Staying in Canada
Permanent Resident Card sample
While studying in Canada or after your studies, you may become interested in either extending your stay temporarily, or maybe even permanently!
Extending your stay
If you don't plan on staying in Canada for the long-haul, the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program allows you to stay in Canada for up to three years and work in any field.
Becoming a Permanent Resident
If you plan to stay in Canada to live and work after graduating, you may want to apply for Permanent Residency (also known as Landed Immigrant). If you want to immigrate to Canada, there are a few different ways to apply. You will need to decide which immigration program will work best for you and your family.
Although we are unable to assist you with Permanent Residency advising, we are pleased to offer a number of information sessions throughout the academic year, delivered by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada, Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, and a local immigration law firm.
If you would like to apply for Permanent Residency while you are still a student, research your options on the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Different types of Permanent Residency Programs:
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
For further questions, please contact the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration office by phone at 1 (902) 424.5230 or 1 (877) 292.9597 (toll free in Nova Scotia), or via email at immigration@novascotia.ca.
GET INFORMATION AND HELP WITH YOUR APPLICATION
- Attend a Permanent Residency Information Session
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The International Centre invites various governmental and private organizations to deliver PR information sessions to international students each fall and winter term—watch your International Centre newsletter for details or check out the events on our Instagram page. Guests include the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration-NSOI, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada-IRCC and regulated immigration Consultants.
- Hire a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant/Representative
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Immigration representatives give immigration advice and help to applicants, usually for a fee. Learn about using a representative.
You do not need to hire an immigration representative. It is up to you. Your application will not be given special attention or guaranteed approval if you use a representative.
All the forms and information that you need to apply are available for free on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada-IRCC website. If you follow the instructions in the application guide, you can complete the application forms and submit them on your own.