Canada is a great place to study, and the government wants to make it even easier for international students to stay here after graduation.
One way the government is doing this is by creating an easier pathway to permanent residency for international students who graduate in priority fields of study linked to labour market skills gaps.
The government has identified a number of priority fields of study, including:
- Healthcare: This includes occupations such as nurses, doctors, and pharmacists.
- Information technology: This includes occupations such as software developers, web developers, and network administrators.
- Engineering: This includes occupations such as civil engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers.
- Business: This includes occupations such as accountants, financial analysts, and marketing managers.
- Education: This includes occupations such as teachers, professors, and educational administrators.
International students who graduate in one of these priority fields of study may be eligible to apply for a new program called the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. During this time, they can gain valuable work experience and apply for permanent residency.
The government is also considering changes to the Express Entry system that would make it easier for international students who graduate in priority fields of study to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The Express Entry system is a points-based system that is used to select skilled immigrants for permanent residency. Canadian education credentials can boost opportunities for PR.
iCanada can help you make an informed decision if the student pathway can help you and your family with your goals of studying, living and working in Canada. Through a one-on-one consultation, understand your options and apply for the programs that are right for you. Inquire now to get started.
References:
International students to help address Canada’s labour shortage
Canada immigration as a target of welcoming 465,000 new immigrants in 2023
