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Many international students are interested in staying in Canada after graduation and becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR). 

Many students have learned a bit about the process of becoming a PR from educational recruiters, friends, news, and social media. It’s always partial information, and sometimes wrong or misleading, so they come to the ISSO hoping to learn more. 

Seemingly simple questions about PR issues rarely have simple answers. Canada has dozens of PR programs, each with their own complicated eligibility and application requirements. Becoming a PR is at least a couple of years away for most Carleton students and getting there is a pathway with the potential for missteps and dead-end sidetracks. 

The ISSO is unable to offer one-on-one advising on permanent immigration because our focus must be on student immigration issues. However, because of the great interest in permanent residence, we are pleased to offer students opportunities to learn and ask questions. 

  • Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) — The PGWP is an essential stage of the pathway to PR for most students. While they are still studying is the best time to learn what will make them eligible for the PGWP when they complete their program. The ISSO provides individual advising, website resources, and frequent PGWP information sessions. 
  • Express Entry Explained – This session is offered a couple of times each term. The next session takes place on March 25. Participants will learn how to recognize and enhance their human capital — the factors that provide the basis for all of Canada’s skilled worker PR programs — and how to qualify for and apply to Canada’s largest programs. 
  • Ask an Advisor: Immigration Q&As — Virtually no immigration question is off-limits at these weekly drop-in sessions. 

  Please see the ISSO’s Events Calendar for a list of upcoming events.