With careful planning, international students who hope to immigrate to Canada can take early, strategic steps that significantly improve their chances of success during and after their studies.
Many international students on a study-to-immigrate pathway understandably plan to worry about permanent residence (PR) applications later on. However, failing to consider PR eligibility early can result in missed opportunities, especially since students are often best positioned to strengthen their profiles while they are still studying.
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Enroll in a Co-op Program
For many international graduates, entering the Canadian job market for the first time can be challenging.
Enrolling in a co-op program can make this transition smoother by providing Canadian work exposure before graduation. Strong performance during a co-op placement may even lead to a full-time job offer immediately after graduation.
Entering the workforce sooner allows you to qualify more quickly for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)* pathway to PR and strengthens your immigration profile. Each year of Canadian work experience (up to five years) earns additional points under Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
*The CEC is one of the three Express Entry programs and is the most popular route for international graduates. Among other requirements, it requires at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience.
A higher CRS score increases your likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR through Express Entry.
It is important to note that work experience gained while studying full-time does not count toward the CEC or as Canadian work experience under the CRS. The real advantage of a co-op program lies in how it accelerates your entry into the Canadian workforce after graduation.
Gain Foreign Work Experience
Foreign work experience can contribute up to 50 points under the CRS, often making a decisive difference in whether a candidate receives an ITA.
Unlike Canadian work experience, foreign work experience can be gained while you are enrolled as a full-time student. If you arrive in Canada without prior skilled work experience, building foreign experience during your studies can significantly strengthen your profile.
This experience can be gained by working abroad, such as returning to your home country during summer breaks—or by working remotely from Canada for a foreign employer.
Target In-Demand Occupations
Gaining experience in certain in-demand occupations can improve your chances of receiving PR, even with a lower CRS score.
Through Express Entry’s category-based selection system, ITAs are issued to candidates with work experience in specific priority fields. Most categories require at least six months of work experience in occupations related to healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, agriculture and agri-food, or education.
Review the list of eligible occupations and consider pursuing one that aligns with your interests. In some cases, you may even choose a profession outside your field of study and focus on gaining the necessary qualifications during your education.
For example, working as a roofer during summer breaks could help you secure a full-time role in the trades after graduation, an occupation eligible under Express Entry’s trades category. This experience can then count toward your eligibility for category-based draws.
Network With Alumni
Connecting with alumni can provide many of the same advantages as a co-op program when it comes to launching your career in Canada.
Unlike co-op placements, alumni networking opportunities are available to students in all programs and at all institutions. Alumni can offer valuable guidance based on their own experiences and may introduce you to professionals in your industry or even potential employers.
Building a strong professional network in Canada supports both your career growth and your personal integration into Canadian society.
Study French
While this option is not for everyone, developing intermediate French proficiency can be one of the most powerful ways to boost your competitiveness for economic immigration.
Achieving an intermediate level of French proficiency (NCLC 7 across all language skills) can earn you an additional 50 CRS points. It also makes you eligible for French-language category-based draws, which have had the lowest CRS cut-off scores of all draw types in 2025.
If you are enrolled in a three- or four-year program, consistent daily practice can lead to meaningful progress over time. Spreading out your language learning reduces the pressure of having to master French quickly after graduation.
Studying in Canada may also give you access to French-speaking communities, conversation groups, language courses, or even immersion programs where you live in a French-speaking environment for several weeks.
