Breaking Down the Top 10 Myths About Studying Abroad
Canada is widely known as a top destination for international students, and Nigerian students have been flocking to the country in increasing numbers. The Canadian Bureau for International Education's report on international students in 2020 shows that Nigerian students in Canada totaled 14,665, positioning Nigeria as the fourth largest source country for international students in Canada.Nigerian students have proven to be a valuable asset to Canada's education system and economy. By taking advantage of the various immigration programs available to them, Nigerian students can achieve their goal of obtaining permanent residency in Canada and building successful careers in the country.
A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries. A person in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.
To find if you are eligible for permanent residency you will be examined by your:
- Age
- Level of education
- Official language proficiency
- Second official language
- Canadian work experience
Before you compare programs, here are two key terms you need to know:
1. Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
The Canadian standard is used to describe, measure and recognize English language ability of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants who plan to live and work in Canada, or apply for citizenship. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) is used to assess abilities in the French language.
2. The National Occupation Classification is a list of all the occupations in the Canadian labour market. It describes each job according to training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) categories. For immigration purposes, these are the main job groups:
TEER 0 : management jobs
TEER 1: professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university
TEER 2 or 3 : technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice
TEER 4: intermediate jobs that usually call for high school or job-specific training
TEER 5: labour jobs that usually give on-the-job training
5 Main Immigration Pathways for Canadian Permanent Residency:
1. Express Entry
Through specific economic immigration programmes, the Express Entry system manages applications for permanent residency from immigrants who can fill jobs where there is a shortage of qualified Canadian workers.
2. Business Immigration
Foreigners who visit Canada with the intention of conducting business will find a wealth of opportunities. Business immigrants with ownership, management, or investment experience are welcome to apply through Canada's business immigration channels.
3. Family Sponsorship
Families in Canada can reunite through family sponsorship. Through a variety of sponsorship programmes, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members' immigration to Canada.
4. Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration programme created to assist temporary foreign workers and foreign students already residing in Canada in using their education and work history to support their applications for permanent residency in Canada.
5. Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Programmes are intended for people who have the training, credentials, and work experience needed to fill Canada's labour shortages. Target audiences for each province and territories streams include workers, business owners, and students.
As an international student in Canada looking for permanent residency, you have very similar options to those with a work permit. The best way to successfully obtain permanent residency with a study permit in Canada is to apply for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program and then apply for permanent residency.