Top 5 Ways Students Can Boost PR Chances in Canada (PNP & Express Entry)

5 Smart Ways International Students Can Boost Their Chances at Canadian Permanent Residence

If you’re an international student in Canada, you may already be dreaming about building your future here. And you’re not alone! Canada is a top destination for students from around the world—and many of them hope to transition from study permits to permanent residency (PR) after graduation.

But here’s the thing: waiting until you’ve finished school to figure out your immigration options can mean missing out on big opportunities. By taking strategic steps during your studies, you can set yourself up for success and give yourself a real edge in the immigration process.

Let’s dive into five practical ways you can boost your chances of becoming a permanent resident while you’re still a student in Canada.

Key Highlights

• Join a co-op program to gain Canadian work experience and strengthen your Express Entry profile.
• Build foreign work experience while studying to earn up to 50 bonus CRS points.
• Target in-demand occupations to qualify for category-based Express Entry draws.
• Network with alumni to uncover job opportunities and industry insights.
• Study French to unlock additional CRS points and access French-language immigration streams.

1. Enroll in a Co-op Program

One of the best ways to hit the ground running with your Canadian career is by participating in a co-op program. These programs let you gain hands-on, real-world experience in your field of study while you’re still a student. And if you impress your employer during your placement, there’s a good chance they’ll offer you a full-time position after you graduate.

This is especially helpful when it comes to qualifying for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), one of the most popular Express Entry streams. The CEC requires at least one year of Canadian work experience—not counting work done while studying full-time—so starting your career early gives you a head start.

Plus, each year of full-time Canadian work experience (up to five years) earns you more points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), making your profile more competitive when it’s time to apply for PR.

2. Gain Foreign Work Experience

Don’t overlook the value of work experience gained outside Canada. Under Express Entry, foreign skilled work experience can contribute up to 50 additional CRS points—which can be a game-changer when it comes to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Unlike Canadian work experience, you can accumulate foreign work experience while studying full-time in Canada. That means you can:

• Work remotely for a company based in your home country while studying in Canada
• Return home during summer breaks to take on a skilled job

It might require a bit more planning and hustle, but adding foreign work experience to your resume can really pay off in your permanent residence application.

3. Target In-Demand Occupations

Canada’s Express Entry system has introduced category-based selection draws targeting candidates in specific high-demand sectors. Even if your CRS score isn’t sky-high, having work experience in one of these key fields could give you a serious leg up.

Current priority occupations include:

• Healthcare and social services
• Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Skilled trades (like plumbing, carpentry, or roofing)
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Education

Take a look at these in-demand jobs and ask yourself—could you gain experience in one of these areas during your studies? Maybe you take on a summer job in a skilled trade, or tweak your course selections to open doors into a priority field. Being flexible and forward-thinking here can really boost your eligibility.

And if you’re studying in a province with its own immigration program—like Manitoba’s Manitoba PNP—there could be even more opportunities tied to local labour market needs.

4. Connect with Alumni

Sometimes, it’s not what you know—but who you know. And when it comes to launching a career in Canada, alumni networking can be an absolute goldmine.

Your school’s alumni network can offer:

• Job leads and referrals
• Mentorship and industry advice
• Introductions to potential employers

Unlike co-op placements, this kind of networking is available to students in virtually every program at every institution. So don’t be shy—attend alumni events, reach out on LinkedIn, and ask your professors or career services office for introductions. A simple conversation could open the door to your first Canadian job.

5. Study French

If you’re open to learning a new language, French could be your secret weapon in the immigration process.

Reaching an intermediate level of French (NCLC 7) can earn you up to 50 points under the CRS. It also makes you eligible for special French-language Express Entry draws—which often have lower CRS cut-off scores than general draws.

Here’s how you can build your French skills while studying in Canada:

• Enroll in French language courses offered by your school
• Join a local conversation group or language exchange
• Look for immersion programs or summer camps in French-speaking communities

If you’re in a three- or four-year program, spreading your French learning over time can make it manageable—and even fun! Plus, being bilingual can also give you more job opportunities in Canada, especially in government or public-facing roles.

Final Thoughts: Start Early, Stay Informed

Immigrating to Canada as an international student doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, you can make the most of your time as a student and position yourself for long-term success. Whether it’s gaining relevant work experience, learning French, or building a strong network, every step you take now can bring you closer to becoming a permanent resident.

Ready to find out how you stack up for Express Entry or provincial nomination programs like the Manitoba PNP?

Take a free eligibility assessment and start mapping your pathway to permanent residence today!