CANADIAN IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDYING IN CANADA:
UPDATE: APRIL 2014. -- Check the Official website links for detailed information.
PNPs (Provincial Nominee Programs):
1. Alberta -
Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp.aspx
With new changes to the program applying for permanent residence is now easier than ever. It's still free to apply and processing times are fast. New changes include:
Choose to apply with or without an employer
You only need one (1) year of post-secondary education
Apply right away if you are employed in a full-time occupation
Your job does not have to be related to your education
NOC C occupations are now eligible (some additional criteria apply)
There are two categories international students can choose from for permanent residence.
Apply without your employer through the Strategic Recruitment Stream Post-Graduate Worker Category (PGWC) -Open ONLY to international students passing out from an Alberta based recognized educational institute.
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/srs-post-graduate-worker.aspx
OR
Apply with your employer through the Employer-Driven Stream International Graduate Category (IGC) - Open also for Out of Province students.
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp-eds-international-graduate-criteria.aspx
Differences between the International Graduate Category (IGC) and Post-Graduate Worker Category(PGWC).
1) How you apply - under the PGWC you apply on your own; this means you must meet all of the criteria and provide all required documents. Under the IGC you must apply with your employer. This means both you and your employer have criteria that each of you must meet as part of the assessment process and both of you have documents to provide for the application.
2) Employer criteria - for the IGC, your employer must show they have offered you a permanent, full-time position and show that you are working full-time in an eligible occupation. Under the PGWC, your employment does not have to be permanent, but does still have to be full-time, and you must show you are working full-time in an eligible occupation.
3) Education - under the IGC you must have completed your post-secondary education at an eligible institution in Canada (including Alberta); under the PGWC you are only eligible if you completed your post-secondary education at an eligible institution in Alberta.
These main differences are reflected in the document checklists; documents are slightly different in each one. It is up to you to review the criteria and document checklists for these categories and decide if you qualify to apply. If you think you qualify under both categories, it is up to you to select which one of the categories is the best fit for your personal circumstances.
Ineligible Occupations list, to apply under PGWC or IGC:
www.albertacanada.com/files/albertacanada/AINP_SRS_IntlpostGrad_ineligible_occList.pdf
You may also be eligible for other categories like the Strategic Recruitment Stream Alberta Work Experience Category, the Engineering Occupations Category, the Compulsory and Optional Trades Category or some of other new AINP initiatives
Engineering occupations criteria:
You must provide evidence of related education/training and experience as an engineer, designer or drafter.
You must be currently working or have worked within the last two years in Alberta either directly or on contract for an Alberta Employer.
Your occupation in Alberta must be on the AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream Engineering Occupations List.
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp-srs-engineering-occupations-criteria.aspx
AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream Engineering Occupations List:
www.albertacanada.com/files/albertacanada/SRS_Engineering_NOC_List_Managers_Added_Comms.pdf
Compulsory and optional trades criteria:
You must have
an Alberta Qualification Certificate in a compulsory or optional trade, or
a Recognized Trade Certificate in a compulsory or optional trade issued by a recognized regulatory authority in Canada recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT)
You must show, at the time of application, that you are either currently working in your trade for an Alberta Employer or have previously worked in your trade with an Alberta Employer for a minimum of six months in the past two years.
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrating/ainp-srs-compulsory-optional-trades-criteria.aspx
List of compulsory or optional trade:
http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/trades-occupations-list/
2. British Columbia (B.C)
www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP/About-the-BC-PNP.aspx
International Graduates:
Usually should have completed a min. 12 months course in or outside B.C. Should have pursued an approved degree programme form an approved educational institute. Should have a full time skilled (NOC O,A or B) job offer. The job offer must be from an approved employer. There is no need to work for certain number of months.
The BC PNP will also consider applications for positions under Skill Levels C and D of the NOC Matrix where the employer can demonstrate that there is a structured plan for career progression to an occupation at Skill Level 0, A or B. Nominee applicants whose eligibility is based on a job offer in a NOC C or D occupation may be required to submit a language proficiency test.
http://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP/Skills-Immigration/International-Graduates.aspx
International Post-Graduates Stream:
Nominee Applicants to the International Post-Graduates category must have satisfied the requirements for an eligible masters or doctorate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in BC within the last two years.
Provided they meet certain conditions and have passed out with an eligible graduate degree, direct PNP nomination and PR is possible, without any job offer. No caps.
Eligible Graduate Degree Programs
A graduate degree (masters or earned doctorate) awarded for studies in the natural, applied or health sciences. This includes programs in the following fields of study:
•Agriculture
•Biological and Biomedical Sciences
•Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
•Engineering
•Engineering Technology
•Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences
•Mathematics and Statistics
•Natural Resources Conservation and Research
•Physical Sciences
http://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP/Skills-Immigration/International-Post-Graduates.aspx
There is another Entry Level and Semi-Skilled stream for foreign workers, where NOC C and D jobs are considered ONLY for these 3 specific sectors -
•Tourism and Hospitality
•Long-Haul Trucking
•Food Processing
where, applicants need to gain 9 months work experience in above mentioned sectors only. So, students after getting PGWP... can go for PR via this route too.
http://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP/Skills-Immigration/Entry-Level-or-Semi-skilled.aspx
Designated Health Professionals Stream:
Applications in this category are limited to:
Registered nurses, psychiatric nurses and physicians recruited by provincial and regional health authorities administered through Health Match BC, and who meet the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)'s requirements
Midwives who meet the Provincial Nominee Program's requirements
http://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP/Skills-Immigration/Health-Care-Professionals.aspx
Northeast Pilot Project:
In April 2012, the B.C. government launched a two-year pilot project to expand the types of workers eligible for the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in the Northeast Development Region only.The application deadline for the Northeast Pilot Project has been extended to March 31, 2015. Applicants require 9 months work experience in NOC C or D occupations in any sector in Northeast region of B.C.
http://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/About-the-BC-PNP/Skills-Immigration/Working-in-B-C-s-Northeast.aspx
3. Ontario
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/OI/en/pnp/index.htm
Pilot International Masters Graduate Stream and
International Student Category's PhD Graduate Stream:
Only for Master and PHD graduates of Ontario based universities. No job offer needed, direct PNP provided, provided 1 meets certain conditions.
ONLY applicable for Pilot International Masters Graduate Stream.
Condition include - is to show bank statements of having minimum 11,086 $ (for one person) consistently for past 6 months (at the time of applying without job) prior to applying.Must have IELTS 7 score (all bands). One also needs to spend atleast 1 year in Ontario and can apply in the final sem of their studies (like if Master is of more than 1 year).
A graduate or will soon be graduating from a Masters program from one of Ontario's publicly funded universities, may be able to apply to Opportunities Ontario for nomination as a permanent resident, under the International Student Category's Masters Graduate Stream. Opportunities Ontario has a target of 2,500 nominations in 2014.. It can be very difficult to get nomination, considering there are many more International Master's students passing out of Ontario based universities every year.
A graduate of a PhD program in one of Ontario's publicly funded universities, may be able to apply to Opportunities Ontario for nomination as a permanent resident, under the International Student Category's PhD Graduate Stream. Opportunities Ontario has a target of 2,500 nominations in 2014.
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERS.html
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_MASTERSAPPLY.html#_qualify
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_PHD.html
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_PHDAPPLY.html#_qualify
International Students with a Job Offer stream:
For other graduates (of both Ontario based educational institutes and graduates of other provinces ) who are not Master or PHD degree holders (of Ontario universities).. they must apply under International Students with a Job Offer.
There is a whole set of rules including getting a skilled job offer (NOC O,A or B) from a pre- approved employer is required. No need to work for certain number of months, and direct PNP nomination if shown skilled approved employer 's job offer.
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNPSTUDENTS_JOB.html
4. Manitoba
Starting 1st April 2013, MPNP has brought changes to the entire process.
Now, proof of strong connection to Manitoba is MUST, to qualify under this new points based scheme. One can show strong connection in 3 ways - 1. By studying in a Manitoba based institution for min. 1 acd. year, 2. Previous/ongoing work experience in Manitoba ( for atleast 6 months) OR 3. Have a close or distant relative or a friend who is PR/citizen residing permanently in Manitoba willing to nominate you.
Students of Manitoba means to be a student studying a minimum 1 year course in a recognized Manitoba based institution. All Manitoba based students MUST apply under this new points criteria, where one MUST score minimum 60 points.
No work ex or finding a job required for Manitoba students. Perhaps the easiest route, if one already has 60 points. In-case, if Manitoba based student is falling short of 60 points, then must find any job, do it for minimum 6 months, and get 12 points for Manitoba work ex under Adaptability. Outside province students must work for minimum 1 YEAR in ANY job in Manitoba, and hence establish strong connection to Manitoba thereby securing 12 points under adaptability and pass the points test with minimum 60 points.
www.immigratemanitoba.com/how-to-immigrate/eligibility/
Self Assessment Points calculator: www.immigratemanitoba.com/asset_library/2013/05/manitoba-immigration-mpnp-points-worksheet-interactive.pdf
MPNP tool: http://fluidsurveys.com/surveys/immigration-surveys/mpnp-survey/
5. Saskatchewan
http://www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/sinp
All applications received on or after January 2, 2014 will be subject to the new program criterion.
Changes to the Student streams include:
The Post Graduation Work Permit and the Master's and PhD Graduate sub-categories will be combined into one Student sub-category.
Saskatchewan graduates will be required to have a skilled job offer in Saskatchewan relevant to their education in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Matrix level "A", "B" or "0", or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan (Skilled Workers/Professionals Sub-Category) or a job offer requiring post-secondary education. Work experience requirement continues to be six months, (with minimum 960 hours) of paid employment in Saskatchewan.
(*Eligible types of work experience in Saskatchewan include on- campus, off-campus, co-op terms, graduate fellowships that can be verified by your institution, and work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.)
Out of province graduates will be required to have a skilled job offer in Saskatchewan relevant to their education in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Matrix level "A", "B" or "0", or in a designated trade in Saskatchewan (Skilled Workers/Professionals Sub-Category) or a job offer requiring post-secondary education; and must work in Saskatchewan for two years prior to application, (with minimum 960 hours) of paid employment in Saskatchewan.
(*Eligible types of work experience in Saskatchewan include on- campus, off-campus, co-op terms, graduate fellowships that can be verified by your institution, and work experience gained on a post-graduate work permit.)
LIMITED NUMBER OF APPLICANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNDER EACH CATEGORY FOR THE CALENDER YEAR OF 2014.
APPLICATION INTAKE THRESHOLDS AS OF FEB 28, 2014:
CATEGORY APPLICATION QUOTA FOR 2014 REMAINING APPLICATIONS
Students - Out of Province Graduates 400 382
Students - Saskatchewan Graduates 250 250
Hence, it has become very difficult to qualify, given the limited number of places, when atleast 4,500 international students coming to Saskatchewan each year.
SIMILAR quota (varies by different categories) rule applies for applicants to the SINP Health Professions Category, who must already be working full-time in Saskatchewan as a physician, nurse or other health professional on a temporary work permit for at least six months in order to apply. Hence, now SINP/Saskatchewan is no longer an option for easy PR.
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/student
http://www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/sinp-application-intake-thresholds
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/health-professions
6. Newfoundland & Labrador (NL)
If the recognized course of minimum of two years in length at the undergraduate level or a minimum of one year at the graduate/PG level. ,is done from an educational institute based in NL province, then no need to work for any duration. 1 can directly apply for PNP nomination , provided they have a skilled job offer (NOC O,A or B), in their field of study in province of NL. Students who have completed their studies from an educational institute based outside the province of NL, must work for 12 months in a skilled job before applying for NL PNP.
www.nlpnp.ca/student.html
7. Quebec
Quebec Graduate stream (PEQ) :
Do any 2 acd. years/ 1800 hours (usually 13-16 months, depending upon the DVS diploma) UG diploma course or 2 UG courses combining to total 1800 hours of study in Quebec, or any Bachelor/Master/PHD degrees.. in Quebec in FRENCH medium OR if studies done in English medium then show minimum UPPER intermediate level FRENCH language proficiency (from Aug 1 2013).. like passing DLEF B2 exam (with required marks of 16/25 in Listening and Speaking and overall minimum 50/100). Then one can qualify for direct CSQ/ Quebec selection certificate within 20 days under this stream . No questions asked but French UPPER intermediate level compulsory. When the international student receives Quebec CSQ, then he/she can directly apply for PR with the Federal Govt. In reality, this is one of the easiest PR programme.. no work ex or job offer needed nor any need to wok for any number of months... nothing.
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/stay-quebec/application-csq/students-peq/index.html
Eligible educational qualifications : http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/stay-quebec/application-csq/students-peq/diploma-eligible.html
Quebec Regular program:
Foreign student in Québec studying high demand qualifications (only Quebec degrees/diplomas under Section A -16 points or Section B- 12 points are considered, as mentioned on the new 2013 List of Area of Training) which are atleast 900 hours/ 1 acd. year long can qualify under this route. It is a points based stream where knowledge of French is not compulsory. Although having some basic French proficiency like clearing level 1 DELF A1 exam will be seen as favorable during CSQ interview (if overall points below 55 for a single person). BUT now since new rules from 1 Aug. 2013, applicants will need to get till level 4 or pass atleast DELF B2 French exam even to get minimum points for French proficiency (If one wants to claim points for French proficiency, under this regular route).
(www.canadavisa.com/quebec-immigration-language-proficiency.html).
POINTS GRID:
http://www.canadavisa.com/quebec-skilled-worker-immigration.html
Under this Regular route,
One as a single person, must get minimum 49 points to get called for interview (where remaining 6 points will be given on adaptability factors) or directly get min. 55 points so as to get direct CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate) without interview or need for any adaptability points.
One must study a minimum 12 or 16 points category Quebec qualification to qualify under this route (see new 2013 List of Area of Training pdf document) to qualify under this stream.
It's comparatively a lengthy route with much much longer processing times (as compared to Quebec graduate stream) .
Biggest negative point is that, this route has limited seats as it is clubbed with Quebec skilled worker's program,where the Ministère will receive a maximum of 6,500 new applications per year for a Certificat de séléction du Québec under the Program for skilled workers. This 6,500 quota is not applicable for students who have a valid job offer (minimum NOC C).
But, despite risks (only 6,500 limited seats or finding a valid job and long processing times), it's the only way for international students studying any 16 or 12 points recognized Quebec diploma and with NO French proficiency to have a chance at qualifying for CSQ, provided they have advanced English abilities (IELTS score) and preferably study a 16 points diploma.
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/stay-quebec/application-csq/students-quebec/index.html
To know about High demand qualifications for applying under regular program see new 2013 List of Area of Training (ONLY QUALIFICATIONS UNDER 16 POINTS OR 12 POINTS WILL BE ACCEPTED):
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/publications/en/diverses/list-training.pdf
New Quebec immigration rules and procedures starting APRIL 1, 2014: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/informations/rules-procedures.html
AND
8. Federal
(A) CEC (Canadian Experience Class):
International students need to find ANY skilled job (NOC O,A or B) in any province (outside Quebec). Have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before you apply,Then, will be eligible for direct PR under federal CEC.
update on CEC:
Note: A maximum of 12,000 applications accepted under the CEC
Between November 9, 2013 and October 31, 2014, CIC will accept a maximum of 12,000 complete applications under the Canadian Experience Class. Within this cap, there will be sub-caps of 200 applications for each National Occupational Classification B applications.
You cannot use work experience in the following occupations to qualify for the CEC:
Following Skilled NOC B occupations are NOT eligible to apply under CEC:
Cooks (NOC 6322)
Food service supervisors (NOC 6311)
Administrative officers (NOC 1221)
Administrative assistants (NOC 1241)
Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 1311)
Retail sales supervisors (NOC 6211)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-who.asp
(B) FSW PHD stream:
If you are pursuing a PhD at a provincially or territorially recognized degree-granting institution in Canada (or recently graduated from a Canadian PhD program), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canada's flagship economic immigration program. This special eligibility stream is capped at 1,000 new applications per year.
Any international student enrolled in a recognized PhD program (any study area) in Canada who has finished at least two years of study toward a PhD and has accumulated atleast 1 year of full time or equivalent part time work experience as teaching assistant ( skilled occupation - 4012 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants in 1st 2 years while studying) can apply for PR directly. Limited to only 1000 applications. per year. The PhD applicants must like any other FSW applicants must meet all eligibility criteria of FSW like min. 1 year above said work experience; a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French in all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing); and score of 67 points or higher on the FSWP selection grid.
The last cap year began on November 1, 2012, and ended on May 3, 2013. The new cap year began on May 4, 2013, and will end on April 30, 2014.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp
FSWP section grid/points: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-factors.asp
Provinces of NEW BRUNSWICK and NOVA SCOTIA as well as the three territories of Canada- YUKON, NUNAVUT and NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, DO NOT have any kind of provincial/territorial nominee programmes for the International students at present.
Additional info:
NOC - National Occupational Classification (2011) of Canada:
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Welcome.aspx
*** How to recognize NOC code of any occupation ***
The 4 Skill Levels, A to D, used in the NOC are identified by the second digit of the NOC code.
If 1st digit starts with 0 -- then it's managerial/management position. ----- SKILLED
If the 2nd digit is 0 or 1 - NOC A occupations ----- SKILLED
If the 2nd digit is 2 or 3 - NOC B occupations ----- SKILLED
If the 2nd digit is 4 or 5- NOC C occupations (Semi-Skilled)
If the 2nd digit is 6 or 7 - NOC D occupations (unskilled)
EXAMPLE :
NOC CODE: 7372 - NOC B. (Skilled)
Official Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/index-can.asp
Official CIC info on getting Study permit (student visa):
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp
For students from INDIA, applying for Canadian study permit through VFS:
http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/visaapplication.html
VFS checklist for students from INDIA, applying under the following study permit categories:
SPP:
http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/pdf/Student_Partners_Program_09022013.pdf
UNIVERISTY:
http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/pdf/Delhi_study_permit_eng.pdf
GENERAL:
http://www.vfs-canada.co.in/pdf/study_permit_20-09-2012.pdf
To study in Quebec, one must additionally first apply for Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ):
http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/EN/IMMIGRATE-SETTLE/students/obtaining-authorizations/certificat-acceptation/index.html
Official CIC info on student work permits:
OCWP (Off Campus Work Permit):
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-offcampus.asp
PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit):
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp
Co-op / intern work permit:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-coop.asp
Official CIC List of recognized Participating Canadian Educational Institutions, where post secondary international students of only these Canadian colleges and universities will be eligible for both OCWP+PGWP, listed according to province:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/participants.asp
*** Information on Change of college or course: ***
As a post-secondary student
You may change your school, program and/or field of study without applying for a new study permit. You do not need to apply for a change to the condition of your study permit, either. You may continue to use your study permit as long as it is valid.
If you are changing your level of study (e.g., bachelor's to master's), you do not need to apply for a change to the condition of your study permit, either.
(www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=487&t=15)
Only consult the ICCRC (Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council) registered immigration agents (if needed).
http://secure.iccrc-crcic.ca/search/
www.iccrc-crcic.ca/home.cfm
****** All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should always consult the official sites for latest updates.
