Maple News reports that Canada remains a top global destination for individuals and families seeking new opportunities abroad. But with its popularity comes a surge in misinformation surrounding immigration pathways, eligibility, and the reality of life in the country.
A significant source of confusion stems from misleading promises made by unauthorized immigration agents. These so-called consultants often claim to guarantee permanent resident (PR) status or immediate job offers upon arrival—particularly for those entering on a work or study permit. In reality, such guarantees are rarely, if ever, legitimate.
One of the most persistent myths is that international students automatically qualify for PR after graduation. In truth, studying in Canada does not assure permanent residency. Graduates must first take several additional steps—typically starting with obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This open work permit enables former international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can then strengthen a future PR application.
The PGWP is available only to students who graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), a school approved by Canada’s federal government to host international students. Undergraduate or college-level programs must be at least eight months long to qualify. The duration of a PGWP usually matches the length of the academic program, up to a maximum of three years. Importantly, Canada recently extended PGWP eligibility to give all master’s graduates a full three-year work permit, regardless of their program’s length.
This distinction is important because Canadian work experience gained through PGWP can contribute significantly to eligibility under permanent residence streams such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) within the Express Entry system. However, securing a PGWP and qualifying for PR still requires planning, eligibility checks, and careful adherence to immigration rules.
Maple News encourages prospective immigrants and students to verify information with official government sources and authorized representatives. As interest in moving to Canada grows, so too does the need for accurate, transparent guidance in navigating a complex immigration system.