Three Common Misconceptions Among Newcomers in Canada

Looking to start a new life? Canada is one of the best countries to do so. Being so popular among students and skilled workers, there is a lot of misinformation about Canada PR visa, eligibility requirements, and post-study opportunities for international students. 

Some individuals pretend to be immigration representatives and deceive potential newcomers by making false promises. They may claim that obtaining a work permit and arriving in Canada will guarantee permanent residency status, or that a job offer will be available immediately upon arrival. These promises are often exaggerated and misleading.

Sadly, big commitments like these are generally not true.

 “If you come to Canada as a student, you will automatically get PR when you graduate”

If you are coming on a Canada study visa from India and your representative says you will get a PR when you graduate, be ready for your dreams to be shattered. Even after you complete your studies in Canada, there are additional steps you have to follow before you qualify. 

So how can an international student get Canada PR? 

Well, after you graduate, obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It will allow you to continue living and working in the country. Remember, you just don’t get it. 

First – complete an academic program in one of Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) before you become eligible to apply for a PGWP. If you are an undergraduate or college student, your study program must be a minimum of 8 months long. 

You need to keep in mind that PGWP is valid for the same amount of time as your study program is – which is max. 3 years. As per a recent update, graduate-level students are now eligible for a 3-year PGWP, no matter the length of the program.

You need at least one year of full-time work experience, preferably Canadian. PGWP is your best friend in helping you gain points in the CRS calculator to apply for a PR program like Express Entry, or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). 

“If you marry a Canadian citizen, you automatically become a citizen”

You do not automatically get permanent residence status or citizenship in Canada if you marry a citizen of Canada. If you marry one, the PR holder or the citizen has to sponsor you for PR. IRCC will take up to 12 months to process spousal sponsorship applications. 

Meanwhile, you can do one thing, arrive in Canada on a visitor visa – if you are eligible, then apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). You can do all this while awaiting a final decision on your PR status.

Once your application is approved, you officially become a permanent resident in Canada. To gain citizenship, you have to live in the country for a specific duration and meet other eligibility requirements to apply for citizenship. 

“Everyone finds a job as soon as they arrive in Canada”

The number of job vacancies is increasing in Canada due to the ageing population and no. of retirements, no doubt. But despite the shortage of labour, it can take a longer than anticipated time to find a job in Canada, especially if you don’t have work experience, education, or language skills.

That is why the Government of Canada introduced category-based draws for Express Entry candidates, under which six categories were selected. All of these were for skilled foreign workers with at least six months of work experience in a skilled occupation along with other requirements. 

• French language proficiency

• Healthcare occupations

• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations

• Trades occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors

• Transport occupations

• Agriculture and agri-food occupations

IRCC is aiming to welcome 485,000 new PRs in 2024, which will rise to 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. If you are dreaming of immigrating to Canada, talk to the best immigration consultants in Delhi, Nationwide Visas. With a team of qualified immigration experts, they have guided thousands of Indians to move to Canada and be with their loved ones as a PR. So, what are you waiting for? Connect today!