Immigration Options for International Students in Toronto

Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students—and Toronto, with its world-renowned institutions and multicultural environment, sits at the heart of it all. If you’re planning to study in Toronto, it’s not just about earning a degree; it’s also a stepping stone toward long-term immigration goals. Whether you’re looking for immigration for international students in Canada, planning to work after graduation, or exploring how to transition from study to PR in Canada, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Getting a Study Permit

The first step in your Canadian immigration journey as a student is obtaining a study permit, which allows you to attend a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

1. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a study permit, you must:

• Have a letter of acceptance from a recognized DLI (such as University of Toronto, Ryerson University, or Seneca College)
  
• Prove you have sufficient funds to pay for:
  
  • Tuition fees
    
  • Living expenses
    
  • Return transportation
    
• Have no criminal record (a police certificate may be required)
  
• Undergo a medical exam (in some cases)
  
• Prove your intent to leave Canada after your studies (even if you later apply for PR)
  

2. Required Documents

• Letter of acceptance from a DLI
  
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, GIC, sponsor letter)
  
• Valid passport and travel documents
  
• Statement of purpose (why you want to study in Canada)
  
• Immigration medical exam (if applicable)
  

3. Processing Time and Fees

Processing times vary by country but generally range from 4 to 12 weeks. The fee for a study permit is CAD $150, and biometrics cost an additional CAD $85.

Working After Graduation (PGWP)

After completing your studies in Toronto, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—a critical step toward gaining Canadian work experience and qualifying for permanent residence.

1. Eligibility for PGWP

You must have:

• Completed a program that lasted at least 8 months
  
• Graduated from a public post-secondary institution or certain private schools authorized to award degrees
  
• Maintained full-time student status during your program
  

Important Note: As of 2025, PGWPs are no longer available for most private college graduates. This emphasizes the importance of choosing a DLI with PGWP-eligible programs.

2. Validity of PGWP

The length of the PGWP depends on the duration of your study program:

• 8 months to less than 2 years → PGWP matches program length
  
• 2 years or more → Up to 3 years PGWP
  
• Multiple programs combined → May be eligible for a 3-year PGWP
  

3. Benefits of PGWP

• Gain Canadian work experience, a key requirement for immigration programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  
• Improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry
  
• Build ties with employers who may offer sponsorship under a Work Permit or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  

Transitioning to Permanent Residency (PR)

Canada offers a variety of immigration pathways that make it easier for international students to obtain permanent residence after graduation.

1. Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class

If you’ve gained at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada during or after your PGWP, you may qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.

Minimum Requirements:

• 1 year of full-time work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
  
• CLB 7 (for TEER 0/1) or CLB 5 (for TEER 2/3) on an approved English or French test
  
• Plan to live outside Quebec
  

Advantages for International Students:

• No job offer required
  
• Lower CRS thresholds in some CEC draws
  
• Fast processing (average 6 months)
  

➡️ Ready to apply? Let us help you navigate Express Entry.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario, where Toronto is located, actively nominates international graduates through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

Key Streams for Students:

• International Student Stream (Employer Job Offer) – For graduates with a job offer in Ontario
  
• Masters Graduate Stream – No job offer required; must have a degree from an eligible Ontario university
  
• PhD Graduate Stream – No job offer required; must have completed a PhD at an eligible Ontario institution
  

Why Choose OINP?

• Direct PR nomination adds 600 CRS points if linked to Express Entry
  
• No minimum work experience required for Masters/PhD streams
  
• Many graduates settle in Toronto and secure nomination through local job offers
  

3. TR to PR Pathways (Special Streams)

In certain years, IRCC opens up temporary special pathways for international graduates, like the 2021 TR to PR pathway. While not always available, it’s worth watching for future options.

4. Spousal Open Work Permits and Sponsorship

If you marry or are in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or PR, you may also be eligible for Spousal Sponsorship—a family-based PR option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a private college without PGWP eligibility
  
• Working beyond the allowed hours during studies (this can lead to inadmissibility)
  
• Applying too late for PGWP (must apply within 180 days of graduation)
  
• Misunderstanding PR eligibility (e.g., unpaid internships don’t count for CEC)
  

Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer?

Canadian immigration policies change frequently. In recent years, we’ve seen updates to:

• PGWP eligibility criteria
  
• Study permit financial requirements
  
• Express Entry draw types and categories
  

At Kurzfeld Law Firm, we guide students through:

• Study permit applications
  
• Post-graduation work permit strategies
  
• Express Entry profile creation and optimization
  
• Provincial nominee applications for Ontario
  

With 20+ years of experience in immigration law and a strong Toronto base, we’re your trusted partner from enrollment to permanent settlement.

Conclusion

The path from international student to permanent resident in Canada is achievable—especially for those studying in Toronto. By securing the right permits, gaining Canadian work experience, and leveraging Express Entry or PNPs, international students can smoothly transition from temporary to permanent status.

Whether you’re preparing to apply for a Study Visa, securing a Work Permit, or building your Express Entry profile, Kurzfeld Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to plan your Canadian future? Contact us today for a personalized consultation.