions except those listed as part of Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area and Northern Ontario
Greater Toronto Area (except Toronto) – includes the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel and York
Toronto – includes the City of Toronto

If you are ready to apply

Before you can apply to this stream you must register an expression of interest and receive an invitation to apply.

Register an expression of interest
Review document checklist

Eligible Ontario universities offering PhD programs

To qualify for the PhD Graduate stream, your PhD degree must be from one of the universities listed below:

Brock University
Carleton University
Lakehead University
Laurentian University
McMaster University
Nipissing University
Queen’s University
Royal Military College of Canada
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
Trent University
University of Guelph
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto
University of Waterloo
University of Windsor
Western University
Wilfrid Laurier University
York University

Ask us a question via webform or by phone from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

Tel : 416-327-0374
Toll-free: 1-866-214-6820 (toll-free within North America only)
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Studying in Canada as a permanent resident

By Hugo O'Doherty

Updated on April 24, 2024

Find the best immigration programs for you

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Share article, congratulations, you have immigrated to canada and obtained permanent resident status, or your application for immigration to canada is in progress and you’ll be in canada soon..

Now what are you going to do? While many newcomers to Canada begin full-time employment soon after becoming permanent residents, others take the view that upskilling in the short-term will reap long-term benefits. This is our short guide to studying in Canada as a permanent resident.

Here’s the big difference between studying in Canada as a permanent resident and studying as an international student : as a permanent resident, you pay the same low tuition rates as Canadian citizens . In the eyes of the government and educational institutions, you are effectively already Canadian when it comes to education within Canada. The government is willing to pay most of your costs.

Though they also receive a quality education in Canada, international students aren’t so lucky when it comes to tuition fees (even though it will probably still work out cheaper than studying in another country), and often end up spending up to ten times the amount a Canadian citizen or permanent resident would spend on tuition.

So, if you want study science at the University of British Columbia as a Canadian permanent resident, for example, you will pay just over $5,000 per year in tuition fees, rather than the nearly $38,000 per year you would have had to pay before you became a permanent resident.

Want to study Psychology at the University of Toronto? That’s just under $7,000 per year as a permanent resident, rather than $45,000-50,000 per year as an international student.

Similar differences exist across a range of study programs and in practically every university and college across Canada.

Studying in Canada as a permanent resident: other perks

Great, studying in Canada is now about eight times more affordable than it was before you became a permanent resident. But five or six thousand dollars a year is still a significant chunk of change, and you’ll probably have to take time off work in order to participate in your study program seriously, so there are potential opportunity costs involved.

So why do it?

A study by Times Higher Education , which polled 6,000 firms globally on the question of which universities produced the “best graduates in terms of employability” in their own countries and abroad, found that Canadian universities are training undergraduates with the skills employers need, particularly in areas like business, computer science and engineering, which represented 80 per cent of the industry sectors polled.

Instead of thinking about price, let’s consider value and think about studying in Canada as a permanent resident as an investment in the surest bet there can be: you.

Many studies have shown that those who pursue higher education once they become a permanent resident of Canada have higher earning potential in the future.

So, for an investment of a few thousand dollars you can potentially earn that back each and every year .

Studying in Canada as a permanent resident is not only an economic decision, of course. You may even enjoy the experience and make new friends and contacts along the way!

Studying in Canada as a permanent resident: next steps

Here are some useful tools to help you compare different study programs in Canada:

Schoolfinder.com
StudyinCanada.com
TopUniversities.com
UniversityStudy.ca
Macleans.ca

We also have comprehensive pages on how to choose a study program in Canada and finding the right university or college for you .

Canada’s Letter of Acceptance Process Uncovers 9,000 Invalid Applications

Canada Increases Off-Campus Work Hours For International Students to 24 Hours Per Week

Provincial Attestation Letter Expiry Dates: What You Should Know

International Student Cap Allocation- Who Gets What?

About the author.

Hugo O'Doherty

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Kelia Losa Author Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies https://www.canadianvisa.org/author/kelia-losa-reinoso

David Allon Fact Checker David Allon is a fact-checker and a professional and knowledgeable RCIC consultant with a passion for migration and international policies https://www.canadianvisa.org/about-us/experts/david_allon

We Make Immigration Simple

2022-05-31T01:29:00

2023-05-10T09:06:00

The Ontario PhD Graduate stream aims to offer international students who hold a PhD degree from a designated university in Ontario, the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Ontario.

Immigration

What is the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream and How to Apply in 4 Steps

Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies

Reviewed by David Allon

Reviewed by:

David Allon

A professional and knowledgeable RCIC with a passion for migration and international policies. He will ensure that you are provided with the best immigration service and business guidance on your journey to Canada.

What is the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream and How to Apply in 4 Steps

Ontario is one of Canada's most populous and economically active provinces, with a diverse range of industries and a strong demand for skilled workers. To help meet the province's economic and labour needs, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (PNP) offers several streams for immigration to Ontario, including the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream. This stream is designed to attract international graduates with PhD degrees who have the skills and experience to contribute to Ontario's economy and labour market. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream and outline the application process in four simple steps.

What is Ontario’s PhD Graduate Stream?

Ontario’s PhD Graduate Stream is a program designed for international graduates who have obtained a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university . This program allows graduates to apply for permanent residency in Ontario, Canada. To be eligible for this stream, you must have completed all the degree requirements for your PhD program and must have received your degree within the past two years. Additionally, you must also meet the program's language requirements, demonstrate financial stability, and have legal status in Canada.

To apply for the PhD Graduate Stream, the first step is to register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System. After registering, you will need to wait for an invitation to apply. Once you receive the invitation, you will have 45 calendar days to submit an application online. The application process will require you to submit various documents, including your academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and a settlement plan. The OINP will review your application and assess your eligibility for the program.

If your application is approved, you will receive a nomination from the Ontario government, which means that you have been selected to apply for permanent residency. After receiving the nomination, you will then need to submit an application to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC will conduct security and medical checks and make the final decision on your permanent residency application.

It is important to note that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has implemented the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system , as required by the federal government. This means that any new documents or registrations submitted to the OINP must reflect the new federal NOC 2021 system.

Apply to Ontario’s PhD Graduate Stream in 4 Steps

Step 1: check your eligibility.

Before you apply for the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream, you'll need to ensure that you meet the program's eligibility criteria. This includes having a PhD degree from an eligible institution and having completed at least two years of full-time study in Ontario. You'll also need to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French and have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Ontario. Here is a list of requirements you’ll have to meet:

Receiving an invitation to apply and submitting the application within the specified deadline.
Demonstrating possession of the qualifications claimed in the expression of interest registered with the OINP.
Completing all requirements necessary to obtain a PhD degree from an eligible university in Ontario.
Completing at least two years of PhD studies while legally living and studying in Ontario.
Not receiving a bursary, grant, or scholarship that requires the return to the home country after earning the PhD degree.
Legally living in Ontario for a minimum of one year within the past two years before submitting the application.
Demonstrating sufficient settlement funds to support oneself and any dependent family members upon settling in Canada.
Demonstrating intention to live and work in Ontario after being granted permanent residence.
Having legal status (a visitor record, study permit, or work permit) if applying from within Canada.
Submitting the application within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain the PhD degree.

Step 2: Apply to the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, you can begin the application process for the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream. This involves submitting an online application to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and providing documentation to support your eligibility. You'll also need to pay a non-refundable fee of $1,500 CAD.

Step 3: Receive a Nomination from Ontario

If your application is successful, you'll receive a nomination from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. This nomination will allow you to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the federal government's Express Entry system. You'll receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for your nomination, which will greatly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency

With your nomination in hand, you can now apply for permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry. This involves submitting a complete application for permanent residency, including all required documentation and fees. If your application is approved, you and your family members will become permanent residents of Canada and be able to enjoy all the benefits of living and working in Ontario.

What’s an Expression Of Interest (EOI)?

An EOI is the process where the applicant indicates their interest in applying to a given stream through an invitation to apply (ITA). This registration step will indicate to the OINP that you wish to receive an ITA to be nominated.

Before applying for permanent residency in Canada through OINP, you must register to receive an ITA before you can directly apply to a given stream.

According to the official website of the Ontario government, OINP is driven by an Expression Of Interest (EOI) system to manage applicants. The program comprises the following streams:

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
Masters Graduate stream
PhD Graduate stream
Entrepreneur stream

Registering an EOI and going through the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada through OINP are two separate steps. They function independently from each other and are not the same thing.

Before applying to a stream, let’s look at how to register an EOI.

When an international student registers an EOI, OINP will detect relevant information of the applicant. This is used to determine eligibility and labour market needs. Below are some relevant pointers for registering an EOI.

You can register an EOI and create a profile on the OINP e-filing portal.
Registration of an EOI does not guarantee an ITA and an ITA does not guarantee a certificate of nomination.
Applicants should ensure that they understand and meet the stream requirements.
Candidates who get an ITA need to demonstrate that they’re eligible for the stream they’ve applied to.
Information that applicants provide in their EOI must be honest and valid.This will later be evaluated. Failure in providing honest and accurate information will result in the application being denied, a penalty or prosecution.
Applicants who receive an ITA must apply to the desired stream within 14 calendar days from the date you received the invitation.
Applicants should have the necessary supporting documents ready. These documents must be scanned and uploaded in your online application.

Fees and costs

The official website of the Ontario government outlines the following costs to apply:

For the Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, and Employer Job Offer:

International Student streams, the application fee is $1,500.

The application fee for employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and In-Demand Skills streams:

$1,500 if the job offer is outside of the Greater Toronto Area
$2,000 if the job offer is within the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York and Peel regions)

The above fees are used for the processing of your application. They must be paid with either Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard and Mastercard Debit.

PhD Graduate Stream Scoring Factors

After you’ve registered your EOI under the chosen stream, points will be assigned to you for each scoring factor. Have your supporting documents ready for submission to validate each scoring factor. You will be ranked according to the following factors as outlined by the Ontario Government’s official website.

Employment / Labour Market Factors

Duration-Cumulative, full-time or part-time equivalent.

12 Months or more – 4 points
Less than 12 months – 0 points
NOC TEER 1 – 3 points
NOC TEER 2 – 0 points
NOC TEER 3 – 0 points
NOC TEER 4 – 0 points
NOC S TEER 5 – 0 points

Based on a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency in the last five years.

$40k or more earnings in a year – 3 points
Less than $40k earnings in a year – 0 points

Field of study

Engineering – 10 points
Health care – 10 points
Math and Computer Science – 9 points
Business and Administration – 7 points
Trades – 7 points
Social, Legal, Education and Science – 6 points
Arts and Humanities – 5 points

Canadian education experience

When it comes to education experience, the student should have obtained a qualification under a degree or diploma program from a Canadian public institution. The qualification should take a minimum of two years to complete on a full-time basis.

Alternatively, the applicant should be registered under a degree, diploma or certificate program from a Canadian public institution that should take one year to complete on a full-time basis. However, the program should require a degree as an admission requirement. Below are the points allocated for:

More than one Canadian credential – 10 points
One Canadian credential – 5 points

Official language ability

CLB 9 or higher – 10 points
CLB 8 – 6 points
CLB 7 – 4 points
CLB 6 or lower – 0 points

Knowledge of official languages

2 Official Languages – 10 points
1 Official Language – 5 points

Regionalization

Location of study

Outside GTA – 10 points
Inside GTA – 6 points

International students in Canada who are applying for the PhD Graduate Stream through OINP will also need to have the following supporting documents at hand. These documents must be scanned and uploaded with your application:

identity documents
status documents in Canada
residency in Ontario documents
education documents
documents that show you meet the settlement funds requirement
expression of interest selection factors
any other supporting documents, where applicable

Why Choose Ontario

If you're considering pursuing a PhD in Canada, Ontario should be at the top of your list. With its excellent universities, top-notch research facilities, and strong economy, Ontario is an ideal destination for students looking to advance their academic and professional careers.

One of the primary reasons to choose Ontario for your PhD studies is the quality of its academic institutions. Ontario is home to some of the best universities in Canada and the world, including the University of Toronto , the University of Waterloo , and McMaster University. These universities offer a wide range of PhD programs across various disciplines, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and world-renowned faculty members.

Moreover, Ontario has a strong economy and is home to many of Canada's leading industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. This means that there are excellent job opportunities for PhD graduates, both in academia and industry. Many of the universities in Ontario have close ties to local businesses and industries, which provides students with opportunities for internships, co-op placements, and research collaborations.

In addition to the academic and job opportunities, Ontario also offers a streamlined immigration process through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) PhD Graduate Stream. This program allows international PhD graduates from eligible Ontario universities to apply for permanent residency in Ontario without needing a job offer.

The PhD Graduate Stream provides a pathway for highly skilled international students to stay in Ontario and contribute to the province's economy and research community. By choosing to pursue a PhD in Ontario and taking advantage of the PhD Graduate Stream, you can enhance your academic and professional credentials while also increasing your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Stay in Ontario

If you're an international student dreaming of becoming a permanent resident in Canada, we've got good news for you. It may not be as complicated as you think, especially if you get the right guidance. We've put together a helpful guide on the Ontario PhD Graduate stream that lays out the steps in a practical and realistic way. But if you'd rather leave the paperwork to the pros, consider reaching out to a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who can give you personalized advice and support throughout the process.

How do PhD Students get PR in Canada?

If you’re an international student in Canada, you can apply for permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Before you can apply directly to the OINP PhD Graduate stream, you must register an Expression Of Interest (EOI) first. Thereafter, check that you have the necessary supporting documents which would have to validate the information you provided in your EOI. If you’re an eligible PhD graduate, you do not need a job offer to apply to the stream for permanent residency.

How Do I Submit my EOI for Ontario?

A good place to start is to register an EOI here, create a profile on the OINP e-filing portal and follow the instructions further. Candidates must ensure they’re eligible by knowing the stream requirements before applying. You can only apply to the stream once you’ve registered an EOI. Thereafter, you’ll receive an ITA for a nomination.

How Many Points do You Need for EOI?

The system is driven by an expression of interest system to manage applicants. Applicants must score a certain number of points for each scoring factor. This will determine if the candidate.

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Canada welcoming foreign PhD students as permanent residents

Under the new framework, PhD students who have completed two years of a doctoral programme and are in good standing at a recognised institution can apply for permanent residency under the skilled-workers programme. Graduates who are a year out of their programme are also eligible. Up to 1 000 international PhD students are expected to be accepted every year as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Ontario PhD Graduate Stream

The Ontario PhD Graduate stream gives international students, who have graduated from a PhD program at an eligible university in Ontario, the opportunity to immigrate permanently to Ontario without the requirement of a job offer.

Applicants who are successfully nominated under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP's) PhD Graduate Stream may apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent resident status.

Eligible PhD graduates do not need a job offer to apply.

For more information on the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream, this page will cover the following topics:

Eligibility Requirements
Application Process
Who is not Eligible to apply for the PhD Graduate Stream?
Eligible Ontario Universities

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the OINP PhD Graduate Stream, individuals must:

Have completed all the necessary requirements to obtain a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university with at least two years of the degree requirements completed while lawfully living and studying in Ontario;
The applicant will be required to provide documentation with his or her full name and address in Ontario to prove that this requirement is met. For example, phone bill, car insurance, hydro/energy bill, leasing document, etc.
Dependent family members include: Spouse or common-law-partner, children under the age of 22 and their children.
Submit the application within two years of the date on which the PhD was granted;
Intend to live and work in Ontario; and
The OINP accepts applications from potential applicants who are on maintained status at the time of applying.

Settlement Funds

Potential applicants to the OINP PhD Graduate Stream can demonstrate they have sufficient funds to economically establish themselves in Canada through one or a combination of the following:

Funds as demonstrated by the balance listed in bank statements, or statements of accounts showing other investments such as non-locked in, fixed term deposits, mutual funds, etc;
Annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario; and/or
A job offer in Ontario.

If an applicant uses employment or a job offer in Ontario to meet the settlement funds requirement, he or she must include an employment contract/job offer letter indicating the position, hours of work, and wage. If currently working in Ontario, the applicant must provide two (most) recent pay slips as proof of funds.

Ties to Ontario

While potential applicants to the PhD Graduate Stream do not need to be residing in the province at the time of applying, all applicants must intend to reside in Ontario.

Potential PhD Graduate Stream applicants can demonstrate a connection to Ontario by listing his or her ties to the province, which can include:

Current and/or previous employment in Ontario;
Job offers or jobs applied/interviewed for in Ontario;
Education in Ontario;
Volunteer work in Ontario;
Lease agreements for a residence in Ontario or property ownership;
Professional networks and affiliations;
Family ties;
Social connections or personal relationships; and/or
Previous visits to Ontario.

Application Period

An applicant's degree must be dated within two years of the OINP application submission date. For example, if the degree is dated June 1, 2017, the eligible graduate must apply before June 1, 2019. If the degree has not yet been granted, the applicant can use the date indicated on an official letter from the academic institution indicating when the degree will be granted.

Application Process

Before applying.

Prior to submitting an application, the OINP encourages potential applicants to review the eligibility criteria, document checklist, and ensure that the application is complete. All documents uploaded to Ontario's e-Filing portal must be clear and legible.

The OINP may request additional documents from PhD Graduate Stream applicants during the processing of the application.

Applying for the PhD Graduate Stream online through the OINP's e-Filing portal may take approximately two hours to complete.

Once a registration to apply is submitted through the OINP's online system, the applicant has 14 calendar days to complete and submit the application or the registration will expire and get withdrawn. The OINP encourages applicants to complete an application before submitting a payment. Once an application is submitted to the OINP, the applicant will not be able to make any changes.

Applicants are responsible for the translation and notarization of any supporting documents that are not in English or French. It is the responsibility of the applicant to locate a certified translator accredited by the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) and/or obtain a notarization of documents translated by a translator not certified by the ATIO.

If an applicant located in Ontario is not able to find a certified translator accredited by the ATIO, the translation must be notarized. A letter explaining the reasoning and efforts taken to locate a certified translator must included with the application.

If applying from outside Ontario, the translation must be notarized. If deemed insufficient, the OINP may require applicants to obtain a translation from a certified translator accredited by the ATIO. Translations completed by the applicant, their representative, or others with personal ties to the applicant will not be accepted even if these individuals are considered certified translators.

After Applying

If the OINP considers an application to be incomplete, individuals looking to apply for the OINP PhD Graduate Stream will be required to resubmit a new application. The OINP may consider an application to be incomplete if inaccurate supporting documents are provided or documents that require translation are not certified or notarized.

Applicants who believe the OINP's decision was made in error may request an internal review of the application within 30 calendar days of receiving the notice of the decision (if residing in Canada) or within 60 calendar days if residing overseas. The request must not include any evidence that was not submitted to the program before the decision was made unless the evidence was not reasonably available at the time of applying. The OINP's internal review decision is final.

If the application is successful, applicants will be issued a Letter of Nomination (Nomination Approval Letter) and a Confirmation of Nomination (OINP Certificate of Nomination).

The next step after obtaining a nomination from the OINP is to submit a Canadian permanent residence application to IRCC within six (6) months of being nominated by the OINP. Applicants must include a copy of both the Letter of Nomination and the OINP Confirmation of Nomination with their permanent residence application to IRCC.

The OINP states that a nomination does not guarantee the approval of an application for Canadian permanent residence with IRCC. The OINP requires that nominees continue to demonstrate, on a reasonable basis, the intention to reside in Ontario.

While nominations are valid for a six-month period, the nominee may submit a request for an extension of the Nomination Certificate if it is no longer valid and:

IRCC returns the permanent residence application due to incompleteness requiring the submission of a new application; or
the nominee is experiencing delays in securing supporting documents for the permanent residence application (i.e. a police criminal record check) and has not yet applied to IRCC.

The OINP has an immigration stream dedicated to international students who have a master's degree from an eligible Ontario university. Learn about the OINP Masters Graduate Stream .

Who is not Eligible to Apply for the PhD Graduate Stream?

The following individuals are not eligible to apply under the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream:

Individuals who have not yet completed their PhD degree. The OINP will not accept applications from international students who are in their final semester of studies. Applicants must have met all the degree requirements at the time of application.
Individuals who completed their PhD degree more than two years ago.
Individuals who are the recipient of a grant, bursary, or scholarship that requires them to return to their home country or another jurisdiction (another Canadian province/territory or another country) after the completion of their studies (provided that the obligations have not been fulfilled).
Individuals who currently live in Canada without legal status.

Eligible Ontario Universities

To apply for the PhD Graduate Stream, the PhD degree must be completed at one of the following universities:

Brock University
Carleton University
Dominican University College
Lakehead University
Laurentian University
McMaster University
Nipissing University
Queen’s University
Royal Military College of Canada
Ryerson University
Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
Trent University
University of Guelph
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
University of Ottawa
University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
University of Toronto
University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
University of Waterloo
University of Windsor
Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
Western University
Wilfrid Laurier University
York University

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4 ways international students can become Canadian PRs in 2023

It could soon be easier for international students to become permanent residents in Canada . On Nov.1, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced a new policy to attract 1.45 million immigrants between 2023 and 2025.

This comes after Statistics Canada revealed that immigrants made up 23% of the country’s population in 2022.

Fraser’s announcement couldn’t have come at a better time since he recently announced a “ five-pillar plan ” to address the country’s overflowing application backlog toward meeting its ambitious immigration target.

“Temporary foreign workers and international students play an important role in Canada’s economy and that is why the government aims to enable greater pathways to permanent residency,” the official statement read.

In light of this, consider these pathways if you want to become a permanent resident in Canada after graduating:

Canada is turning squarely toward foreigners to address its labour shortage and has set record-breaking immigration targets of bringing in 1.45 million immigrants between 2023 to 2025. Source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

Becoming a permanent resident in Canada: 3 options to explore in 2023

1. provincial nominee programme.

A Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) allows a province to nominate a foreign national for Canadian permanent residency. Once the person is nominated, they can apply to become a permanent resident.

The provinces and territories that run a PNP, according to the Canadian government’s website , include Ontario , Alberta, British Columbia, and more.

Each province has its streams (immigration programmes that target specific groups) and requirements. A province may target students, business people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers in a stream.

Take the Ontario PNP , for example. Consider this option if:

You have recently graduated with a job offer in Ontario
You have a master’s degree or PhD at an Ontario university

2. Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system that manages applications from skilled workers looking to settle in Canada as permanent residents. It includes three categories , namely the:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP)

Of these three routes, many found success through the CEC — one of the fastest routes to a Canadian PR. It only takes four months to process, provided you are eligible for CEC.

You need to have at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience (or an equivalent amount for part-time jobs) in Canada. You should acquire them within the previous three years from the date that you applied for CEC.

Here’s the catch: your work experience gained during a period of full-time study does not count towards the 12-month requirement , so international students cannot count work experience gained during their studies.

Have family living in Canada? The family class immigration programme is a great option for you to become a permanent resident. Source: Geoff Robins/AFP

3. Family Sponsorship

Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen? If you do, check out the family class immigration programme .

This programme reunites Canadian permanent residents with close family members. By sponsoring members of the family class, the sponsors are responsible for covering the basic needs of family members so they would not need to rely on social assistance.

International students qualify for this programme as the person seeking sponsorship can be a dependent child or sibling.

4. Post Graduate Work Permit

You may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) if you have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Depending on the duration of your studies, a PGWP can be issued for up to three years. With this, you can stay and work in the country.

Can you apply for the PGWP? Click here to see if you meet the requirements.

If you want to become a permanent resident of Canada, this also comes in very handy as the work experience will help you in applying for a PNP or the Express Entry.

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Canadian immigration easier for international PhD students

Canada is making it easier for foreign PhD students with two years completed PhD study to become permanent residents.

The Department of Immigration aims to accept up to 1,000 international PhD students per year as permanent residents through the federal skilled worker visa program.

The Canadian immigration department is encouraging immigration of PhD students as the country needs more people with knowledge in the field of science, technology, engineering and math.

Beginning 5, November 2011, international PhD students will be eligible to submit applications for processing and receive federal skilled worker visas. To be eligible, students must have completed at least two years of study toward a PhD and remain in good academic standing at a provincially recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada.

Canadian immigration selects visa applicants under the skilled worker visa category based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English or French, and other criteria that they say have been shown to allow in skilled immigrants most likely to become economically active and find suitable work in Canada.

Recent graduates from Canadian PhD programs will also be eligible to apply, so long as they apply within 12 months of their graduation.

"This initiative will provide Canadian universities with one more competitive edge in attracting and retaining top international talent to pursue their doctoral studies in Canada," said Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. "We welcome this announcement."

International students account for about one-quarter of the students enrolled in Canadian PhD programs.

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Permanent Residency

For more information, consult Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Opportunities Ontario .

Keeping your immigration status current

For visa or study/work permit extensions, apply at least 30 days in advance of expiration.
Be sure to start your passport renewal process at least 6 months in advance of expiration.
Your visa/study permit will only be issued for the duration of your passport. So if you passport is near expiration, you should renew that first and then apply for the permit extension.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you have “implied status” and can continue to study/work under the same conditions as your expired permit. So if the process takes longer than 30 days, you’re still good.
If you let your study/work permit lapse, you have 90 days during which you can apply for restoration. It costs more and you don’t have implied status (i.e., you can’t continue to attend U of T until it is restored). So it’s really important not to let your permit lapse.

Online applications will be processed faster than paper applications, so applying online is usually your best choice. If you do use a paper application, use registered mail for any material sent to CIC.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Following graduation, you may apply for a post-graduation work permit that will allow you stay in Canada and work. It’s an open work permit. You don’t need a job offer to apply, and once received you can work for anyone, anywhere in Canada.

The Post Graduation Work Permit is a once-in-a-lifetime offer. So if you are completing your master’s and think you may want to go on to a PhD, you only get it once, either at the end of your master’s program or at the end of your PhD program.

You must apply within 90 days of receiving formal, written notification that you have completed your program requirements. Your study permit must be valid at the time you apply.

The work permit is good for a period equal to the period of your study, up to 2 years.

There are three paths to permanent residency for students:

Federal Skilled Worker’s Program
Canadian Experience Class Program
Provincial Nomination Program.

You can apply along multiple tracks, except for the Provincial Nomination Program, for which you can only apply through one province.

The Federal Skilled Worker’s Program

There are three categories:

Skilled workers with an offer of employment
Skilled workers in special categories without an offer of employment (probably doesn’t apply to any of us)
PhD students who have completed 2 years of their program or who have graduated within the last 12 months

For the PhD student track:

1000 applications will be processed each year.
You must have completed at least 2 years of the program or graduated within the last 12 months.
You must have current, valid immigration status to apply.
You must not have received a grant requiring return to your home country.
You must be in good academic standing if still a student.
You must pass the IELTS or TEF language test.
You must demonstrate sufficient savings/income (about $12K for an individual)
Pass CIC criminal/medical/not-a-terrorist screening

Canadian Experience Class

You must have graduated.
You must have current, valid immigration status at time of application.
You must have 2 years of study in Canada (can include undergraduate work).
You must have 1 year of work experience in Canada after graduation at the NOC O, A, or B level (i.e., professional/skilled work, not at Tim Horton’s).
You don’t have to remain in Canada while the application is processed.

Provincial Nominee Program

If you know what province you want to stay in, this is probably the fastest and easiest way for a graduating student to get permanent residency. Provinces can fast track permanent residency applications for those intending to work in the province. The requirements vary by province. The following applies to Ontario.

The province can nominate 1000 students per calendar year for permanent residency. In 2011 the quota was reached in mid-December, so you can apply pretty much any time.

PhD students:

You must intend to live and work in Ontario.
Apply within 2 years after graduation. You may apply after you’ve successfully defended their thesis.
Pay $1500 fee. Fee is non-refundable, but if the quota is reached, your application rolls over to the next year, and you don’t need to repay.
That’s it. No other requirements.

MA students:

You must not be contemplating further study. (No outstanding PhD program applications.)
Apply within 2 years after graduation.
MA students can apply in their final semester.
Currently residing in Ontario with legal status (e.g., study/work permit).
Resided in Ontario for 1 year out of the last 2 years.
Demonstrate sufficient savings/income (about $12K for an individual)
Pass the IELTS or TEF language test.
Pay $1500 fee. Fee is non-refundable, but if the quota is reached, your application rolls over to next year, and you don’t need to repay.

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IRCC Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024 – International Students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages the International Student Program and issues study permits to foreign nationals seeking study in Canada.
The objectives of the international student program are for Canada to be a destination of choice for top international students, and to establish a pool of talent for workers and/or permanent immigrants, ultimately providing economic and social benefits to Canada.
Currently, the International Student Program is demand-driven. On December 31, 2023, there were over 930K international students in Canada.
Under existing Federal regulations, Provincial/Territorial ministries of education are solely responsible for designating institutions eligible to host international students, while IRCC processes study permits for those accepted to the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) identified by the provinces and territories (PTs).
International students are a significant and growing contributor to the economy.
After accounting for Canadian scholarships and bursaries, the total annual expenditures of international students, including their visiting families and friends, contributed $30.9B (i.e. 1.2%) to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2022. There was a 123% increase in study permits issued between 2019 and 2023.
Canada’s ranking as a top destination for international students has moved from 7th place in 2015 to 3rd in 2022.
International students are also a promising pool of talent to be tapped for temporary work or permanent residency. However, the volume of international students in Canada has grown exponentially in recent years, highlighting a number of challenges related to program integrity, student vulnerability, pressure on communities, including on housing, and lack of diversity. The education sector has also become increasingly reliant on international students as a source of revenue.
India (40%)
China (10%)
Philippines (5%)
Ontario (52%)
British Columbia (18%)
Quebec (11%)
College (42%)
University (38%)
Primary/secondary (14%)
Language (2%)

Current Program

Study phase.

Foreign nationals destined to academic, professional or vocational training programs that are longer than six months in duration require a study permit.
Be accepted at a DLI in Canada.
Meet admissibility requirements (i.e., financial, security and medical).
Unaccompanied minors who are international students must have a custodianship arrangement in place at the time of application for a study permit to ensure there are adequate arrangements in place for the care and support of the child while in Canada.
Post-secondary DLIs report to IRCC twice annually on the enrollment status of international students, allowing IRCC officers to investigate those who may be non-compliant and take action against them.
Faster processing is available through the Student Direct Stream for those who meet upfront criteria (e.g., health, financial) in select markets (e.g., India, China, Philippines, Colombia, Vietnam).
Eligible students can work on and off-campus and participate in co-op programs during their studies. Off-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week, although this limit is currently waived by public policy until April 30, 2024, at which time the 20 hour limit will return. Currently, international students who want to participate in co-op work programs are required to apply for a separate co-op work permit, which requires that the work component be no more than 50% of the overall program.
International student graduates of public universities and colleges are eligible for an open work permit up to a maximum of three years, based on the duration of their program of study (i.e., Post-Graduation Work Permit).
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program is a component of the International Mobility Program, which enables employers to hire temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Private Career Colleges are excluded, with the exception of those in Quebec.
Accompanying spouses may be eligible for work permits.
All pathways to permanent residence (e.g., economic, family immigration programs) are available to international student graduates.
Bonus points are awarded in Express Entry for Canadian study and work experience in permanent residency programs (e.g., Canadian Experience Class).

Recent Developments

IRCC has undertaken a comprehensive review of the International Student Program to address challenges stemming from the rapid growth of the program, including: related to program integrity (i.e., unscrupulous actors), student vulnerability, pressure on housing (especially in urban centres), barriers to equitable access, and work authorizations. This has included consultations with PTs, and national associations representing the education sector.
The increase in the number of international students has been a boon for the Canadian economy. However, there have been recent concerns around program integrity (i.e. unscrupulous actors), student vulnerabilities, and pressure on housing especially in urban centers due to increased volumes.
Management of the international student program requires ongoing collaboration with PTs given their responsibility for education. PTs have expressed concerns regarding changes to the international student program that they see as federal overreach.

Caps on Applications

On January 22, 2024, IRCC set an intake cap on most international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. To achieve this target, the national cap will be set on study permit applications at approximately 600K, resulting in about 360K study permits approved in 2024, a 35% reduction from 2023, at current approval rates.
In the spirit of fairness, individual provincial and territorial caps have been established, weighted by population, which will result in much more significant decreases in provinces where the international student population has seen the most unsustainable growth.
Provincial allocations have not yet been determined. It is expected that the Minister will be engaging his provincial and territorial counterparts in the week following the announcement to socialize some preliminary numbers (based on IRCC advice) and to hear how they plan to implement the attestation letter process.
IRCC will be responsible for tracking provincial and territorial allocations; meanwhile, PTS will be responsible for distributing their allocation among their designated learning institutions.
PTs are expected to establish a process for issuing attestation letters to students by no later than March 31, 2024.
Exemption to the cap include: study permit renewals; graduate (i.e. master's and doctoral) students; and elementary and secondary students; and dependents of those who are coming here to work or study. Current study permit holders are also not be affected.
These temporary measures will be in place for two years, and the number of new study permit applications that will be accepted in 2025 will be re-assessed at the end of this year.
To date, PTs reaction has been mixed – details of allocations, calculations/assumptions and implementation have been the main areas of concern. Some PTs are favourable of the decision (such as British Columbia) while others such as Quebec and New Brunswick have expressed concern that caps will potentially be harmful. IRCC is regularly engaging with PTs at the Assistant Deputy Minister and Director-level.
Similarly, national education associations are also keen to obtain more information on allocations, exemptions and impact of the cap on previously announced International Student Program reform measures (i.e. Recognized Institutions Framework [the RIF]). Further discussions with national associations and their members, are being scheduled for the coming weeks.

Post-Graduation Work

Access to work opportunities after graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and the potential for permanent residence based on that work experience, is one of the factors that appears to be driving increased demand. PGWP holders make up 26% of the International Mobility Program, i.e., the LMIA-exempt stream for temporary foreign workers. The PGWP increased by 214% in 2023 compared to 2018.
Starting September 1, 2024, international students who begin a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation. Under curriculum licensing agreements, students physically attend a private college that has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college. These programs have seen significant growth in attracting international students in recent years, though they have less oversight than public colleges and they act as a loophole with regards to post-graduation work permit eligibility.
In recognition that graduates of master’s degree programs are excellent candidates to succeed in Canada’s labour market and potentially transition to permanent residence, they will soon be eligible for a three-year PGWP even though the length of their study program may have been less than two years. To date, the length of a PGWP has generally been based on the length of the program from which the international student has graduated, up to a maximum of three years.
Work is also underway to re-align the program to better meet targeted labour market needs and immigration objectives.
The goal of re-aligning labour market needs is to facilitate access to work permits for students entering occupations in shortage, while reducing access for graduates from other programs. This could have a significant impact on the volume of international students and PGWP holders, if stringent tapering is applied to programs with lower labour market relevance. Advice on this issue will be provided to the Minister in spring 2024, with the goal of implementing changes in January 2025.
Long-term solutions are required to enhance client service, better protect international students, and address capacity constraints, in view of maintaining Canada’s reputation as a destination of choice.
As of December 30, 2023, 80% of study permit applications were processed within 58 days and study permit extensions were processed within 77 days. These processing timelines are below the service standard timelines of 60 days for study permits and 120 days for study permit extensions.

Spouses of International Students

In the weeks ahead, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.

Recognized Institutions Framework

We are currently developing a Recognized Institutions Framework (the RIF). While the original plan was to implement the RIF for the fall 2024 academic semester, given that PTs and institutions will now be focussed on managing their cap, IRCC is recommending to delay the launch to 2025.
The goal of the RIF is to incentivize DLIs to meet a higher standard in terms of international student recruitment, international student support (including housing), and post-graduate outcomes.
Drawing on Government of Canada data (IRCC and Statistics Canada) as well as data from eligible DLI (collected via survey), the RIF will rank eligible DLIs according to indicators developed by IRCC in consultation with PTs and a sample of public DLIs. Eligible DLIs will then be ranked in tiers based on their results with higher tiers being provided faster processing. Those not eligible under the framework for the pilot year will be subject to regular processing standards.
The current recommendation is that the first year of the Framework focus on publicly universities and colleges with more than 50 study permit approvals in each of the last three years. The program would then expand to private institutions in the second year.

Letter of Acceptance Verification

In response to concerns about fraud in the international student program, as of December 1, 2023, post-secondary DLIs are now required to confirm every applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC. This new, enhanced verification process aims to protect prospective students from letter of acceptance fraud and to help them avoid similar problems that some students faced earlier this year as a result of fraud investigations. It will also ensure that study permits are issued based only on genuine letters of acceptance.
As of January 11, 2024, the new verification system has identified 1,813 potentially fraudulent letters of acceptance out of 60,887 applications. An additional 1,197 letters of acceptance were flagged by DLIs as having been changed after they were issued, which while not necessarily indicating fraud or misuse, would require further review and action by the processing officer.

Equitable Access Pilot

In response to recommendations raised in a 2022 Report from the Parliamentary Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM), IRCC is currently developing an Equitable Access pilot to alleviate barriers that prospective students face to accessing the International Students Program. This pilot would focus particularly on applicants from underrepresented regions that face high study permit refusal rates (e.g. Africa). Options are under development in view of a fall 2024 launch.

Francophone Immigration Student Pilot

IRCC is currently developing a pilot to increase the number of French-speaking international students studying in Francophone Minority Communities (FMC). The objectives of this pilot include reducing barriers to the attraction of students destined to study in FMCs; increasing access to study permits; and improving integration in order to foster the retention of more French-speaking students as permanent residents after graduation in FMCs. Options are under development in view of a fall 2024 launch.

Other Work Pathways

In addition to changes to work opportunities after graduation through the post-graduation work permit, we are also examining work authorization during studies. IRCC is currently examining whether to increase the 20 hour limit on off-campus work to 30 hours per week, which would require a Regulatory amendment. We are also examining whether and how to facilitate programs that integrate studies with work experience (e.g., co-op, internships, apprenticeships, etc.), including streamlining the co-op work permit.

Key Takeaways

Attracting, selecting, and retaining top international students continues to be an important responsibility for IRCC. However, unparalleled growth in study permits and post-graduation work permits has led to concerns regarding program integrity, supports for students, and student vulnerability.
The potential to work and remain permanently after graduation can benefit Canada by retaining talented, Canadian educated students. However, it is also a driver for high volumes and program integrity concerns, and leads to expectations amongst students that may not be met due to lack of alignment with permanent resident levels.
Tapering intake, promoting quality education, and improving work pathways is necessary to improve student well-being, alleviate pressures on the community, and ensure the program focus on students who are well placed to succeed in Canada. At the same time, we will need to address barriers to access for students from under-represented regions, including French-speaking students seeking to study in FMCs.

Annex - Public Policies and other facilitation measures for International Students - 2020 to January 2024

Those highlighted in green are currently in place.

Off-campus work hours – in effect until April 30, 2024

Amended temporary public policy to lift the limitation that eligible study permit holders can work without a work permit no more than 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions .

Effective November 15, 2022 – April 30, 2024

This is an amendment to the Temporary public policy to lift the limitation that eligible study permit holders can work without a work permit no more than 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions that was announced on October 7, 2022, which allowed international students whose study permit application had been received by IRCC on or before that date to work more than 20 hours/week off campus if attending a DLI and in a course longer than six months leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.

The amended public policy signed on November 15, 2022 changed the expiry date from December 31, 2023 to April 30, 2024. It continues to be applicable to study permit holders whose application was received by IRCC on or before October 7, 2022.

Second temporary public policy to lift the limitation that eligible study permit holders can work without a work permit no more than 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions .

Effective January 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024

This temporary public policy allows an additional cohort of study permit holders to work more than 20 hours/week off campus if attending a DLI and in a course longer than six months leading to a degree, diploma or certificate, scoping in study permit holders whose application was received by IRCC between October 8, 2022 and December 7, 2023.

Public Policy Concerning Work Performed by International Students in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic .

In effect from March 18 to August 31, 2020

This public policy allowed international students to work more than 20 hours/week during an academic session if they were working in an essential service or function.

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Three successive public policies enabled PGWP holders whose permit had expired to apply for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months. The first was launched in 2021, and the last was in effect until December 31, 2023. These public policies were intended to address pandemic-related pressures and acute labour market needs.
In December 2023, Minister Miller confirmed that this facilitative measure would not be extended again, marking a return to the pre-pandemic policy that a person may only get one PGWP in their lifetime.
In effect from April 6, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Eligibility: Facilitated access to 18 months open work permit to those with expiring PGWP between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2023.
In effect from April 13 – December 31, 2022
Eligibility: Facilitated access to 18 month open work permit to those who had a PGWP expiring between September 20, 2021 and December 31, 2022.
In effect from January 27, 2021 – July 27, 2021
Eligibility: Facilitated access to 18 month open work permit to foreign nationals who had a PGWP expiring between January 20, 2020, and November 27, 2021.

Distance learning facilitation measures Footnote 1

For international students who started their program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on or before August 31, 2022.

At the height of the pandemic, temporary measures were introduced to help mitigate the impact of travel and health restrictions on international students and Canada’s international education sector. These measures allowed international students to complete up to 100% of their studies at a DLI online from outside Canada without impacting their eligibility for, and the length of, their PGWP.

For international students who began or will begin their program of study at a Designated Learning Institution between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2024.

In August 2022, IRCC introduced reduced distance learning facilitation measures to continue to allow international students to complete some of their studies online from outside Canada without it adversely affecting their eligibility for a PGWP. While international students were again required to complete at least 50% of their program of study from within Canada (in class or online) to maintain eligibility for a PGWP, the reduced facilitation measures allowed them to count PGWP-eligible studies completed online from outside Canada towards the length of a future PGWP as long as they constitute less than 50% of the program of study.

For international students who start their program of study on or after September 1, 2024.

As of September 1, 2024, we will resume pre-pandemic policies indicating, specifically, that an international student must complete at least 50% of their studies in person in a classroom in Canada, and that any semesters spent studying from abroad will be deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit.

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Getting PR after graduating from a master's or PhD program as an
It may now be easier for students who come to Canada for a master's or Ph.D. program to obtain permanent residence (PR). On February 15, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) enacted a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policy that was first announced on January 22 as one of many changes coming to Canada's international student system.
Permanent residence for students
Permanent residence for students. View and print all answers for this topic. General. Canadian Experience Class. Date modified: 2024-05-10. Results by topic - Permanent residence for students.
I am an international student in Canada. How can I apply to become a
Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry ...
I have a PhD and am in a post-doctoral program. Do I qualify for the
Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Work in Canada after you graduate: Find your path to permanent
last at least 1 year from the date permanent residence is granted. be for an employer in Atlantic Canada. You must have graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada. Program must have been at least 2 years. Rural Northern Immigration Pilot.
Getting a permanent residency in Canada with an Ontario PhD: Your
Here's a summary of the eligibility requirements for the scheme: Have obtained a PhD from an eligible Ontario university with at least two years completed while legally studying and living in the province. Submit your application within two years after receiving your PhD. Must have legally resided in Ontario for at least two years before ...
New pathway to permanent residency for over
April 14, 2021—Ottawa—Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced an innovative pathway to permanent residence for over 90,000 essential workers and international graduates who are actively contributing to Canada's economy. These special public policies will grant permanent status to temporary workers and international ...
Permanent Residence (PR) for international students
Quebec's two main permanent residence programs have streams designed for international students in Quebec: Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): This program requires students to have completed their program of study or to be within 6 months of completing their studies at an institution in Quebec. To qualify for PEQ, an international student must ...
OINP PhD Graduate stream
The PhD Graduate stream gives international graduates with an Ontario PhD degree the opportunity to apply to permanently live and work in Ontario. You must first register in the OINP's Expression of Interest System and receive an invitation to apply before you can apply online to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence.
Studying in Canada as a permanent resident
Want to study Psychology at the University of Toronto? That's just under $7,000 per year as a permanent resident, rather than $45,000-50,000 per year as an international student. Similar differences exist across a range of study programs and in practically every university and college across Canada.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
The Federal Government and the Provincial Governments in Canada have developed various pathways to allow temporary residents to become "Permanent Residents" (PR) and remain in Canada "permanently" as a first step towards becoming Canadian citizens. To comprehend the requirements for these programs; you first need to understand:
Apply for permanent residence: Express Entry
Follow these steps to fill out the online form: Sign in to your account. Click the link to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry. When filling out the form: make sure you submit all of the required documents. all of your answers must be complete and true. make sure all the mandatory fields are completed, or you won't be able to ...
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The Ontario PhD Graduate stream aims to offer international students who hold a PhD degree from a designated university in Ontario, the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Ontario. Kelia Losa Author Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies https://www.canadianvisa ...
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Paths to permanent residency and immigration in Canada. Many international students and their families have made Canada their home and become citizens. You could too! Find out different ways to continue building your life in Canada after graduation. Just over 1.3 million new immigrants settled permanently in Canada from 2016 to 2021, the ...
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Can I apply for permanent residence? As a recent graduate, you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program. You must meet all of the following requirements. You plan to live outside the province of Quebec. You have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) in an occupation at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 in Canada in ...
Canada welcoming foreign PhD students as permanent residents
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Work or live in Canada after you graduate
To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit. Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). If you're not eligible for a PGWP, you may still be able to work in Canada after you graduate. The work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent ...
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Applying for Permanent Residency
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Permanent immigration programs. If you wish to stay in Québec permanently after your studies, you can submit an application for permanent selection in the Québec Experience Program (PEQ) . To be eligible for the PEQ as a Québec graduate, you must meet the selection conditions for Québec graduates . Last update: November 24, 2023.
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IRCC Deputy Minister Transition Binder 2024
There was a 123% increase in study permits issued between 2019 and 2023. Canada's ranking as a top destination for international students has moved from 7th place in 2015 to 3rd in 2022. International students are also a promising pool of talent to be tapped for temporary work or permanent residency. However, the volume of international ...

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