Most international students who come to Canada to study stay back after their studies to pursue a career in the country
Erudera.com reported that over 72.6% of international students who are enrolled at Canadian higher education institutions want to remain in the country post-graduation.
It is obvious why this number is high, Canada is one of the easier countries in the world to build a career.
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If you are a student and find yourself in any of the colleges or universities in Prince Edward Island (PEI) province, staying back should be at the top of your list.
You should consider Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a wonderful place to live if you want to become a permanent resident in Canada.
The province is beautiful, with lots of attractions – like stunning beaches that create a peaceful atmosphere.
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In addition, the people in PEI are friendly and welcoming, which will make it easy for you to feel at home here.
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Unlike in other provinces, the cost of living here is reasonable, and you can easily access important services like healthcare.
Furthermore, PEI is also very safe, with low crime rates, and has a strong economy with many job opportunities.
If you love outings, you are in for a treat – the province is rich in culture, with many festivals and events hosted regularly.
For families, PEI has good schools and educational options. Even though it’s a smaller place, you can still find everything you need, from healthcare to shopping and entertainment.
As a student in PEI, if you wish to stay back (you should) and build a career in Canada, understanding the Permanent Residency (PR) rules specific to PEI will help you plan your future in this beautiful province.
Also, read: New Rules for international students in Canada
The better you know all of the Prince Edward Island PR rules for international students, the higher your chances of succeeding with your plans to stay back in the province and achieve PR status.
Getting PR in Canada – the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
As an international student who wants to get PR in Canada (and reside in PEI), the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a great option.
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The program offers several streams including:
- The Labour Impact Category: This stream is for anyone with a valid job offer in PEI or anyone who possesses special skills and experience that are needed in the local labour market.
- Business Impact Category: This one is for entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to establish or invest in a business in PEI.
- Express Entry Stream: This particular stream is linked to the federal Express Entry system – under this stream, PEI is allowed to nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool based on specific criteria.
PEI PNP for International Graduates
As an international student who has completed studies in PEI, you may be eligible for the PEI PNP under the International Graduate Stream.
Prince Edward Island PR rules for international students
To qualify for the PR in Prince Edward Island under the international student graduate stream, you must complete the following PR rules for international students.
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Meet the education requirement
To be eligible for PR in Prince Edward Island, you must have completed a minimum level of education – it is usually a post-secondary degree or diploma.
In addition, it must be from a recognized institution in Prince Edward Island.
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Have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
To be eligible for PR in PEI, international students typically need to have a valid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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You need to have work experience in PEI
Another Prince Edward Island PR rule for international students is relevant to work experience.
Many PR pathways in PEI require you as an international student to have relevant work experience in the province.
Also, read: Can someone apply for express entry without work experience in Canada?
You can gain work experience as a student through internships, co-op programs, part-time work during your studies or post-graduation employment.
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You must meet the language proficiency requirements
As an international student, you must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French.
The particular language depends on the language requirements set by the specific PR program or stream you are applying through.
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You must demonstrate intention to Reside in PEI
This is another very important Prince Edward Island PR rule for international students.
You can’t get PR in PEI if you have no intention of residing in the province.
All applicants must show a genuine intention and commitment to reside in Prince Edward Island permanently.
You can show this through a job offer – if you have a job offer from an employer in the province, family ties – if you have a family member who resides in the province, or community involvement.
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You must meet the financial requirements
As a PR applicant, you need to provide proof that you have sufficient financial strength to support yourself and your dependents (if any) in PEI.
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The funds you need should be enough to cover your living expenses and potential settlement costs.
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You have to pass the health and security clearances
Another important part of the PR application process is the health and security check.
Every international student who wishes to get PR in PEi is required to undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
This is to ensure you meet health and security requirements.
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Proof of adherence to immigration rules
As an applicant, you must provide proof that you comply with all immigration rules and regulations set by the Prince Edward Island Office of Immigration.
If you have a history of disobeying immigration rules – you should forget your PR dream.
In addition to having a clean immigration history, you also need to have a clean criminal record.
Finally, you need to show that you have good character with no criminal convictions.
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If you have any proof showing your involvement in the local community, such as volunteering, participating in cultural events, or contributing to social initiatives, it can strengthen your PR application.
- You must be a graduate of an eligible post-secondary institution in Prince Edward Island.
- You must have a valid post-graduation work permit.
- You must demonstrate your intention and ability to settle in PEI.
- You must also meet the language proficiency requirements (English or French).
- You must be over 18 years of age
- Finally, you must have enough funds to settle in Prince Edward Island.
How to apply for PR under the International Graduate Stream in Prince Edward Island
To apply for the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) under the International Graduate Stream, you need to check if you are eligible:
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Check if you are eligible for PR
Before you get started, you need to check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the PEI PNP International Graduate Stream.
This includes being a graduate of a post-secondary institution in PEI, having a valid post-graduation work permit, demonstrating an intention to reside in PEI, and meeting language proficiency requirements.
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You need to create an express entry profile
Suppose you’re applying through the Express Entry Stream of the International Graduate Stream.
In that case, you have to create an Express Entry profile on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and indicate your interest in immigrating to PEI.
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You need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Now you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the PEI Office of Immigration.
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In your Expression of Interest, you have to provide detailed information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and ties to PEI.
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Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI is selected from the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the PEI Office of Immigration.
In the ITA, you will see all the requirements for your PR application.
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Complete the PR application form
At this stage, you need to fill out the PR application form as directed by the PEI Office of Immigration.
Ensure that your application is complete and double-check that you have included all necessary documents and information before you submit it.
Upon submission of your application, you may be required to undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet health and security requirements.
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Wait for a PR decision
Once you complete your application and submit it – you have to wait for a decision on your PR status from the PEI Office of Immigration.
This process takes several months, so be patient while on it.
Also, read: What to do when your brain is tired from studying
Conclusively, if you are an international student studying in any designated learning institute in PEI, getting a PR in the province is a great idea.
The province is one of the best in Canada to live in – it has a low cost of living, yet numerous opportunities for you to build your career.
To increase your chances of getting PR in Prince Edward Island, you must:
- Maintain a strong academic record during your studies.
- Gain relevant work experience through internships or part-time jobs.
- Engage in community activities and showcase your commitment to PEI.
- And improve your language skills to meet or exceed the required proficiency levels.