Are you planning your study path in Canada with the hope of getting Permanent Residency (PR)? Many students believe that choosing a specific course—like healthcare, STEM, or trades—will guarantee their PR in Canada. But is that really true?
In this blog, we’ll clear the myths and give you real, practical advice on how your study choices, job type, and location impact your journey to Canadian PR. We’ll also explain how you can still become a permanent resident even if you don’t study in high-demand sectors.
1. Does Your Course in Canada Really Matter for PR?
Let’s address the most common misconception first:
“If I study a program in healthcare, STEM, or trade, I’ll get PR faster.”
Truth: More than 90% of people who get PR in Canada did NOT study in these sectors.
PR is not directly linked to the subject you study, but to:
The level of your education
The job you do after your studies
The location where you work
So, whether you study Project Management, Digital Marketing, Business Management, or even Hospitality, you can still get PR — as long as your other PR factors are strong.
2. How PR Points Are Actually Calculated
Let’s break down how points work for Express Entry and PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs):
1. Age
The younger you are, the more points you get.
Full points are usually awarded up to age 29; after 35, points begin to decrease.
2. Level of Education
Whether completed inside or outside Canada, your highest level of education determines points.
Master’s and PhD degrees give the most points.
No specific field of study is required—what matters is the level, not the subject.
3. Canadian Education
If you’ve earned a diploma, degree, or certificate in Canada, you get extra points.
A 1–2 year program gives some points; a 3-year or longer program gives more.
👉 Important: Nowhere in the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) is it mentioned that your course must be in healthcare, IT, or any specific field.
4. Language Proficiency (English or French)
Target CLB 9 or higher in IELTS General, CELPIP, or PTE Core to get full language points.
5. Work Experience
Canadian experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs (formerly NOC 0, A, B) earns you key points.
Foreign experience in similar TEER jobs also counts.
3. Do You Need to Study in Priority Sectors for PR?
The Canadian government has special category draws in Express Entry that prioritize sectors like:
Healthcare
STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
Trades
Education
French-speaking applicants
But here’s the game-changer:
🧠 You don’t need to study in these fields to work in them!
Many of these jobs don’t require a license, and even if a license is needed, you can get one without having studied in Canada. Here are examples:
4. In-Demand Jobs You Can Get Without a Canadian Degree:
There are several in-demand jobs in Canada that you can pursue without needing a Canadian degree. For example, in the education sector, you can become an Early Childhood Assistant without any formal Canadian education or licensing. In the trades, jobs like Painter also do not require any specific study or license, making them accessible to many newcomers. In the STEM field, especially in IT, roles such as Web Developer or Data Analyst are open to individuals who may not have studied in Canada, as these positions are often based on skills and experience rather than formal credentials. In the healthcare sector, jobs like Pharmacy Assistant may require only a short-term course—typically 3 to 6 months—and, in some cases, a license, but not a full degree. This means that even if you pursue general programs like MBA, Management, or Marketing, you can still move into PR-eligible professions by completing relevant short training or licensing programs after your main studies.
5. Location is the Secret to Easier PR
The location where you study or work in Canada greatly affects your PR success:
Rural areas and RCIC communities (smaller towns) offer faster PR pathways.
Provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Atlantic Canada have easier PNP programs with low cut-off scores.
👉 Studying or working in big cities like Toronto or Vancouver may actually make it harder to qualify due to higher competition.
6. What Actually Helps You Get PR?
Here’s what truly matters:
Location – Study/work in smaller provinces or rural communities.
Job Type – Aim for jobs in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Special categories help but aren’t required.
Level of Study – Master’s, Bachelor’s, or professional degrees earn more points.
Work Experience – Get at least 1 year of Canadian experience.
Language Score – CLB 9 or higher in IELTS/PTE/CELPIP.
🚫 Your course subject? Doesn’t really matter. No extra points for studying healthcare or IT.
7. Strategic Advice for Students & Families
Choose a program that matches your background and is likely to get you a study visa.
After reaching Canada, you can:
Change your program (if needed).
Complete short job-specific certification (3–6 months).
Start working in in-demand jobs even without Canadian study.
Don’t push for a PR-focused course if it doesn’t suit your profile — it could cause visa refusal.
8. Conclusion: What Should You Study for PR in Canada?
Anything that helps you get your visa and PGWP.
Once you’re in Canada, focus on working in the right jobs and locations. That’s how PR is earned.
So whether it’s Business, Hospitality, Marketing, or Project Management — go ahead. Your course is just your first step, not the final determinant of your future.
9. Want Help Choosing the Right Program?
If you’re planning to apply for your Canada study visa (with or without family) or want to explore your Canada PR options without studying, our experts at Globexa Immigration are here to guide you.
👉 Message us on WhatsApp to start your journey today.
