Maple News reports that 2023 marked another record-setting year for Canadian immigration, with thousands of international students successfully transitioning to permanent resident (PR) status. According to the latest figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 62,410 former international students became permanent residents last year—an increase of nearly 10,000 from 2022.
Canada continues to be a global leader in attracting international talent, thanks in part to its clear post-graduate immigration pathways. Many of these students leveraged the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which allows eligible graduates of Canadian institutions to gain valuable work experience. This work experience is critical to qualifying for economic immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.
In addition to those who transitioned through the PGWP route, 23,150 international students obtained PR directly after graduation, often via targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams designed to retain skilled graduates.
Canada’s approach to international education is unique among many popular study destinations. By linking education with employment and immigration opportunities, the country offers a pathway to long-term settlement that benefits both the students and the Canadian economy.
To illustrate a typical journey, Maple News introduces the example of Saahil, a civil engineering graduate from India. After completing a two-year diploma at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), Saahil qualified for a two-year PGWP. This permit enabled him to work anywhere in Canada, gain at least a year of full-time experience, and become eligible to apply for permanent residence through an economic immigration program.
PGWPs are typically issued for the same duration as the study program, up to a maximum of three years. This policy gives international graduates enough time to establish careers and demonstrate their long-term potential in Canada.
With international students now representing a growing portion of Canada’s new permanent residents, the country continues to invest in policies that make studying—and staying—in Canada both accessible and attractive. As immigration levels are expected to remain high, more students can look forward to calling Canada their permanent home in the years ahead.