How to Get PR in Canada After Studying? Full Process & Eligibility Guide

If you’re an Indian student in Canada, you’ve probably thought, “Can I stay here after graduation?” or “How to get PR in Canada?”Most students don’t want to pack up and leave after spending years studying, working part-time, and settling into life in Canada. 

Canada makes it easier for international students to get PR compared to many other countries. With over 425,000 Indian students currently in Canada (IRCC, 2024), more than 60% apply for PR after graduation (CBIE, 2024). 

Why? 

Because Canada actually wants skilled graduates to stay. With programs like Express Entry (CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and post-study work permits, students who study and work in Canada have a clear advantage in getting PR.

So, how to get PR in Canada? 

Let’s talk about eligibility, PR programs, work experience rules, and smart strategies to make your application stronger. 

If you love the life you’ve built in Canada, here’s how to make it permanent!

How to Get PR in Canada for International Students in Canada

Canada offers multiple PR pathways for international students. Some programs are fast and straightforward, while others take longer but offer lower competition. Your chances of PR depend on where you studied, your work experience, and your CRS score.

Note: CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score is the point-based system Canada uses to rank PR applicants. The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of getting PR through Express Entry.

Over 80% of international students who get PR first gain Canadian work experience through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (IRCC, 2024).

Here are the most effective PR pathways for international students:

1. Express Entry – Best for Skilled Workers with Canadian Experience

• Fastest processing time (6 months)
• No job offer required
• Ideal for students with at least 1 year of Canadian work experience

Express Entry Stream	Who is Eligible?	Key Benefit
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	Students with 1+ year of full-time skilled work in Canada	No job offer required
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)	Graduates with skilled work experience outside Canada	Higher CRS score needed
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)	Skilled trade workers (electricians, welders, etc.)	CRS score lower than FSWP

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Best for Lower CRS Scores

• PR pathways available even without Canadian work experience
• Some provinces allow PR without CRS ranking
• Processing time: 6-12 months

Province	PNP Stream for International Graduates	Work Experience Needed?
Ontario (OINP)	Masters/PhD Graduate Stream	No
British Columbia (BC PNP)	International Graduate	Yes (for most streams)
Manitoba (MPNP)	Career Employment Pathway	Yes
Saskatchewan (SINP)	International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream	Yes (business experience required)

Find the best province for PR with our PNP Program Guide.

3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – Easiest PR for Students in Atlantic Canada

• No CRS cut-off – PR is based on an employer’s job offer
• Ideal for students in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and PEI
• Processing time: 6 months

Requirement	AIP PR Criteria
Education	Must have studied in an Atlantic province
Work Experience	1 year in Canada (or job offer)
Job Offer	Required from a designated employer

Studying in an Atlantic province can give you an easier PR pathway!

4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – PR for Students in Smaller Cities

• Lower CRS requirement than Express Entry
• Ideal for students who studied outside Toronto, Vancouver, and other major cities
• Processing time: 6-12 months

Eligible RNIP Communities	Best for Students in	Work Experience Needed?
Thunder Bay, ON	Business, Healthcare, IT	Yes
Brandon, MB	Engineering, Skilled Trades	Yes
Sudbury, ON	Mining, Energy, Tech	Yes
Vernon, BC	Hospitality, Healthcare	Yes

Not sure where to study for easier PR? Read about the Best Cities in Canada to Study.

Eligibility Criteria to Get PR in Canada After Studying

Not every international graduate automatically qualifies for PR. You must meet specific education, work experience, and language requirements to be eligible.

Most PR-approved international graduates apply through Express Entry (CEC) or PNPs, with at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada (IRCC, 2024).

Who Qualifies for PR After Completing Studies?

Requirement	Eligibility Criteria
Education	Completed at least 2 years of full-time study in Canada
Work Experience	Minimum 1 year of skilled work in Canada (Express Entry CEC) or a job offer for PNP/AIP
Language Proficiency	CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0) for Express Entry, CLB 4-6 for PNP/AIP
Valid Work Permit	Most students apply through Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Want to know which jobs improve PR chances? Read about NOC Codes for PR in Canada.

Do You Need a Job Offer for PR?

PR Pathway	Job Offer Required?
Express Entry (CEC)	No
Express Entry (FSWP)	No
PNP (Ontario, BC, Manitoba, etc.)	Some require a job offer
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Yes
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)	Yes

If you don’t have a job offer, Express Entry (CEC) and some PNPs are your best options!

How Long Does It Take to Get PR?

PR Pathway	Processing Time
Express Entry (CEC & FSWP)	6 months
PNP (Ontario, BC, Manitoba, etc.)	6-12 months
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	6 months
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)	6-12 months

For a detailed step-by-step process, check How to Get Canada PR from India.

How Much Work Experience is Needed for PR After Studying in Canada?

If you’re an international student in Canada, you need work experience that meets immigration requirements. But how much work do you actually need? It depends on the PR pathway you choose.

Over 90% of international graduates who get PR in Canada have at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled job (Canadian Immigration Trends Report, 2024).

How Much Work Experience Do You Need for PR?

PR Program	Minimum Work Experience	Job Type Required?
Express Entry (CEC)	1 year (full-time) or 1,560 hours (part-time)	Skilled work (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3)
Express Entry (FSWP)	1 year (full-time) in Canada or abroad	Skilled work (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3)
PNP (Ontario, BC, Manitoba, etc.)	Varies by province (some require work experience, others don’t)	Depends on the province
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	1 year of work in an Atlantic province	NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)	1 year in a participating rural community	NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

What Counts as Skilled Work for PR?

Not every job qualifies for PR. Canada classifies jobs into TEER levels (Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities) under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). You need work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 to qualify for PR.

NOC TEER Level	Job Type	Examples
TEER 0	Management Jobs	Marketing Manager, IT Director
TEER 1	Professional Jobs (Degree Required)	Engineer, Accountant, Software Developer
TEER 2	Technical Jobs (Diploma/Apprenticeship Required)	Computer Technician, Electrician
TEER 3	Skilled Trades (College Certificate)	Chef, Pharmacy Assistant
TEER 4	Semi-Skilled Jobs (High School/Training)	Receptionist, Sales Associate

Example: If you’re working as a cashier (TEER 5), it won’t count for PR, but if you’re a retail supervisor (TEER 2), it does qualify.

Can You Apply for PR While on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Yes, and in fact, most students get PR while on a PGWP because it allows them to gain the work experience needed for Express Entry or a PNP nomination. But it’s important to time your PR application correctly before your PGWP expires.

Over 70% of international graduates who apply for PR do so while on a PGWP (Canada Job Market Survey, 2024).

How to Transition from PGWP to PR?

• Step 1: Work in a Skilled Job – Make sure it’s a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
• Step 2: Gain At Least 1 Year of Experience – 1,560 hours of full-time work.
• Step 3: Improve Your CRS Score – Higher work experience, better IELTS scores, and a job offer can help.
• Step 4: Apply for PR via Express Entry or a PNP – Once you meet the criteria, submit your PR application.

Want to know your PR score? Use the Canada PR Points Calculator.

PGWP Expiry: When Should You Apply for PR?

Time Left on PGWP	Best PR Strategy
More than 1 year	Gain experience, improve CRS score, and apply via Express Entry.
6-12 months left	Start PR application process—Express Entry or PNP.
Less than 6 months	Apply for PR immediately or consider extending your stay with a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

If your PGWP is expiring soon, check Canada Post-Study Work Visa Options.

What Happens If Your PGWP Expires Before PR Approval?

Many students panic when their PGWP is about to expire and they haven’t secured PR yet. Here’s what you can do:

• Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) – Allows you to keep working while waiting for PR.
• Switch to another work permit – If you have a job offer, your employer can sponsor a closed work permit.
• Apply for a visitor visa – You can stay in Canada, but you won’t be allowed to work.

Read more about Open Work Permits for Spouses & Graduates.

PR Points System: How to Increase Your CRS Score?

If you want to know how to get PR in Canada, your CRS score needs to be competitive. Express Entry works on a points system, meaning the higher your score, the better your chances of getting an ITA (Invitation to Apply). If your CRS is too low, you won’t get selected in the draws.

The latest Express Entry draws had CRS cut-offs ranging from 470-490 points (Canadian Immigration Trends, 2024).

So how do you increase your CRS score quickly?

Factors That Impact CRS Score

Factor	Maximum CRS Points	How to Improve?
Age	100 (best under 30)	Apply for PR early.
Education	150	Add a diploma, PG certificate, or Master’s.
Work Experience	80 (for Canadian experience)	Gain at least 1 year of skilled work.
Language (IELTS/TEF)	136	Aim for CLB 9 or higher (IELTS 8,7,7,7+ in L/R/W/S).
Job Offer	50-200	Get an LMIA-approved job offer.
Spouse’s Credentials	40	Spouse’s IELTS & education help.
Provincial Nomination (PNP)	600	Apply for a PNP—guaranteed PR.

How to Increase Your CRS Score Fast

• Retake IELTS or TEF – Higher scores in English or French can boost your CRS by 50+ points.
• Gain More Work Experience – 2-3 years of experience is better than 1.
• Apply for a PNP – Some provinces nominate students right after graduation.
• Secure a Job Offer – An LMIA-backed job adds up to 200 points.
• Complete a One-Year PG Diploma – More education = more points.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Get PR in Canada After Studying

Trying to get PR in Canada after studying in Canada is a process that requires careful planning. Missing a step can delay or even reject your application, so it’s important to know exactly what’s required.

60% of international students apply for PR through Express Entry or PNP within two years of graduation (Canada Immigration Insights, 2024).

Step 1: Check Your PR Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you meet the minimum eligibility for one of Canada’s PR programs.

PR Program	Minimum Work Experience	Education Requirement	Language Proficiency
Express Entry (CEC)	1 year of full-time skilled work in Canada	Diploma/Bachelor’s/Master’s	IELTS 6.0+ (CLB 7)
Express Entry (FSWP)	1 year of skilled work (Canada or abroad)	Bachelor’s degree (minimum)	IELTS 6.0+ (CLB 7)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	Varies by province	Diploma/Bachelor’s	Varies by province
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	1 year of work in an Atlantic province	Diploma/Bachelor’s	IELTS 4.0+ (CLB 4)

Step 2: Gather Your PR Documents

Before submitting your PR application, ensure you have the following documents ready.

Document	Who Needs It?	Purpose
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)	Students with degrees from outside Canada	Verifies foreign degrees for PR points
IELTS or TEF Language Test	Everyone applying for Express Entry/PNPs	Required for CRS points and PR eligibility
Work Experience Proof	Applicants using work experience for PR	Employer letters, pay stubs, tax records
Proof of Funds	FSWP & some PNP applicants	Bank statements showing financial stability
Medical Exam & Police Clearance	All PR applicants	Confirms good health and no criminal record

Need more details on education requirements? Read about Canada’s Education System.

Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile or Apply for PNP

Once you have all your documents ready, it’s time to create your Express Entry profile or apply for a PNP.

Application Type	What You Need to Do?	Best For
Express Entry Profile	Submit education, work experience, IELTS scores, and personal details.	High CRS candidates (470+ score)
PNP Application	Apply to a provincial nominee program to increase CRS points.	Candidates with lower CRS scores
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Apply directly with a job offer from an Atlantic province.	Students studying in Atlantic Canada

Not sure how Express Entry works? Read How to Get PR in Canada from India.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score meets the cut-off, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

What Happens Next?	What You Need to Do?
You receive an ITA	Accept it within 60 days.
You don’t receive an ITA	Improve CRS score and stay in the pool for future draws.
You’re nominated by a PNP	Get 600 extra CRS points and receive an ITA in the next draw.

If your CRS is too low, a PNP nomination can guarantee PR. Check out How to Boost CRS Score.

Step 5: Submit PR Application, Medical & Police Clearance

Once you have your ITA, you must submit all necessary documents and complete mandatory health & background checks.

Required Step	What You Need to Do?	Time Required
Submit PR application online	Upload documents, work proof, and personal details.	1-2 hours
Medical Examination	Visit an IRCC-approved doctor and complete medical tests.	1-2 weeks
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)	Obtain a police clearance from your home country and Canada.	1-2 months
Pay PR Fees	CAD 1,365 per applicant (₹85,000)	Immediate

Need financial support? Explore Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada.

Step 6: Wait for PR Approval & Receive Confirmation

Once you submit your PR application, you’ll need to wait for processing and approval.

PR Pathway	Average Processing Time
Express Entry (CEC & FSWP)	6 months
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	6-12 months
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	6 months
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)	6-12 months

Once approved, you’ll receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can land in Canada as a permanent resident.

Want to know your next steps after PR? Read about How to Get Canadian Citizenship.

PR Processing Time in Canada: How Long Does It Take?

The wait time depends on which PR pathway you apply through, how strong your application is, and whether there are any delays in document verification. Some people get their PR within 6 months, while others may have to wait over a year.

Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months on average, while PNPs take 6-12 months (Canada Immigration Trends, 2024).

How Long Does PR Processing Take for Different Pathways?

PR Pathway	Average Processing Time	Factors That Affect Processing
Express Entry (CEC & FSWP)	6 months	CRS score, document verification, background checks
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	6-12 months	Provincial nomination approval, extra verification
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	6 months	Employer verification, job offer confirmation
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)	6-12 months	Community recommendation, job offer approval

Applying through Express Entry? Read How Express Entry Works.

What Can Delay Your PR Processing?

Even if you meet all the requirements, certain issues can slow down your PR approval:

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documents – Missing work experience proof or financial documents will delay processing.
• Medical or Security Clearance Issues – If additional checks are needed, it can take longer.
• Backlog at IRCC – High application volumes cause delays, especially for PNPs.
• Job Offer Verification (For PNP/AIP/RNIP) – If your employer's details are not verified quickly, your PR may take longer.

Want to settle smoothly after PR approval? Read How to Settle in Canada from India.

Cost of Applying for PR in Canada After Studying

You must also budget for application fees, medical exams, and proof of funds. If you’re applying through Express Entry or PNP, make sure you know all the costs involved.

A single applicant spends around CAD 2,500-3,500 (₹1.6L-₹2.2L) on PR application costs, including fees, medical exams, and other expenses (Canada PR Cost Survey, 2024).

Breakdown of PR Application Costs

Fee Type	Cost (CAD) (INR Approx.)	Notes
Express Entry Application Fee	$1,365 (₹83,000)	Covers PR processing and Right of Permanent Residence Fee
Spouse’s PR Application Fee	$1,365 (₹83,000)	If applying with a spouse
Dependent Child Fee	$230 (₹14,000) per child	PR application for each child
Medical Examination	$250-$350 (₹15,000-₹21,000)	Required for all PR applicants
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)	$30-$50 (₹1,800-₹3,000)	Costs vary by country
Biometrics Fee	$85 (₹5,200) per person	Required for fingerprints & verification
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)	$200-$300 (₹12,000-₹18,000)	Needed for Express Entry (if degree is from outside Canada)
IELTS Exam Fee	$320 (₹19,500)	Required for language proficiency proof
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Fee	$500-$1,500 (₹30,000-₹91,000)	Depends on the province
Proof of Funds Requirement	$13,757 (₹8.4L)	Minimum required for single applicants under Express Entry

Need help covering costs? Check out Average Salary in Canada to understand earning potential after PR.

How Much Proof of Funds is Required for PR?

If you are applying for PR through Express Entry (FSWP/FSTP) or some PNPs, you must show proof of funds to prove you can support yourself in Canada.

Number of Family Members	Minimum Proof of Funds (CAD) (INR Approx.)
1 (Single Applicant)	$13,757 (₹8.4L)
2 (Married Couple)	$17,127 (₹10.5L)
3 (Couple + 1 Child)	$21,055 (₹12.9L)
4 (Couple + 2 Children)	$25,564 (₹15.6L)

No proof of funds required? If you’re applying through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or with a job offer, you don’t need to show proof of funds.

Want to understand PR visa costs in detail? Read PR Visa for Canada.

Common Reasons for PR Rejection After Studying in Canada

Many students assume they qualify, but simple mistakes can lead to rejection. If you’re not careful, a low CRS score, missing documents, or incomplete forms can ruin your chances.

Over 20% of PR applications are rejected due to missing or incorrect documents (Canada Immigration Case Analysis, 2024).

Top Reasons PR Applications Get Rejected

Reason	Why It Happens?	How to Avoid It?
Low CRS Score	Not enough points in Express Entry draws.	Improve CRS – retake IELTS, gain experience, apply for PNP.
Missing Documents	Work letters, proof of funds, or IELTS scores missing.	Double-check all required documents before applying.
Incomplete Application	Incorrect NOC codes, missing details, or errors.	Fill out the Express Entry profile carefully and review before submitting.
Medical or Security Issues	Health problems or past legal records.	Complete medical exams early and get police clearance on time.
Job Offer Issues (For PNP/AIP)	Employer verification delays.	Make sure your employer’s details are valid and approved.
Failure to Prove Ties to Province (PNP)	Didn’t show strong intent to stay.	Provide local proof (rental lease, job contracts, etc.).

If your PR is rejected, you can reapply with corrections or try another PR pathway like a PNP.

Need another way to qualify? Check Distant Learning Students Now Eligible for PR.

How to Get PR in Canada for International Students Without Experience

No Canadian work experience? You can still get PR. Some provinces offer direct PR pathways for students who studied in Canada, even if they don’t have a job yet.

Several provinces allow international students to apply for PR immediately after graduation (Canada PNP Reports, 2024).

PR Pathways That Don’t Require Work Experience

PR Program	Who Can Apply?	Work Experience Required?
Ontario PNP (OINP) – Masters Graduate Stream	Master’s degree holders from Ontario	No
Ontario PNP (OINP) – PhD Graduate Stream	PhD graduates from Ontario universities	No
British Columbia PNP (BC PNP) – International Graduate	Graduates from BC universities	No job offer, but extra points if you have one
Manitoba PNP – International Education Stream	Graduates from Manitoba institutions	No, but must have studied in MB
Saskatchewan PNP – International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream	Students planning to start a business in SK	No, but must operate a business
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Graduates with a job offer in Atlantic Canada	Yes, but lower work experience required

Want a direct PR pathway? Read about Visitor Visa to PR in Canada.

Best Provinces for PR Without Work Experience

Some provinces prioritize international graduates for PR, even without work experience.

• Ontario – Direct PR for Master’s and PhD graduates.
• British Columbia – PNP allows PR with or without a job offer.
• Manitoba – Graduates from local institutions get PR priority.
• Saskatchewan – PR for students willing to start a business.

Tip: If you don’t have Canadian work experience, applying through a PNP is your best option.

Do You Need an Immigration Consultant for PR in Canada?

Many students wonder whether they should apply for PR on their own or hire an immigration consultant. The truth? You don’t need a consultant if you follow the process carefully. Express Entry, PNPs, and other PR pathways are straightforward if you meet all the eligibility criteria. However, some cases might require professional help.

Over 70% of Express Entry PR applicants apply without an immigration consultant (Canada Immigration Trends, 2024).

Can You Apply for PR Yourself?

Yes, if:

• You meet the CRS score cut-off for Express Entry.
• Your documents are complete and accurate.
• You understand the step-by-step PR process.
• You have a job offer or provincial nomination (PNP) for extra points.

No (or difficult), if:

• Your PR application was previously rejected.
• You need help with PNP applications or job sponsorships.
• You have low CRS points and need an alternate pathway.
• You need assistance with work permits or family sponsorships.

If you’re confident in handling documents and meeting requirements, you can apply for PR on your own without a consultant.

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Get PR in Canada After Studying

Planning to stay in Canada after graduation? upGrad Abroad makes the process simpler by providing expert guidance on PR pathways, work permits, and post-study opportunities.

• Learn about Express Entry, PNPs, job offers, and PR success strategies.
• Get detailed insights on Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and open work permits.
• Boost your IELTS or TEF scores to improve your CRS ranking.
• Find the best diploma and degree programs that lead to PR.
• Stay informed about PR policy changes, new visa rules, and job market trends.

Schedule 1:1 personalized counseling.