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by ImmiLaw Global

Best Courses in Canada for Permanent Residence: Top Study Programs for International Students in 2026

Choosing the right program can significantly impact your journey towards making Canada your permanent home. Certain programs position you better for a smooth transition from study to PR pathway Canada. Such programs are in line with Canada’s immigration priorities. Further discussed is a guide for selecting the best courses in Canada for permanent residence in Canada.

Best study programs in Canada for PR in 2026

The following is a list of best study programs in Canada for PR that currently offer international graduates the strongest possibilities for obtaining permanent residence after graduation in Canada.

Healthcare and Social Services Programs

  • Cardiovascular technology/technologist
  • Licensed practical/vocational nurse training
  • Dentistry
  • Dental hygiene/hygienist
  • Medicine
  • Dietetics/dietitian
  • Clinical/medical laboratory technician
  • Clinical/medical laboratory assistant
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Community health services/liaison/counselling
  • Clinical/medical social work
  • Respiratory therapy technician/assistant
  • Respiratory care therapy/therapist
  • Registered psychiatric nurse/nursing
  • Registered nursing/registered nurse
  • Registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research, clinical nursing, and other
  • Optometry
  • Counselling psychology
  • Emergency medical technology/technician
  • Clinical psychology
  • Health/medical psychology
  • Family psychology
  • Physician assistant/associate
  • Direct entry midwifery

These programs are in critical demand across Canada, and graduates often qualify for PGWPs and study to PR pathway Canada through the Healthcare and Social Services category of Express Entry system.

Skilled Trades Programs

  • Carpentry/carpenter
  • Heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician
  • Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration engineering technology/technician
  • Heavy equipment maintenance technology/technician

Trades are prioritized in several provincial streams, and the above programs are the best courses in Canada for permanent residence that qualify for PGWPs and the Trade category of Express Entry.

Early Childhood Education Programs

  • Early childhood education and teaching
  • Education/teaching of individuals in early childhood special education programs

Education programs given above qualify for PGWPs and the Education category under the Express Entry system.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility for International Students in Canada

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an Open Work Permit, usually issued for up to 3 years, allowing the graduates to work without restrictions on job role, occupation, employer, or industry. The eligibility for the PGWP and the validity period of the PGWP depend on the program completed. In addition, the student and the designated learning institution must meet all other eligibility requirements.

With this permit, international graduates can work and gain Canadian work experience, which subsequently makes them qualify for Canada PR after study through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system. Having Canadian work experience gives the candidate extra CRS points, making them a competitive candidate and increasing the chance of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).

If a graduate has applied for a permanent residence and the PGWP is going to expire, then the candidate can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to continue working while their PR application is being processed.

Canada’s Priority Occupations for PR Opportunities

Healthcare and Social Services

  • Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
  • Dentists
  • Dental hygienists and dental therapists
  • General practitioners and family physicians
  • Licensed practical nurses
  • Dieticians and nutritionists
  • Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
  • Medical radiation technologists
  • Medical laboratory technologists
  • Optometrists
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Psychologists
  • Nursing coordinators and supervisors
  • Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
  • Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals
  • Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
  • Paramedical occupations
  • Social and community service workers
  • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
  • Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
  • Social workers
  • Veterinarians
  • Specialists in surgery

Trade

  • Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
  • Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

Education

  • Early childhood educators and assistants

The given occupations are in the top priority list of Canada’s immigration, and these are eligible for category-based selection (CBS) within Express Entry. The government regularly invites top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry draws.

In-Demand Jobs in Canada with Ongoing Labour Shortages

The occupations mentioned in Canada’s immigration priorities are in-demand jobs facing labour shortages in the country up until 2033, as per the federal government’s Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS). These roles are also classified as being at strong risk of shortage.

How to Move Forward on Study in Canada for PR Journey

As a candidate seeking Canada permanent residence for international students after graduation, you have to choose your program wisely. ImmiLaw Global will help you in choosing a PGWP-eligible program that also aligns with occupations prioritized by the federal government. Canadian work experience increases your CRS scores and meets the eligibility criteria for Canadian Experience Class and category-based Express Entry selection. Contact us to assess your profile, learn more about your options, and choose the right program from the courses that lead to permanent residency in Canada.

Read to know: Step-by-Step Process to Get an Australia Visitor Visa (2026 Updated Guide)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A PGWP is an open work permit. It allows an international student to work for most employers in Canada after graduation, often up to 3 years. Being eligible and applying for it is an important step for future PR.

Specific programs make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and, upon graduation, lead to occupations prioritized in Canada’s immigration plan and fields having labour shortages.

No, programs that meet the PGWP eligibility will only qualify.

No, having Canadian work experience and job classified under in-demand occupation increase your chance of getting a PR; however, a PR is not guaranteed. You have to meet the eligibility criteria and compete for a PR spot in the immigration system.

For Canada PR after study you can

  • Work at least for a year in Canada
  • Improve the CRS score, like enhancing the language skills
  • Plan ahead - Checking the eligibility and keeping track of immigration changes.

anadian work experience increases your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry pool. It will qualify you for programs like the Canadian Experience Class or category-based selection. It will eventually increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

The occupations mentioned in Canada’s immigration priorities are in-demand jobs facing labour shortages in the country up until 2033.

Category-based selection (CBS) increases the chance of candidates having experience in certain priority occupations to receive an ITA. To be eligible for CBS, a candidate should have at least six months of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in one qualifying occupation within the last three years.