Study in Canada: A Top Path to PR via PNP & Express Entry

Is Studying in Canada Still a Good Path to Permanent Residency in 2024–2025?

With Canada’s Express Entry system becoming more competitive in 2024 and 2025, many international students are wondering: is studying in Canada still a smart way to get permanent residency (PR)? The short answer is — yes, absolutely. In fact, studying in Canada has become even more valuable in today’s immigration landscape.

If you’re an aspiring international student or already studying in Canada and looking to build a life here, this post will walk you through why your education journey can offer a strong pathway to Canadian PR — even in a more competitive pool.

Key Highlights

• Studying in Canada can earn you up to 30 extra CRS points under Express Entry
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) enables you to gain Canadian work experience
• Canadian education and work experience improve your Skill Transferability score
• Many provinces have PNP streams specifically for international student graduates
• Canadian employers often prefer candidates with local education and experience
• You can extend work authorization with a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while waiting for PR approval

Why Studying in Canada Still Matters for Immigration

Canada’s Express Entry system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate immigration candidates. While recent cut-offs have been high, studying in Canada gives you multiple advantages that can boost your CRS score and improve your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

1. Bonus CRS Points for Canadian Education

If you’ve studied at a Canadian post-secondary institution, you can get up to 30 extra CRS points. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 15 points for a one- or two-year diploma or certificate
• 30 points for a credential of three years or more (e.g. a bachelor’s degree)

In a system where every point counts, those 15–30 points might be the difference between getting an ITA and missing out.

2. PGWP: Gaining Valuable Canadian Work Experience

After graduating, most international students are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years depending on the length of your program. This open work permit lets you gain the Canadian work experience that’s highly valued in Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream.

And once you’ve submitted your PR application and received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to stay and continue working while your application is being processed.

3. Boosting Your Skill Transferability Score

Another area where Canadian study and work experience helps is the CRS’s Skill Transferability section. This section awards points based on how your education and work experience combine with your official language skills (usually English or French).

You can earn up to 100 points here — and Canadian education and work experience make a big impact, especially when paired with a strong language test result like CLB 9 or higher.

4. Stronger Job Opportunities and Employer Networks

Studying in Canada helps you build a professional network. Many colleges and universities offer co-op programs, job fairs, and internships, making it easier to connect with local employers.

Students with valid study permits can also work up to 24 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks, which helps build Canadian work history and gives you a head start in the job market.

5. Access to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Many provinces run immigration programs that specifically target international student graduates. These PNP international graduate streams make it easier for you to get a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile — virtually guaranteeing an ITA.

For example, if you’re studying in Manitoba, you might want to check out the Manitoba PNP international student stream.

6. Employers Value Canadian Experience

Let’s be honest — employers tend to prefer candidates who understand the Canadian workplace and culture. Having Canadian credentials and experience can give you a real edge when applying for jobs, which in turn helps you earn more CRS points and qualify for employer-based immigration programs.

Real-Life Example: Maria’s Journey from Student to PR

Let’s look at a fictional but realistic example — Maria, a 21-year-old from the Philippines. She had one year of overseas work experience and came to Canada to pursue a psychology degree at the University of Toronto.

During her studies, Maria interned at an NGO. After graduating, she got a 3-year PGWP and started working full-time in social services. She then entered the Express Entry pool under the Canadian Experience Class and later applied for PR.

Here’s how her CRS score added up:

• Age (26): 110 points
• Education (Bachelor’s degree): 120 points
• Language (CLB 9): 124 points
• Canadian Work Experience (2 years): 53 points
• Skill Transferability: 100 points (combined from education, language, and foreign work experience)
• Bonus for studying in Canada: 30 points

Total CRS score: 537 — well above many recent CEC and category-based draw cut-offs!

Final Thoughts: Is the Study-Work-Immigrate Path Still Worth It?

Given the increasing competition in Canada’s Express Entry pool, every opportunity to boost your score counts. Studying in Canada doesn’t just give you a top-quality education — it sets you up for long-term success by:

• Helping you gain Canadian work experience through PGWP
• Boosting your CRS score with additional and transferability points
• Giving you access to PNP streams and employer networks

If your Express Entry profile isn’t currently competitive enough, studying in Canada could be the stepping stone to significantly improve it.

Ready to start your journey? Whether you’re considering school in Canada or already studying here, it’s a great time to see how competitive your Express Entry profile is and explore your options.

Need help planning your immigration strategy? Learn more about how post-secondary education in Canada can support your PR goals by checking out our guide to the Manitoba PNP or contact our team for personalized support.

Your Canadian dream is closer than you think — and it might just start in a classroom.