How to get a PR in Canada: Why studying and working here still opens the door to the residency

For many newcomers, their future in Canada may sound simple: study, gain experience, and apply for PR. However, with the growing competition in the EE system, many people have begun to ask: Is this route still worth it?

The short answer is: yes, if you know how to make every step count.

Studying in Canada doesn’t just give you a diploma. It gives you local experience, language fluency, and a real connection with the country, all things that immigration officers look for when assessing an application.

How Canadian education strengthens your Immigration Profile

A Canadian post-secondary pathway can make your profile stronger in several ways:

• Extra CRS points: Completing a pathway in Canada can give you up to 30 additional points under the CRS.
• PGWP and work experience: The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows you to gain Canadian work experience — a major advantage when applying for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Skill transferability: The CRS also rewards the combination of Canadian education, work experience, and language proficiency — together, they can add up to 100 points.
• Provincial pathways: Many provinces offer dedicated immigration streams for international graduates, increasing your chances of being selected for Permanent Residency.
• Canadian job market: Employers often choose candidates who are already familiar with the local culture and workplace standards, giving graduates a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

The Path: From Study to Permanent Residency

A typical path from international student to permanent resident often looks like this:

• Study Permit: You arrive in Canada to start a post-secondary course, gaining both academic and cultural experience.
  

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After completing your studies, you apply for an open work permit, usually valid for up to three years, that lets you gain valuable Canadian work experience.
  

• Full-Time Work Experience: Working in a skilled occupation allows you to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a PNP.
  

• Language Test and CRS Boost: Strong English or French scores, combined with Canadian education and work experience, can significantly raise your CRS score in the EE pool.
  

• Invitation to Apply (ITA): Once your score is competitive, you receive an ITA for permanent residence.
  

• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): While your application is being processed, you can continue working legally in Canada under a BOWP.
  

Each step builds on the past one, and together, they create one of the most consistent and realistic routes to permanent residency.

Why the “Study–Work–Immigrate” Path still works

Even as immigration pathways evolve, this route remains one of the most reliable ways to build a future in Canada. Here’s why:

• You earn points that directly impact your application.
• You gain legal work experience that counts toward multiple immigration pathways.
• You can stay and work in Canada while your application is being processed.
• You integrate into Canadian life, and that matters.

Bringing it to Northia Immigration

At Northia Immigration, we work with many students and graduates who are building their future in Canada through this path. Our consultants help you understand which pathway to choose, how to plan your education strategically, and how to transition smoothly from study to work, and finally to permanent residency successfully.

We also look ahead, analyzing EE trends, provincial opportunities, and your long-term goals to create a realistic and competitive immigration strategy that adapts as policies and draws change over time. If you’re thinking about studying in Canada or are already here on a study or work permit, we can help you design a plan that turns your time here into a permanent opportunity and long-term success.

Let’s turn your Canadian journey into success.

Need some help? Contact us and Book your consultation.

SOURCE: https://www.canada.ca/en.html