Studying in Canada: Is It Still a Path to Permanent Residency? | All About the 2025 Rules

Canada Wants Students – But You Need to Be Strategic

The new Canadian landscape is clear: studying in Canada can be your first step toward permanent residency. In 2025, the government updated the list of high-priority occupations under Express Entry, the country’s main economic immigration system.

Priority areas include:

• Healthcare

• Social Services

• Education

• Trades (technical professions)

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Agriculture

The government is also considering adding three additional priority categories: senior managers, researchers, and professionals in the military or civil defense sectors.

On top of that, the list of programs eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has been updated, aligning high-demand courses with immigration opportunities. This means students in teaching, social services, technical fields, and related areas have a significant advantage entering the Canadian labor market, gaining work experience, and improving their chances in Express Entry.

The biggest advantage now is Canadian work experience (Canadian Experience Class – CEC). Graduates in high-demand programs who get a PGWP and work in Canada move ahead of international competitors.

Recent Changes and Key Data

Over 1,100 programs now qualify for the PGWP, including 119 new programs added this year, mainly in education, healthcare, and social services.

For bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, there are no restrictions on the field of study: both public and private universities qualify for PGWP of up to three years.

Some private universities even accept candidates for master’s programs without a bachelor’s degree, evaluating professional experience and academic background. All master’s programs provide PGWP for three years, even those lasting just one year.

The limit for study permits in 2025 is slightly over 300,000, expected to remain stable for the next few years, but subject to annual review.

Courses at public institutions provide 15 bonus points in Express Entry, while bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs at any institution – public or private – give 30 bonus points.

Opportunities for Brazilian Students

While India and China are the largest sources of international students, visa restrictions and fraud issues have increased refusal rates for those countries. Brazil and other Latin American countries maintain high approval rates, creating a significant opportunity for Brazilian students with less competition.

For students in nursing, social work, or Health Care Assistant programs, there are priority programs in provinces like British Columbia, offering immediate hiring and full immigration support – with no age or nationality restrictions.

High-Demand Fields and Programs

• Education: teachers, early childhood educators, instructors for people with disabilities

• Healthcare: nurses, psychologists, doctors, paramedics, pharmacists, radiology technicians, social workers, dental assistants, hygienists, veterinary technicians, Health Care Assistants, and more

• Trades: carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, maintenance technicians, cabinetmakers, HVAC technicians

• STEM: science, technology (especially cybersecurity), engineering, and insurance professionals

Students focusing on these areas and gaining Canadian work experience now have a real chance at immigration, even without a prior bachelor’s degree from Brazil.

Important Changes for Students and Family Members

• PGWP now requires language proof: CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates.

• Minimum financial requirements increased: CAD 22,895 for single applicants, CAD 28,502 for couples, effective September 2025.

• Off-campus work hours increased from 20 to 24 per week during the study period (from November 2024).

• Work permits for spouses are limited to partners of master’s students (minimum 16 months), doctoral students, or those in strategic university programs (education, nursing, engineering, etc.).

Real Opportunities – 2025 Results

In the first half of 2025, 40% of new permanent residents obtained their status through PGWP combined with local work experience. Many Brazilian and Latin American students who invested in technical courses in early childhood education or healthcare transitioned from study to paid work and then received invitations for permanent residency in less than three years.

How to Take Advantage of This New Wave

1. Choose courses in priority areas at federal or provincial level.

2. Invest in English or French proficiency – fluency in French is increasingly valued and can be an advantage in francophone draws.

3. Plan your finances carefully, as proof of income is strictly required.

4. Keep track of policy updates, as changes to PGWP and approved programs can affect each semester.

5. Explore provincial and regional programs (PNPs, AIP/RCIP/FCIP), which prioritize local sectors and benefit those working in smaller communities.

Political Context and Strategy

The Canadian government adjusted the system to balance public services and housing supply, limiting the number of students and prioritizing high-demand areas. The result is a more selective, transparent, and merit-based process.

For aspiring permanent residents, the takeaway is clear: choosing the right studies and gaining Canadian work experience is the most reliable way to turn education into permanent residency. With careful planning, the Canadian dream can become a reality.

e-Visa is here to guide you in choosing the right course, planning your Canadian experience, and navigating immigration changes safely and strategically.