School and program selection
Confirm the institution, credential, program length and current post-graduation work-permit implications before paying tuition.
Plan before you apply
The right decision involves more than admission.
We help students and families assess the complete path—from the first study-permit application through graduation, authorized work and realistic permanent-residence options.
Study-permit strategy
Present a credible study plan, financial evidence, temporary-residence case and complete supporting record.
Protect status and build value
Maintain compliance, preserve records and use eligible work, co-op, language training and networking to improve future options.
Prepare the next step early
Assess work-permit timing, occupation, job search, provincial criteria and alternatives before valuable status time is lost.
Current-rule reminder: Study-permit, work authorization and post-graduation work-permit rules change frequently. PGWP eligibility can depend on the institution, program, length of study, application timing, language results and—where applicable—the field of study. Eligible students may generally work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session and unlimited hours during qualifying scheduled breaks. Every case should be checked under the rules in force at the relevant time.
After graduation
Compare every realistic pathway.
Employment and Express Entry
Canadian skilled work, language results, education and occupation can affect both eligibility and ranking. The job search should be planned well before graduation.
Explore Express EntryProvincial nomination
Some provinces select graduates, workers or candidates in priority occupations. Location, job offer, employer and timing may determine what is possible.
Compare provincial pathwaysIS2EZ™ entrepreneur strategy
For suitable students and families, establishing or acquiring a genuine Canadian business may create another strategy. It requires careful business and immigration planning.
More About IS2EZBusiness ownership after graduation
PNP entrepreneur programs for international graduates
Some provinces offer a business pathway for international students who graduate locally and actively run a qualifying business. These pathways can lead to provincial nomination and then a federal permanent-residence application. Buying shares alone does not qualify.
Alberta
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
For graduates who completed at least two years of full-time education leading to a degree or diploma at a publicly funded Alberta post-secondary institution.
- Valid PGWP when submitting the expression of interest.
- CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
- At least 34% ownership of an eligible Alberta business; business partners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Alberta is accepting expressions of interest. Candidates may plan a new business or purchase; establishing it is not required until the business application is approved. An established-business route also exists for qualifying graduates with at least one year of operation.
Alberta provincial programsManitoba
International Student Entrepreneur Pilot
For international students who graduated in Manitoba and want to pursue entrepreneurship rather than employment.
- Up to 20 participants per calendar year.
- A provincial information session is required before submitting forms.
- Nomination follows fulfilment of the Business Performance Agreement.
Business, education, language, ownership and status requirements must be assessed under the pilot’s current criteria. Graduates of another Canadian province may instead be considered under Manitoba’s regular Business Investor Stream Entrepreneur Pathway.
Manitoba provincial programsNova Scotia
Entrepreneur Stream — graduate pathway
The current Entrepreneur Stream includes a Nova Scotia graduate entrepreneur category, formerly a separate International Graduate Entrepreneur stream.
- Age 21 or older; at least two years of full-time study at a recognized Nova Scotia university or NSCC, while living in the province.
- Valid PGWP and CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities.
- At least one-third ownership and one full year of active business operation before applying.
The business must be profitable enough to support the graduate, who must receive a salary meeting the applicable low-income cut-off and intend to continue living and operating in Nova Scotia. Selection is through an expression of interest and invitation.
Nova Scotia provincial programsNewfoundland and Labrador
International Graduate Entrepreneur
For Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic graduates who intend to settle in the province and run a business.
- Age 21 or older; a minimum two-year, full-time, in-person degree or diploma completed within the preceding two years.
- Valid PGWP and CLB 7 in English or French across all four abilities.
- At least 33.3% ownership and one full year of active local business management.
- At least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
A business continuity plan with verified financial documents, expression of interest and invitation to apply are required.
Newfoundland and Labrador programsSaskatchewan — closed: The International Graduate Entrepreneur category permanently closed on March 27, 2025, along with Saskatchewan’s other entrepreneur and farm pathways. No new applications, expressions of interest or invitations are accepted; existing applications continue to be processed.
Where you studied matters: The graduate pathways above are tied to local education. A graduate from another province may need a regular entrepreneur stream with different experience, investment and net-worth requirements. Alberta’s Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream is a separate pathway for education completed outside Canada.
We assess the school, graduation date, work-permit runway, business ownership, funding and provincial selection rules together. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee an invitation, nomination or permanent residence. These business pathways are distinct from employee-based PNP routes.
Program overview reviewed September 30, 2026 against official provincial guidance. Intake, eligibility and selection priorities can change.
Provincial options after graduation
Graduated in one province? You may qualify in another.
Graduating in one province does not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a nomination from another. However, most province-specific graduate streams are reserved for students who studied locally. Graduates educated elsewhere must usually qualify through a regular worker, employer-supported or Express Entry stream.
Manitoba
Generally requires at least one year of continuous full-time employment with the supporting Manitoba employer.
Prince Edward Island
Generally requires nine continuous months with the supporting PEI employer and at least four months remaining on the work permit.
Newfoundland and Labrador
May accept an out-of-province graduate after at least one year of local employment in a job related to the person’s studies.
Other provinces and territories
May accept out-of-province graduates through regular PNP pathways, usually with a local job offer, employer support, work experience or provincial connection.
Plan the whole strategy: Education, occupation, work-permit validity and provincial selection priorities must all be considered. We can assess where your Canadian education and work experience provide the strongest pathway to permanent residence.
Start with the long-term objective
Do not wait until graduation to make an immigration plan.
We can review your present position, explain the available options and develop a practical strategy for study, work and permanent residence.
Request a Free Initial Assessment