Study Permit to Permanent Residency (PR)
The complete roadmap for international graduates converting post-grad work permits into Canadian PR via the CEC.
IRCC continues to run regular **CEC-specific Express Entry draws**. Since these draws exclude candidates living overseas, their CRS cutoff scores are generally lower, making the CEC the most reliable pathway for in-Canada graduates.
The 4-Step Transition Roadmap
Converting your status from a student visa to a permanent resident involves four distinct phases:
- Secure your PGWP: Upon completing your program at a PGWP-eligible DLI, apply for your Post-Graduation Work Permit to secure legal status to work full-time in Canada.
- Complete 1 Year of Skilled Work: Work for at least **1,560 hours** (30 hours/week for 52 weeks) in Canada. The work must be in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). Part-time work can count, but student work experience earned *while* studying full-time does not qualify.
- Take a Language Test: Complete CELPIP-General, IELTS General, or PTE Core. You need to meet the language threshold (CLB 7 for TEER 0-1 occupations, CLB 5 for TEER 2-3 occupations).
- Create your Express Entry Profile: Enter the pool under the Canadian Experience Class. Once in the pool, you will receive a CRS score based on your age, education, and work experience.
Crucial Rules: What Experience Counts?
IRCC maintains strict definitions regarding qualifying work experience for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- Co-op Hours Excluded: Any hours worked under a Co-op work permit while enrolled full-time in school **do not count** toward the 1-year CEC requirement.
- Self-Employment Excluded: Self-employed work experience and freelance contracts inside Canada do not qualify for CEC. You must be an employee with a standard payroll record (T4 slip).
- Implied/Maintained Status: Work experience gained on a valid work permit extension (such as a BOWP or PGWP extension) counts toward your eligibility.
Maximizing Your CRS Points
As an international graduate, you qualify for additional points on the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) grid:
| Factor | Bonus Points Awarded | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Education | +15 to +30 Points | 15 points for a 1-2 year diploma; 30 points for a degree/master's program. |
| Canadian Work Experience | +40 to +80 Points | Points increase significantly for each year of skilled Canadian experience (up to 5 years). |
| Bilingual Ability (French) | +50 Points | Achieve CLB 7 in French (TEF/TCF) to qualify for massive bonus points under French-language draws. |
This guide compiles official Express Entry guidelines and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility parameters sourced directly from:
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) CEC Guide: canada.ca/cec-eligibility
• IRCC Express Entry Profile Creation Guidelines: canada.ca/express-entry-profile