Canada PR Points and Requirements for International Students 2026
Dreaming of staying in Canada after your studies? Canada's Permanent Residency (PR) pathways are a great opportunity for international students, offering a chance to build a life in a country known for its quality education and multicultural society.
This 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about Canada PR requirements and points for international students. From eligibility criteria to strategies for maximizing your score, we'll help you navigate the process to achieve your PR goals. Let's get started.
Canada PR Requirements for International Students
Before diving into points, let's explore the Canada PR requirements for international students. These criteria ensure you're eligible to apply through programmes like Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Here's what you need:
- Education: Complete a Canadian degree or diploma (1 - 4 years). University-level degrees obtained by candidates from select countries must be assessed by World Education Services (WES) to confirm equivalency.
- Work Experience: Gain at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada via the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). For example, working as a marketing assistant in Toronto after a business degree qualifies as skilled work (NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B).
- Language Proficiency: Achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 in each band. International students can also take the CELPIP test, which is available in Canada and costs CA $290.
- Financial Proof: Show sufficient funds to support yourself CA $22,895 for a single applicant, unless you have a job offer or work permit.
Meeting these requirements is the first step. For help with your study plans, check out AECC's guide to study in Canada.
Canada PR Points: How to Calculate Your Score
Once you meet the requirements, your next step is calculating your Canada PR points through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS awards points for factors like age, education, and work experience, with a minimum of 470 points often needed for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here's a breakdown:
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age (best for 20–29 years) | 110 |
| Education (e.g., Bachelor's degree) | 150 |
| Language Proficiency (CLB 7) | 136 |
| Work Experience (1 year in Canada) | 80 |
International students can aim for a competitive score by focusing on education and language skills. For instance, a Bachelor's degree from a Canadian university (e.g., University of Toronto) earns 150 points, while CLB 7 adds 136 points.
Maximizing Your Canada PR Points as an International Student
To transition from requirements to points, let's look at how international students can maximize their CRS score:
- Study in a Regional Area: Studying in provinces like Manitoba or Saskatchewan (e.g., at the University of Manitoba) can lead to provincial nominations, adding 600 points to your CRS score.
- Improve Language Scores: Aim for CLB 9 (IELTS 8.0 in listening, 7.0 in others) to gain an extra 50 points.
- Gain More Work Experience: Work 2 - 3 years in Canada via the PGWP to earn up to 80 points. For example, working as a software developer in Vancouver after an IT degree adds points.
- Additional Qualifications: A 1-year diploma in Canada (e.g., a post-graduate certificate in project management) can add 15 - 30 points, depending on your primary degree.
By focusing on these strategies, international students can boost their CRS score significantly, making PR more achievable.
PR Pathways After Studying in Canada
With your requirements met and points calculated, here's how to apply for PR:
- Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After your studies, apply for a PGWP to work in Canada for up to 3 years, gaining valuable experience.
- Work in a Skilled Occupation: Use your PGWP to work in a skilled role (NOC 0, A, or B) for at least 1 year to meet the CEC requirement.
- Submit an Express Entry Profile: Create a profile in the Express Entry system, entering your CRS score and details.
- Receive an ITA and Apply: If your score is above the cutoff (typically 470 - 500), you'll receive an ITA. Submit your PR application within 60 days.
International students can achieve PR within 3-4 years of completing their studies by following this pathway.
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