A recent update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlights a powerful strategy for prospective immigrants: completing a master’s degree in Canada can serve as a significant stepping stone toward permanent residence. This pathway leverages Canada’s preference for candidates with in-country education and work experience, offering a clear advantage in the competitive immigration landscape.
Summary
The core of the news is that obtaining a master’s degree from a designated Canadian post-secondary institution significantly enhances a candidate’s profile for permanent residence (PR). Graduates not only become eligible for a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain valuable Canadian work experience, but they also receive a substantial points boost within the Express Entry system’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
What Does This Update Mean?
This isn’t a new policy but a strong reminder of the value IRCC places on Canadian credentials. For individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada, this reinforces that investing in Canadian education is a direct investment in their PR potential. The system is designed to favor those who have already demonstrated an ability to integrate into Canadian society through study and work. A master’s degree provides a dual advantage: it directly increases your CRS score and unlocks the opportunity to gain skilled work experience, which further boosts your score and opens doors to various immigration programs.
Who Is Affected?
- Prospective International Students: Individuals planning to study abroad can see a clear return on investment by choosing Canada for their master’s degree, as it offers a direct route to permanent residency.
- Current International Students in Canada: Students already pursuing a master’s degree can be confident that their educational path aligns with Canada’s immigration goals.
- Express Entry Candidates: Applicants in the Express Entry pool with scores just below the cut-off may consider a Canadian master’s degree as a strategic way to significantly improve their ranking.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants: Many provinces, such as Ontario (OINP), have specific PNP streams dedicated to master’s graduates, often providing a direct nomination without requiring a job offer.
How a Master’s Degree Boosts Your CRS Score
Pursuing a master’s degree in Canada enhances your CRS score in several key areas:
- Education Points: A master’s degree awards 135 points in the CRS, a significant increase over a bachelor’s degree.
- Skill Transferability: When combined with strong language proficiency (CLB 9 or higher) or Canadian work experience, a master’s degree can add up to 100 additional “skill transferability” points.
- Canadian Work Experience: The three-year PGWP allows graduates ample time to secure at least one year of full-time skilled work experience. This makes them eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program and adds up to 80 CRS points for the experience itself.
What Can You Do About It?
If you’re considering this pathway, here are some actionable next steps:
- Research Eligible Programs: Ensure the master’s program you choose is at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that makes you eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Explore PNP Options: Look into Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that have streams for master’s graduates. These can be an excellent alternative or parallel option to Express Entry.
- Plan Your Post-Graduation Strategy: While studying, start networking and researching companies in your field. Aim to secure a skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) as soon as possible after graduation to start accumulating Canadian work experience.
- Consult Your Express Entry Profile: If you already have a profile, use the official CRS calculator to see how a Canadian master’s degree would impact your score. This can help you make an informed decision about your immigration journey.