Top 4 Most Updated Study and Immigration Programs in Canada for 2025

Canada is recognized as one of the most ideal destinations for international students. Thanks to its high-quality education system and open immigration policies, the country offers favorable conditions for international students to build their careers and establish a long-term life in Canada.

Many Vietnamese students choose Canada in hopes of not only studying in an advanced academic environment but also expanding their opportunities to settle down after graduation. However, is it really possible to immigrate after studying in Canada? Is obtaining a PR card as straightforward as many people assume? Let’s explore in detail with Phan Immigration about studying and settling in Canada – opportunities and pathways specifically for Vietnamese students.

Latest Updates on Study and Immigration Programs in Canada for 2025

The study-to-immigration program in Canada allows international students to stay and work for 1 to 3 years after completing their college, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies in Canada. After gaining at least one year of work experience, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under employment-based immigration streams.
Specific immigration policies may vary depending on each province.

2025 Study Permit Quota: 305,900 – accounting for nearly 50% of the total temporary resident visas issued in 2025.

• Key Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Effective from November 1, 2024, new conditions for applying for a PGWP will come into effect, including updated requirements regarding educational level, language proficiency, and fields of study.

• PGWP-Eligible Study Programs:

Degree Type	English Requirement	French Requirement	Field of Study Requirement
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate	CLB 7 (IELTS General: 6.0 in each skill)	NCLC 7	All fields of study
Other University Degrees	CLB 7 (IELTS General: 6.0 in each skill)	NCLC 7	Must be in one of the 966 priority fields (agriculture, healthcare, STEM, transportation, etc.)
Certificates/Diplomas	CLB 5 (IELTS General: 4.0 Reading, 5.0 in other skills)	NCLC 5	Must be in one of the 966 priority fields

• Accepted Language Tests:
  •  For English: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core.
  •  For French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada.
• PGWP Validity Period: The validity of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will be determined based on the level and duration of your study program, as well as the expiry date of your passport—whichever comes first.
  • For Master’s Programs (effective February 15, 2025): You may still be granted a 3-year PGWP even if your master’s program is shorter than 2 years, provided that the program lasts at least 8 months (or 900 hours of studying in Québec) and meets all PGWP requirements.
    Note: This provision does not apply to certificate or diploma programs.
  • For Other Programs:
    • If your study program lasts at least 8 months (or 900 hours for certificates in Québec) but is less than 2 years, you may be eligible for a PGWP with a validity period equal to the length of your program.

=> For example: If your program is 9 months long, your PGWP may be valid for up to 9 months.

• • • If your study program is 2 years or longer, you may be eligible for a PGWP of up to 3 years.
    • If you complete more than one eligible study program, you can apply for a PGWP with a combined duration equal to the total length of all programs, provided that – Each program is PGWP-eligible and lasts at least 8 months (or 900 hours for certificates in Québec).

Note: You cannot apply for a second PGWP if you have already been issued a PGWP for a previous study program.

• In addition, starting from November 9, 2024, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program will be discontinued. International students will be required to provide financial proof through the standard documentation as per current regulations, instead of only needing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

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The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is an official document issued by the provincial government, confirming that a student is permitted to study in that province. As of January 22, 2024, PAL has become a mandatory requirement for undergraduate international students. The implementation of PAL aims to regulate the number of international students, ensure the quality of education, and mitigate issues related to housing shortages and overstretched support services. However, PAL is not required for high school students, postgraduate international students, or those already studying in Canada who need to extend their study permits.

Explore 4 Study-to-Immigration Pathways in Canada

Studying and Immigrating to Canada through the Federal Express Entry Program

Launched by the Canadian government in 2015, the Express Entry system is an immigration management platform for individuals with skills, education, and work experience that meet Canada’s labor market needs.
Applicants who meet the requirements for English or French proficiency and possess the appropriate educational background and work experience have the opportunity to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

International students can enter the Express Entry pool after graduation through one of the following three main federal immigration programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), evaluates and ranks candidates based on various criteria. Those with the highest CRS scores will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.

Immigrating to Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Canada is divided into 13 provinces and territories, many of which operate their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) that provide international students with pathways to permanent residency after graduation.

Each province has its own set of eligibility criteria, designed to attract talent that aligns with their local economic and social development needs.
Some provinces offer particularly attractive immigration policies for international students:

Ontario: As Canada’s largest economic hub, contributing 51% of the national GDP, Ontario is home to Ottawa and the bustling city of Toronto. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers three main streams for international students:

• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream (OINP): For international graduates in Canada with a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer.
• Masters Graduate Stream (OINP): For students who have completed a master’s degree at an Ontario university.
• PhD Graduate Stream (OINP): For those who have completed a doctoral degree in Ontario. No job offer is required.

British Columbia: A center of technology and innovation with an exceptional quality of life. Two key study-to-immigration programs in BC are:

• International Graduate (BC PNP): For graduates of a post-secondary institution in Canada within the last 3 years.
• International Post-Graduate (BC PNP): For graduates with a master’s or doctoral degree in BC in natural, applied, or health sciences.

Manitoba: Known for its fast-track immigration process, allowing international students to obtain PR as soon as 6 months after graduation through the International Education Stream (IES), which includes:

• Career Employment Pathway: For graduates from a designated institution in Manitoba with long-term employment in an in-demand occupation.
• Graduate Internship Pathway: For master’s or PhD graduates in Manitoba who participated in qualifying research internships contributing to innovation.
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot (Student Entrepreneur Pathway): For Manitoba graduates seeking to establish a business in the province.

Alberta: A province with a strong economy and abundant job opportunities in oil & gas, technology, and agriculture.

• Alberta Opportunity Stream (AAIP): Allows international graduates working in Alberta to apply for permanent residency.
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (AAIP): For recent graduates in Alberta looking to start a business in the province.

Saskatchewan: Offers a straightforward immigration process with good support for graduates.

• Students Category – Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): For graduates who studied in Saskatchewan or elsewhere in Canada.
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category (SINP): For graduates of a post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan seeking to start a business.

New Brunswick: Focused on attracting skilled workers to drive economic growth.

• Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream (NBPNP): For graduates who have started a business in New Brunswick.
• Skilled Worker Stream (NBPNP): Graduates from NB or other provinces can also apply under this stream if they have a long-term job offer from a New Brunswick employer.

Prince Edward Island: The smallest province in Canada, yet with effective immigration policies.

• International Graduate Stream (PEI PNP): For graduates from a public institution in PEI, such as the University of PEI or Holland College.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Supports students with entrepreneurial intentions or valid job offers.

• International Graduate Category (NLPNP): For graduates from a Canadian post-secondary institution with a job in Newfoundland & Labrador.
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category (NLPNP): For graduates in Newfoundland & Labrador seeking to establish a business.

Nova Scotia: Offers accessible immigration programs with relatively modest requirements.

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP): For graduates from Nova Scotia who wish to start a business in the province.
• Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Stream: Although not exclusive to students, this stream allows graduates (from any location) with a long-term job offer in Nova Scotia to apply for PR.

Quebec:
Quebec does not participate in the federal PNP but has its own immigration program for international graduates, Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ) – volet Diplômés du Québec, which requires French proficiency and offers fast processing. This stream is for graduates from a Quebec institution currently living and working in Quebec.

Immigration programs through study pathways in Canada offer significant opportunities for international students seeking to build a long-term life in the country. Choosing a province that aligns with your field of study and career plans will increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency quickly.

Studying and Immigrating to Canada through Marriage to a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

For those pursuing the pathway of studying and immigrating to Canada, one possible option is to apply for permanent residency through spousal sponsorship—either by marriage or by entering into a legally recognized common-law partnership with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply to adjust your residency status and proceed with the application for permanent residency (PR).

Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Sponsorship Immigration to Canada:

• The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Both the sponsor and the applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• The sponsor must be residing in Canada, or if currently abroad, must intend to return to Canada to live.
• If the sponsor is a permanent resident, they must be physically residing in Canada at the time of application in order to sponsor.

The typical processing time for spousal sponsorship applications is around 12 months, although the exact timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances and the processing volume at the immigration office.

Studying and Immigrating to Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a pathway for international students and foreign workers wishing to live in one of the four Atlantic provinces of Canada:

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland & Labrador

This program allows employers in these provinces to hire international talent and support them in obtaining Canadian permanent residency (PR).
AIP is considered one of the most accessible immigration programs currently available, thanks to its flexible eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for International Students under AIP:

• Must have completed at least a 2-year program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in one of the Atlantic provinces.
• Must have at least one year of full-time work experience (30 hours/week) in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 within the last 5 years.
• Must meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 4 in English or French.
• Must have at least a high school diploma or higher.

Benefits of Studying and Immigrating to Canada for Vietnamese Students

The key benefits of studying and immigrating to Canada for Vietnamese students include:

• Parents can apply for a 10-year visitor visa while their children study in Canada: Canada offers a long-term visitor visa of up to 10 years for parents of international students. This is a significant advantage for families wishing to support their children during their studies and adjustment period in Canada.
• Affordable education costs: Despite having a world-class education system, studying in Canada is more affordable compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia. The total cost of tuition and living expenses starts from only 450 million VND per year, allowing students to access high-quality education without excessive financial pressure.
• Top-quality education: Canada is home to many prestigious universities with globally recognized programs. Schools in Canada emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical skills development, giving students a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.
• Bright career prospects with attractive income opportunities:
  • During their studies, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and up to 30 hours per week during scheduled breaks, helping cover living expenses.
  • After graduation, students can stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The employment rate after graduation reaches 80-90% in fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.

• Canada offers favorable immigration policies to attract newcomers:
  • The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers a pathway to permanent residency (PR) for those who meet certain study and work requirements.
  • The Express Entry system provides fast-track immigration for skilled workers.
  • The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, creating a solid foundation to apply for PR.

Contact Phan Immigration for Dedicated Study and Immigration Consulting Services to Canada

Phan Immigration is a Canadian government-licensed immigration consulting firm, specializing in providing safe, efficient, and cost-effective immigration solutions. Our team of experts supports clients in achieving their goals of studying, working, and settling in Canada. At the same time, Phan Immigration accompanies clients throughout the process of settling down, building careers, and starting businesses in Canada.

Outstanding Advantages of Choosing Phan Immigration Services:

• Licensed and Experienced Immigration Consultants:
  • Over 15 years of experience in Canadian immigration consulting.
  • Members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
• Comprehensive and Personalized Immigration Roadmaps:
  • Tailored consulting services based on each client’s specific situation and goals.
  • Support in study permits, skilled worker immigration, investment programs, and family sponsorships.
• Extensive Network of Partners in Canada:
• Close collaboration with immigration lawyers, economic lawyers, and local businesses.
• Support in job placement, business establishment, and integration into the new environment.
• Transparency and Full Support:
  • Clear, transparent information and dedicated support throughout the entire process.
  • Optimized assistance to maximize application success rates.

Phan Immigration’s Service Portfolio:

• Business Immigration Programs:
  • Start-Up Visa Canada (SUV) – The only program that allows the entire family to obtain PR while in Vietnam.
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Entrepreneurs.
  • Business Expansion/Branch Establishment (ICT).
  • Entrepreneur and Artist Immigration (C11).
  • CPTPP Investor Program (T50).
• Skilled Worker Programs:
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Skilled Workers.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
• Study and Immigration Programs to Canada:
• Study permit consulting.
• Express Entry.
• Provincial Nominee Programs.
• Other Immigration Legal Services:
• LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
• Open Work Permit.
• Spousal Sponsorship.

Contact Phan Immigration today for in-depth consultation and professional support:

• Canada Office: Unit 700, 333 Bering Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 3A8, Canada
• Vietnam Office: 8th Floor – 147 Hai Ba Trung, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Email: wecare@phanimmigration.com
• Hotline Canada: +1 647-390-0912 | Vietnam: 078 208 4466

Phan Immigration is a trusted Canadian immigration consulting firm, specializing in helping clients achieve their study and long-term settlement goals in Canada. With practical experience and an extensive partner network, we assist clients in building personalized study plans, optimizing their opportunities to stay, work, and apply for permanent residency (PR) after graduation. If you are looking for a safe and cost-effective pathway to study and immigrate to Canada, contact Phan Immigration today for professional consultation.