The table below provides an updated overview of the various Canadian immigration options for international students and graduates in Canada.
To learn more about any of these programs, including full eligibility criteria and application process, click the program/category name in the first column.
If you have any questions about applying for Canadian permanent residence, please contact us.
| Program/category | Aligned with Express Entry? | Is a job offer required? | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | Yes | No | Graduates may become eligible after working in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Graduates may also obtain additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for their Canadian credentials |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | Yes | No | Graduates with Canadian credentials receive more points under the education factor. Graduates may also obtain additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for their Canadian credentials. |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | Yes | No | Graduates may also obtain additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for their Canadian credentials. |
| The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
Atlantic International Graduate Program (AIGP) |
No | Yes | Graduates of post-secondary institutions in the Atlantic provinces can apply. No work experience is required. Applicants require a two-year post-secondary diploma from a publicly funded learning institution in the Atlantic region. Applications must be submitted within 24 months of obtaining the diploma. |
| Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot | No | No | Graduates who meet qualifying education requirements within the designated community are exempt from the program’s work experience criteria. |
| Alberta
Alberta Opportunity Stream |
No | Yes | International students can benefit from the Alberta Opportunity Stream if they have completed their studies at an approved Alberta post-secondary institution and are employed in Alberta on a Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
| British Columbia
BC PNP Skills Immigration: International Graduate |
No | Yes | Not restricted to graduates of BC institutions, graduates of institutions across Canada may apply; category operates under Expression of Interest system called SIRS; Post-secondary education completed in BC is worth 8 SIRS points; Post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside BC) worth 6 SIRS points. |
| British Columbia
BC PNP Express Entry: International Graduate |
Yes | Yes | Not restricted to graduates of BC institutions, graduates of institutions across Canada may apply; category operates under Expression of Interest system called SIRS; Post-secondary education completed in BC is worth 8 SIRS points; Post-secondary education completed in Canada (outside BC) is worth 6 SIRS points. |
| British Columbia
BC PNP Skills Immigration: International Post-Graduate |
No | No | For individuals who have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree in the natural, applied or health sciences from a BC institution. |
| British Columbia
BC PNP Express Entry: International Post-Graduate |
Yes | No | For individuals who have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree in the natural, applied or health sciences from a BC institution. |
| Manitoba
MPNP Skilled Worker in Manitoba |
No | Yes | Must have attended an institution in Manitoba (language programs are excluded), except for graduates from a post-secondary program in another province who have been working for a Manitoba employer for at least one year. |
| Manitoba
International Education Stream (IES) – Career Employment Pathway |
No | Yes | Candidate must have a full-time job offer from an eligible employer in Manitoba. |
| Manitoba
International Education Stream – Graduate Internship Pathway |
No | No | Candidates must have completed a master or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past 3 years. |
| Manitoba
International Education Stream – International Student Entrepreneur Pilot |
No | No | Candidates must operate a business as a senior manager on a daily basis from the place of business in Manitoba for at least 6 months prior to nomination while on a valid temporary work permit. |
