Five Ways International Students Can Boost Their Chances of Permanent Residence in Canada 🎓🇨🇦

For many international students in Canada, permanent residence (PR) is the long-term goal. While it’s natural to focus first on studies and think about immigration later, waiting too long to plan can mean missing valuable opportunities that are only available during your time as a student.

With some early preparation and smart choices, international students can significantly improve their chances of successfully transitioning from study permit to permanent residence. Here are five practical strategies to consider.

1. Enroll in a Co-op Program 💼

Breaking into the Canadian job market after graduation can be challenging, especially without local work experience. Co-op programs offer a strong advantage by allowing students to gain hands-on Canadian work experience during their studies.

Many students who perform well during a co-op placement receive job offers from the same employer after graduation. This faster entry into the workforce can help you qualify sooner for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.

Since each year of Canadian work experience increases your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, co-op programs can make you a more competitive PR candidate. While co-op work itself does not count toward CEC eligibility, it often leads directly to post-graduation employment that does.

2. Gain Foreign Work Experience 🌍

Foreign work experience can add up to 50 CRS points, which can be a deciding factor in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Unlike Canadian work experience, foreign work experience can be gained while you are a full-time student. If you didn’t have skilled work experience before coming to Canada, you may still be able to build it during your studies.

This can be done by working abroad during academic breaks or by working remotely in Canada for a foreign employer. Planning ahead to gain this experience can significantly strengthen your Express Entry profile.

3. Target In-Demand Occupations 📊

Canada’s Express Entry system includes category-based draws for specific in-demand occupations. These draws often have lower CRS cut-off scores than general draws.

Occupational categories currently include:

• Healthcare and social services

• STEM

• Trades

• Agriculture and agri-food

• Education

In many cases, as little as six months of relevant work experience can make you eligible. Some students even choose jobs outside their field of study to qualify for these categories, such as gaining trades experience during summer breaks.

Strategically choosing your work experience can open additional PR pathways after graduation.

4. Network with Alumni 🤝

Networking is one of the most underestimated tools for career success. Connecting with alumni from your school or program can provide insights, mentorship, and job leads.

Alumni often share real-world advice based on their own immigration and career journeys and may introduce you to employers or professionals in your industry. Unlike co-op programs, alumni networks are available to students in almost every academic program. Building strong connections in Canada benefits both your professional growth and your long-term settlement.

5. Study French 🇫🇷

For students who are open to learning French, this can be one of the most powerful ways to improve PR prospects.

Achieving intermediate French proficiency (NCLC 7) can earn you an additional 50 CRS points and make you eligible for French-language category-based Express Entry draws, which have historically had some of the lowest CRS cut-off scores.

If you are enrolled in a three- or four-year program, studying French gradually over time can be far less stressful than trying to learn it after graduation. Many schools and communities also offer French classes, conversation groups, or immersion programs that make learning more accessible.

Final Thoughts ✨

Permanent residence in Canada is not something that should be planned only after graduation. By making informed decisions during your studies—choosing the right programs, gaining strategic work experience, networking, and developing language skills—you can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Early planning with OPEN CANADA turns your time as a student into a strong foundation for your future in Canada.