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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRAfter you graduateStep 13 of 13

BlockedExpress Entry or PNP · RequiredYou are here

13. Apply for permanent residence

With Canadian work experience behind you, the usual routes to permanent residence are the Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry, or a provincial nomination.

Waiting on: Build Canadian work experience

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 13 of 13 · RequiredClose

Apply for permanent residence

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepExpress Entry: who can applycanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

With Canadian work experience behind you, the usual routes to permanent residence are the Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry, or a provincial nomination. Both are mapped separately on this site.

Why it's required: Nothing about this route is automatic. Studying in Canada gives you a path to permanent residence, not a claim to it, and the standards can change while you're on it.

Main routeExpress EntryThe Canadian Experience Class is designed for exactly this position.

Other routeA nominationSeveral provinces run streams aimed at their own graduates.

Not automaticA path, not a rightRequirements can change between starting your studies and applying.

Documents you'll need

Proof of your Canadian work experience
Language test results, valid when you create the profile
An educational credential assessment, if you studied outside Canada too

Before this step

BlockedBuild Canadian work experience

This is the last step of the pathway.