Canada over the last two decades has emerged as one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants. The North American nation has been welcoming an increasing number of international students, motivating them to stay back in the country after their graduation and are more likely to get permanent residency for Indian students.

Attracting international students

According to data collected from January to October 2021 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 97.5 percent of international graduates have been successful after applying for permanent residency in Canada, having been awarded legal permission to stay and work in the country. Compared to all other permanent residency applicants, the rate was 91.5 percent.

Moreover, international student graduates who worked while studying or post-graduation were 60 percent more likely to become permanent residents. Additionally, those with higher-paying jobs were also quite likely to become permanent residents and it is more likely to get permanent residency for Indian students.

Per the IRCC, Indian students are one of the largest international student populations in Canada. Between the 2015-16 and 2019-20 academic years, the rate of Indian students studying in Canada grew by almost 350 percent. Similarly, between January and November 2021, nearly 1,30,000 Indian students were approved to study in Canada.

Increased demand for Canada-based courses

As these figures came out, demand for Canadian academic courses increased as well. MBA, Supply Chain Management, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Master in Management are amongst some of the most preferred courses by students.

How to improve CRS score

Since the number of international students as permanent residents is on the rise, the question now becomes: how can Indian students increase their CRS scores?

Canada is known for having one of the simplest and smoothest immigration processes and policies. To ensure the immigrants are not bothered with complicated processes, a merit-based points system that assigns scores to applicants in the Express Entry pool is followed by the Canadian government.

Known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), it helps students gauge their chances of getting their study visas converted into a PR.

Now, this score can be increased in several ways. Indian students must ensure that their score for the English assessment test meets the eligibility criteria.

Canada uses the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score to test the applicant’s English language fluency. The IELTS has two tests – academic and general training. An IELTS score of 8.0 or higher is a good score so students must aim for that.

Under the CRS calculator, points can be claimed for both English and French as second languages. Keep in mind that points for language proficiency can be worth 260 points for a single candidate. This can make a huge difference in a candidate’s overall score.

Moreover, having a Canadian academic degree as well as Canadian work experience will help boost the CRS score. Education is worth up to 150 points and 50 more can be added by showing Canadian work experience.

Having relatives in the country also works in the applicant’s favor. If the applicant has a common-law partner or a sibling or other relatives through blood, marriage, adoption, etc. in the country, they can increase their CRS score by almost 15 points.

Age, too, is an important factor in getting the best CRS scores. Students are advised not to delay their process and apply as soon as they are almost done with their graduation. Maximum points are awarded to candidates between the ages of 20 and 29 years; 100 points (with a spouse) and 110 (without a spouse).

Aiming for more

In 2021, Canada welcomed more than 4,05,000 permanent residents, setting a record.  The country, led by Justin Trudeau, is now aiming to achieve higher targets than that.

Following this success, Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, recently raised the government’s immigration target from 4,11,000 to 4,31,645 for 2022.

Additionally, over the next three years, Canada aims to attract about 1.3 million new immigrants. This means more opportunities for former study permit holders to acquire permanent residency (PR).