The Dilemma of International Students in Canada: Should I Stay or Go?

There are several reasons to study in Canada, including a comprehensive approach to higher education, significant research possibilities, skilled and experienced faculty, introductions to possible employers, and networking chances with seniors, other students, and juniors.

The recognition, legitimacy, reputation, and professional opportunities associated with a foreign degree from a reputable educational institution are the answers to the question of "why study in Canada."

However, simply studying in Canada will not be enough. To fully utilize the advantage, you must first answer a critical question. Whether you get this right or not will ultimately influence how successful you will be after earning a Canadian degree.

What Happens After You Get Your Degree?

According to many studies conducted in various Canadian provinces, just one out of every four overseas students in Canada intends to stay in the country after graduation. 75% of international students entering Canada are undecided about staying and working in Canada after graduation or returning home.

And for the following reasons, this decision is critical.

PR for Express Entry

To be eligible for permanent residence through Express Entry's FSWP, you must have at least one year of work experience.

If you know what you want to do in the long run, you can start working as a student, get work experience during your studies, find a job after graduation, and become a permanent resident of Canada within 12 months.

International Graduate Options in the PNP

If studying in Canada is the initial step and you intend to create a career in the country, provinces with International Graduate PNP courses should be preferred over other provinces. Because these streams seldom need work experience, you may be eligible for PR nomination if you have a bachelor's degree and a job offer from a local company.

Job or entrepreneur?

If you want to start a business in Canada, look for provinces that have PNP programs for International Graduate Entrepreneurs. Alternatively, you can use your time as an international student in Canada to develop company ideas, get investment from Designated Organizations and apply for a Federal Startup Visa.

Here's How to Study in Canada the Right Way

Even before you begin studying in Canada, you may not be able to decide your post-study strategy. This does not, however, imply that you must wait until the last minute. Even if you don't have clarity, here are some actionable points to consider.

• Work experience is essential. Even if you want to return to your home country or relocate to another nation after graduation, job experience in your field of study will always be beneficial. If you opt to stay, you may have a better chance of finding work, obtaining a TFWP work visa, or possibly obtaining direct PR.
• If you need more time to make a decision, consider pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in Canada. You can utilize the undergraduate course to learn about your possibilities before pursuing an advanced degree to boost your job chances.
• Work with a reputable and experienced immigration attorney to ensure that you understand your eligibility and immigration options if you decide to stay in Canada.