Maple News reports that international students who complete a master’s degree at a Canadian university may significantly boost their chances of securing permanent residency (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system. Not only does a postgraduate education enhance a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, but it also opens access to valuable work experience opportunities in Canada.
Graduates of a recognized Canadian master’s program are eligible for a three-year open work permit. This permit allows them to gain skilled Canadian work experience, which is a key factor in many immigration pathways, including through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. As Maple News highlights, this combination of education and work experience can be a crucial advantage in a competitive PR landscape.
Under the CRS, applicants with a master’s degree receive 135 points in the core human capital category. If that degree is obtained in Canada, they receive an additional 30 points, bringing them closer to the CRS cutoffs seen in recent Express Entry draws. Over the past year, CRS cut-off scores for CEC draws have ranged between 515 and 547.
This points boost could be decisive for prospective immigrants, like Anna, a 24-year-old project manager from India. With only a bachelor’s degree and two years of foreign work experience, her CRS score was 416—insufficient to receive an invitation to apply. However, after completing a one-year master’s degree at the University of Toronto, Anna became eligible for higher CRS points, pushing her score into competitive range for Express Entry rounds.
For many international students, a Canadian master’s degree is more than an academic milestone—it’s a strategic step toward long-term settlement. Given that Canadian educational credentials are highly valued within Canada’s immigration system, pursuing a postgraduate degree locally can be an investment in future immigration success.
According to Maple News, the impact of a Canadian education on PR prospects emphasizes the value of intentional career planning. International students are encouraged to consider how academic decisions align with their immigration ambitions, and how Canadian work experience can further enhance their profiles.
With growing interest in skilled immigration, Canada continues to favor candidates who have studied and worked locally. The master’s degree pathway offers a structured, effective route to long-term settlement—particularly for high-skilled professionals looking to build a future in Canada.