Let’s now break down the entire process into simple, manageable stages.

Step 1: Study at a PGWP-Eligible DLI

The foundation of your PR journey is your education in Canada.

 Requirements:

• Enroll at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that offers PGWP-eligible programs
  
  

• Program should be minimum 8 months in duration
  
  

• Must maintain full-time student status (except final semester if part-time is allowed)
  
  

• Minimum 50% of the course should be completed in-person in Canada

 Not all private colleges are eligible for PGWP. Always verify your institution’s PGWP status before applying.

Step 2: Graduate and Apply for PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit)

After completing your course, you can apply for a PGWP to gain Canadian work experience.

Timeline:

• Apply within 180 days of receiving final transcript/degree
  
  

• PGWP is open work permit (no job offer needed)

 Duration of PGWP:

• 8 months to <2 years = PGWP for same length
  
  

• ≥2 years = PGWP for up to 3 years

 Documents Needed:

• Final transcript
  
  

• Completion letter from your college
  
  

• Valid passport
  
  

• Biometrics (if required)
  
  

• Digital photo
  
  

• Application fee (approx. CAD $255)

Globexa Note: Longer PGWP = More time to gain skilled work experience = Higher chances of PR.

Step 3: Get a Skilled Job & Gain Work Experience

During your PGWP, the type of job you do matters a lot.

What qualifies as “Skilled Work”?

• National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
  
  

• Full-time: Minimum 30 hours/week for at least 1 year

Examples:

• Software Developer (TEER 1)
  
  

• Nurse (TEER 1)
  
  

• Marketing Specialist (TEER 1)
  
  

• Industrial Electrician (TEER 2)
  
  

• Supervisor in Retail (TEER 3)

 Part-time work is counted too (if equivalent to 1-year full-time), but internships during study DO NOT count.

Step 4: Check Which PR Program is Best for You

There are multiple pathways from work experience to PR. Let’s explore the best options for international students:

 Option 1: Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Most common and fastest route for international graduates.

 CEC Eligibility:

• At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0,1,2,3)
  
  

• Gained within last 3 years
  
  

• CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each module) for TEER 0/1 jobs
  
  

• CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0 in each module) for TEER 2/3 jobs
  
  

• No job offer or LMIA needed
  
  

• No proof of settlement funds (if already in Canada)

 Application Process:

1. Take IELTS or CELPIP General Training
   
   

2. Create Express Entry profile
   
   

3. Get CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score
   
   

4. Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA)
   
   

5. Submit full PR application with documents
   
   

6. Wait for PR approval (Processing: ~6 months)
   
   

Globexa Strategy: Improve your CRS with higher language scores, provincial nomination, or a spouse’s profile.

Option 2: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Every province has its own PR stream for international graduates. These are great options if:

• Your CRS is low
  
  

• You’re already living and working in a specific province
  
  

• You studied in that province and want to settle there

Popular PNPs:

• Ontario International Student Stream
  
  

• BC PNP International Graduate
  
  

• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
  
  

• Manitoba Skilled Worker in Manitoba
  
  

• Saskatchewan SINP International Graduate Stream
  
  

• Nova Scotia International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

Each stream has unique rules. Some require job offers, while others don’t. Let Globexa Immigration help match you with the right PNP.

 Option 3: Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

If you studied in Quebec, you may apply through PEQ:

Requirements:

• Graduate from eligible Quebec institution
  
  

• Intermediate French (B2 level)
  
  

• No work experience needed (for some categories)

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the final step is submitting your PR application.

 Key Documents:

• IELTS/CELPIP results
  
  

• Proof of work experience (with reference letters)
  
  

• Education documents (WES not needed for Canadian education)
  
  

• Medical exam
  
  

• Police clearance certificate (PCC)
  
  

• Passport & digital photos
  
  

• Proof of funds (if applying outside CEC)

 Fees:

• PR application fee: CAD $850
  
  

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $515

 Processing Time:

• Express Entry: ~6 months
  
  

• PNP (non-Express Entry): 9–14 months

 Once approved, you’ll receive a COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) and then your PR card.