Hi Michael,

As student, there is a pathway for permanent residency, but you need to get a PGWP first. The Post graduate work permit is open to students who have completed their program of study.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institution to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B that is gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class within Express Entry.

The conditions for the PGWP are the following:

• To graduate from a Designated Learning Institution
• To have completed an academic, vocational or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• To have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study you have completed and submitted as part of your post-graduation work permit application.
• To have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that you have met the requirements to complete your program of study. Note: The transcript and official letter must be included in a post-graduation work permit application.

Within 180 days of the date of applying for the post-graduation work permit, applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• They hold a valid study permit.
• They held a study permit.
• They were authorized to study in Canada without the requirement to obtain a study permit under paragraph 188(1) (a) and (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Best,