Pathways to Permanent Residency

For many international students, the transition from a world-class education to becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) is a natural next step. Canada values the unique skills, cultural perspectives, and academic excellence you bring to our community, offering several dedicated pathways to help you make this country your permanent home.

Take the Next Step

ISVS does not answer questions or offer one-on-one advising for Permanent Residency. You are encouraged to attend permanent residence information sessions provided throughout the year.

Register for a PR Webinar

Navigating Your Options

While there are many ways to immigrate, the most common pathways for U of A graduates are Express Entry and Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). 

Express Entry

As a graduate with Canadian education and work experience, you are often well-positioned for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programs.

  • CEC: Designed for those who have gained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada after graduation.
  • FSW: For those with significant skilled work experience, whether gained in Canada or abroad.

Learn more about the Express Entry

Express Entry sends an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR based on the applicant's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Calculate your CRS score using IRCC’s CRS Tool

Review the minimum eligible scores from past ITAs on IRCC’s Previous Rounds of Invitations website.

Applicants with specific in-demand skills or those in particular fields may be selected with a lower CRS score than the general pool. For details, refer to the Category-based selection information.

Canada uses the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system to classify jobs. For federal economic immigration, eligible TEER groups are 0, 1, 2, or 3. All skilled work experience must be paid (wages or commission); volunteer work or unpaid internships do not qualify. Work experience gained during full-time studies in Canada is not eligible for Express Entry PR applications. Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

A provincial pathway designed for those who live and work in Alberta. This program recognizes your contribution to the local economy and offers specific streams for international graduates of the U of A.

  • Alberta Opportunity Stream: For individuals currently working in Alberta in eligible occupations.
  • Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For those looking to start or operate a business within the province.

Learn more about the AAIP

What to Expect: The PR Process

  • Costs & Investment: While creating an Express Entry profile is free, the application phase involves non-refundable processing fees, right of permanent residence fees, and third-party costs for language tests, medical exams, and police certificates.
  • Family Inclusion: You must declare all immediate family members (spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children) in your application, even if they are not coming to Canada immediately. This ensures your right to sponsor them in the future.
  • Timeline to Residency: Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application. After submission, most applications are finalized within approximately six months. Profiles remain active in the Express Entry pool for 12 months.

To prepare for your future, we recommend focusing on the following areas:

  • Skilled Work Experience: Focus on obtaining roles that fall under recognized professional categories (TEER levels).
  • Language Proficiency: Maintain or improve your English or French language skills, as high test scores significantly boost your residency points.
  • Stay Informed: Immigration policies are dynamic. Regularly attend our webinars to stay updated on the latest regulatory changes.

For the most current legal requirements and application portals, always consult the official Government of Canada (IRCC) website. The IRCC routinely hosts virtual Q&A learning sessions to help you understand your options for PR.

Virtual learning sessions

Do I need to hire an immigration consultant to apply for PR?

IRCC states that all PR applications are treated equally, whether or not an Immigration Consultant or Lawyer is hired. Many international students successfully navigate the IRCC website and guides to apply for PR independently. However, if desired, you can hire an immigration consultant or lawyer to represent you. Before you hire an Immigration Consultant or Lawyer, learn more about representatives.