Graduate to Permanent Residency
Many International Students decide to stay in Canada once they have completed their studies in Canada.
Students who have completed at least 8 months of full-time studies in Canada can be eligible for a PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit) which is essential to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
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Thankfully there are different pathways to graduate to Permanent Residency specifically geared for students, while other programs form part of Express Entry.​
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Each program has its own requirements beyond completing studies in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs For International Students
International Graduate Entrepreneur
Qualified international graduates from Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to establish or operate a business in Alberta can apply for permanent residence.
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest through the AINP Online Portal
Applicants submit a business application package
The business application is assessed
Applicant establishes the business in Alberta
Submit final report for AINP nomination
​Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Have completed at least two years of full-time education, resulting in a degree or diploma from an Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded post-secondary institution
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Must be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
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Have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for at least 2 years at the time of your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission
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Minimum CLB 7 in all language areas
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Must establish a new business or buy an existing business in Alberta with a minimum 34% ownership
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Business Partners must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents
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6 months of work experience is required at the time of EOI submission
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Work experience can be acquired:
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from outside Canada or within Canada
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before or after completing Alberta Education
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Foreign Graduate Start-Up
The Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream (FGSVS) is an economic immigration program for qualified foreign-educated graduates from outside of Canada who want to launch start-up enterprises and innovative businesses in Alberta.
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest through the AINP Online Portal
Applicants submit a business application package
The business application is assessed
Applicant establishes the business in Alberta
Submit final report for AINP nomination
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Minimum of 6 months full-time work experience that can be a combination of actively managing or owning the business or equivalent
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Completion of a degree from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This degree must:
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have been completed within the last 2 years at the time of EOI submission, and
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must be equivalent to a Canadian degree
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Submit a business plan with projected financials
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Submit a 10-minute presentation (slides only) that outlines the proposed business venture and focuses on what an investor would want to see
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Minimum CLB 7
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Must have a minimum of 34% ownership if the business is in an urban center or a minimum of 51% ownership if located in a regional area outside Calgary and Edmonton Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs)
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The mandatory minimum investment for an urban center is $100,000 while the mandatory minimum investment for a regional area is $50,000
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Candidates must demonstrate that they have the funds needed to set up their business and support themselves while they are on a work permit and launching their start-up
International Graduate
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants create an online profile with BCPNP
Applicants with high enough scores may receive an invitation to apply
Applicants submit Express Entry BC application through BCPNP online
A nomination certificate is issued
Apply for permanent residency
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This shows you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
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Canadian Experience Class
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have accepted a full-time, indeterminate job offer (a permanent job, or one with no set end date) from a B.C. employer. The job must be in a National Occupational Classification skilled occupation (Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B)
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qualify to work in your occupation in B.C.
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show you can support yourself and your dependents
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have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
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have completed a degree, diploma, or certificate from an eligible post-secondary institution in Canada in the past three years
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meet minimum language requirements
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have a wage offer in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation
International Post - Graduate
Graduates with a degree in the sciences from an eligible B.C. institution can consider advancing their career in B.C.’s growing technology, health care, and applied sciences sectors.
You must have graduated in the last three years with a master's or doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in the natural, applied, or health sciences:
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agriculture
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biological and biomedical sciences
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computer and information sciences and support services
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engineering
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engineering technology
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health professions and related clinical sciences
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mathematics and statistics
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natural resources conservation and research
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physical sciences
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How Does This Category Work?
Applicants create an online profile with BCPNP
Applicants with high enough scores may receive an invitation to apply
Applicants submit Express Entry BC application through BCPNP online
A nomination certificate is issued
Apply for permanent residency
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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have received an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code from the IRCC Express Entry system. This indicates that you meet the minimum criteria for one of IRCC’s Express Entry programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
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Canadian Experience Class
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have, or be eligible for, legal immigration status in Canada
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have completed a valid graduate program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution in B.C. in the last three years.
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show your intent and ability to live in B.C.
Graduate Internship Pathway
Graduates who complete an Accelerate or Elevate internship with Mitacs in Manitoba can apply to the MPNP immediately after graduation, whether or not they have a job offer.
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest to MPNP
Candidates with the highest ranking scores can receive an Invitation to Apply to MPNP
If step 3 was successful the applicant will receive a nomination letter
Applicants submit a paper-based immigration application
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Completed a master's or doctoral degree program in Manitoba within the past 3 years
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Minimum CLB 7
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Completed a Mitacs Elevate or Accelerate (including Accelerate Entrepreneur) internship with an eligible industry and research enterprise in Manitoba
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You must demonstrate liquid funds equivalent to Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements for independent financial resources for six months OR
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You must be employed in a full-time, long-term position in Manitoba
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You must be residing in Manitoba at the time of application
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You must show the intent to continue to reside in Manitoba after the nomination
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Must be eligible to apply for MPNP
International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
Every calendar year up to 20 international students who have graduated in Manitoba is allowed to pursue entrepreneurship rather than employment. Once the applicant meets the conditions of their Business Performance Agreement, they are nominated for permanent residence.
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression of Interest to MPNP
Candidates with the highest ranking scores can receive an Invitation to Apply to MPNP
If step 3 was successful the applicant will receive a nomination letter
Applicants submit a paper-based immigration application
International Graduate
This category is for recent graduates who have a Post-Graduate Work Permit and a job or job offer from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer.
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants must apply to the Newfoundland and Labrador Stream online
If step 1 was successful the applicant will receive a nomination letter
Applicants submit a permanent residency application
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Have an IRCC Post- Graduation work permit (PGWP). The work permit must have at least 4 months of validity remaining at the time of application for the NL Provincial Nominee Program
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Have a full-time job or job offer:
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In a NOC 0, A, or B occupation, or a NOC C occupation, provided the occupation is in an In-Demand Occupation
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That guarantees a minimum of 30 hours per week for the applicant;
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That is at least one year in duration with a reasonable expectation of an extension
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From an eligible Newfoundland and Labrador employer
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That compensates the applicant in the form of a salary or hourly wage (not commission);
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Meets provincial employment standards and prevailing wage rates.
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Meet NOC code employment requirements for that occupation.
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That is not a contractual or locum position (short-term positions usually less than twelve (12) months in duration with little or no possibility of extension)
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Be 21 to 59 years old
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Have the intention and ability to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador;
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Hold sufficient settlement funds and financial resources to successfully establish themselves and any dependents in Newfoundland and Labrador;
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Sufficient English or French language capability to perform employment duties. Language testing is required for NOC C, In-Demand occupations. Minimum language requirements.
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If the applicant completed their studies at a recognized public post-secondary institution outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, their job or job offer must be directly related to the field of study. Out-of-province graduates must work for a minimum of one year in Newfoundland and Labrador before submission of an NLPNP application.
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If the applicant has an ownership stake in a business in which they are employed, then the applicant’s share of ownership cannot exceed 10%.
International Graduate Entrepreneur
The International Graduate Entrepreneur category is intended for graduates of Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic who has already started or bought a local business and maintained day-to-day operations for at least one continuous year.
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants must apply to the Newfoundland and Labrador Stream online
If step 1 was successful the applicant will receive a nomination letter
Applicants submit a permanent residency application
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Be at least 21 years old;
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Provide a business continuity plan with supporting financial documentation verified by a recognized third-party professional service (applicants are solely responsible for payment of associated fees related to obtaining these documents);
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Have completed a degree or diploma after at least two academic years of full-time, in-person study at Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic with the degree or diploma having been completed within two years of submission of the Expression of Interest;
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Have a valid post-graduate work permit;
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Want to live permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador while owning and actively managing a local business that has the potential to create significant economic benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador;
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Have at least one year’s continuous experience actively managing and owning the current business (33.3 percent minimum ownership);
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Demonstrate ability to create at least one full-time equivalent job for the local population (permanent residents and Canadian citizens);
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Demonstrate that the business is a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services;
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Have a score of at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English or French;
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Complete an online Expression of Interest; and
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Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism
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If starting a business, the applicant must create a minimum of one full-time year-round equivalent employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Newfoundland and Labrador. This position must:
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Be over and above any position filled by the approved applicant. For clarity, jobs created for or filled by dependents or relatives of the applicant are not eligible
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Be relevant and directly related to the applicant’s business
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Meet the prevailing provincial wage levels
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If the applicant is purchasing an existing Newfoundland and Labrador business, all of the following apply:
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The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous five (5) years;
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Applicants must provide evidence that reasonable efforts were taken to establish a fair market value for the business;
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The business must be actively in operation and not in receivership;
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Applicants must offer employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and employment terms.
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Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
International Graduate Entrepreneur
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is for recent graduates of a Nova Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. They must have already started or bought a Nova Scotia business and operated it for at least a year.
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants complete an online Expression of Interest
If step 1 was successful the applicant will receive an Invitation to Apply
Applicants apply to the NSOI
Applicants received nomination certificate if succesful
Applicants apply for PR
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Applicants must have completed a full-time Nova Scotia post-secondary diploma or degree of at least two
years (15 hours of class per week) in length from a recognized university in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia
Community College
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Have resided in Nova Scotia during the academic program (no distance-learning programs or compressed
academic programs will be eligible.)
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Demonstrate an intention to settle in Nova Scotia
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Have a minimum of CLB 7 in all four language abilities
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit at the time of application to NSOI
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Applicants must also meet the following business and financial eligibility criteria:
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Own and operate a business in Nova Scotia for at least one continuous year before the date of EOI submission
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Applicants must own 33.33% of the equity of the eligible business and provide active and ongoing participation in the day-to-day management and direction of the business
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The applicant must demonstrate that they are receiving compensation in the form of a salary from the business, which must, at minimum, meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO)
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International Graduates In Demand
This stream is for recent international graduates whose skills and education match specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) job categories. This stream is currently open to workers in 2 NOC job categories:
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NOC 3413: nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
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NOC 4214: early childhood educators and assistants
How Does This Category Work?
Applicants apply to the NSOI
Applicants received nomination certificate if succesful
Applicants apply for PR
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in a job category listed above that corresponds with your recent field of study
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be 21 to 55 years old
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have a high school diploma
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have met the requirements for completing a course of study within three years of your application. The program must have been at least 30 weeks in length. You must have completed at least 50% of the program in Nova Scotia
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If you are applying under NOC 3413, your program must grant a certificate, diploma, or degree
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If you are applying under NOC 4214, your program must grant a diploma or a degree
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have certifications issued by NS regulatory bodies required for the job
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prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 even if your first language is English or French
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show enough financial resources to successfully settle in Nova Scotia
Ontario
International Student With Job Offer
This stream gives international students with a job offer in a skilled occupation at Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), the opportunity to apply for a nomination from the OINP to permanently live and work in Ontario
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How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression Of Interest through OINP online portal
Applicants may receive an Invitation to Apply
Successful applicants receive a Nomination certificate
Applicant apply for Permanent Residency
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Must have a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario
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The job offered must be in a skilled occupation at Skill Type 0 or Skill Levels A or B of the National Occupation Classification (NOC)
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The pay of the job offered must meet or be higher than the low wage level, for that occupation, in the specific region of Ontario where you will be working
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The position offered must be urgently necessary to your employer’s business
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The work you do while in the position of the job offer must occur primarily in Ontario
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You must have received from an eligible Canadian institution one of the following:
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a degree or diploma that takes at least two years to complete if you study on a full-time basis, or
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a degree, diploma, or certificate that takes at least one year to complete if you study on a full-time basis and that requires a completed degree as an admission requirement
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You must hold a valid license or authorization from the appropriate regulatory body in Ontario when you apply if your occupation requires it
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You must intend to live in Ontario
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You must have legal status if you are applying from within Canada
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You must submit your application within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain your degree, diploma, or certificate
International Master's Graduate Stream
Currently closed
International PhD Graduate Stream
Currently closed
Prince Edward Island
International Graduates
You can apply for a nomination for permanent residency through the International Graduate stream of the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) if you graduated from a publicly-funded PEI post-secondary institution and have a job offer.
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How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression Of Interest through PEI PNP online portal
Applicants may receive an Invitation to Apply
Successful applicants receive a Nomination certificate
Applicant apply for Permanent Residency
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Have a post-secondary degree or diploma from a publicly-funded Prince Edward Island institution
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Have a full-time, non-seasonal (i.e. permanent or minimum of two years) job offer from a PEI employer
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Have a valid post-graduate work permit and legal status in Canada
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Be able to attend an interview with staff from the Office, if required
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Possess sufficient English and/or French language ability to perform the job offered
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Be between the ages of 18 and 59
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Have sufficient financial resources to pay all immigration costs (including travel expenses) for you and your family to be able to establish in PEI and
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Demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in PEI
Saskatchewan
Students
This stream is for students who have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada.
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How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression Of Interest through SINP online portal
Applicants may receive an Invitation to Apply
Successful applicants receive a Nomination certificate
Applicant apply for Permanent Residency
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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You have graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan or elsewhere in Canada with a certificate, degree, or diploma
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You have worked for a minimum of 6 months (or 780 hours) of paid employment in Saskatchewan
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You currently hold a valid post-graduation work permit
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You have a permanent, full-time job offer in your field of study from an approved Saskatchewan employer. The job should be:
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In an occupation in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) A, B, O or in a designated trade.
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Related to your field of study and requires post-secondary education
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You have a valid SINP Job Approval Letter
International Graduate Entrepreneur
You must be an international student graduating from a Saskatchewan institution who wants to become an entrepreneur.
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How Does This Category Work?
Applicants submit an Expression Of Interest through SINP online portal
Applicants with the highest scores may receive an Invitation to Apply
Successful applicants receive a Nomination certificate
Applicant apply for Permanent Residency
Eligibility Requirements are as follows:
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Are at least 21 years of age.
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Have completed a full-time post-secondary degree or diploma of at least two years from an eligible Saskatchewan institution.
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Have a valid Post-Graduate Work Permit, with at least 24 months remaining.
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Have lived in Saskatchewan during their academic program (no distance-learning programs or accelerated academic programs are eligible).
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Have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7
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Those chosen from the EOI pool, invited to apply and approved by the SINP must:
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Reside in Saskatchewan.
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Actively own and operate a business in Saskatchewan for at least one year before applying.
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Own at least one-third (33%) of the business and take part in the day-to-day management.
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Ownership must be the result of a verifiable investment made directly by the applicant, either from their equity or from an eligible source.
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Demonstrate that the business is generating the minimum required revenue amount after one year of operation.
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