Key Takeaways
- Obtaining a master’s degree from a Canadian postsecondary institution can significantly boost one’s chances of getting permanent residence.
- A master’s degree awards a sole applicant 135 points under Core/human capital factors, and a Canadian master’s degree provides an extra 30 points under the "Additional points" allocation of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Getting a master’s degree can often make the difference between getting permanent residence and not being invited.
- Any sole applicant will net an increase of 45 CRS points simply by going from having only a foreign bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s, or 30 CRS points in going from a Canadian bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s.
Introduction to the Benefits of a Canadian Master’s Degree
Obtaining a master’s degree from a Canadian postsecondary institution can significantly boost one’s chances of getting permanent residence. As a master’s graduate, one can qualify for a three-year open work permit, helping to gain Canadian work experience to qualify for permanent residence pathways. Additionally, a master’s degree will score higher in Canada’s ranking system for selecting permanent residents. Under Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a master’s degree awards a sole applicant 135 points under Core/human capital factors, and a Canadian master’s degree provides an extra 30 points under the "Additional points" allocation of the CRS.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and Its Impact on Permanent Residence
The candidates with the highest CRS scores receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry, the management system for Canada’s flagship PR programs. Getting a master’s degree can often make the difference between getting PR and not being invited. For example, a foreign national with a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience may have a low CRS score, but after completing a Canadian master’s program and gaining one year of Canadian work experience, their CRS score can increase significantly, making them eligible for an ITA. The CRS score is calculated based on various factors, including age, education, language proficiency, Canadian work experience, and skill transferability.
A Case Study: Anna’s Route to Permanent Residence
Anna, a 24-year-old project manager from India, is a prime example of how a Canadian master’s degree can make a difference in obtaining permanent residence. With a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience, Anna’s initial CRS score was 416, which was far too low to expect an ITA. However, after completing a one-year master’s program at the University of Toronto and gaining one year of Canadian work experience, Anna’s CRS score increased to 539, making her eligible for an ITA. The breakdown of Anna’s score before and after completing her master’s degree is as follows: age (110 points), education (120 to 135 points), language (136 points), Canadian work experience (0 to 40 points), skill transferability – education (25 to 50 points), skill transferability – foreign work experience (25 to 38 points), and additional points (0 to 30 points).
The Impact of a Canadian Master’s Degree on CRS Scores
Not all PR-hopefuls will be willing to go back to school, and some may already have Canadian work experience and/or have gotten post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), with the result that a master’s will not increase their CRS as much as Anna’s. Even so, any sole applicant will net an increase of 45 CRS points simply by going from having only a foreign bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s, or 30 CRS points in going from a Canadian bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s. This increase in CRS points can make a significant difference in obtaining an ITA for permanent residence.
Financial Considerations and International Student Funding Packages
In some cases, foreign nationals may not need to pay much out of pocket for their master’s degree, as some Canadian postsecondary institutions may offer international student funding packages in excess of tuition costs for certain academic master’s programs. This can make obtaining a Canadian master’s degree a more viable and attractive option for those seeking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry but lacking a high enough CRS score. By completing a Canadian master’s program, foreign nationals can not only increase their CRS score but also gain valuable Canadian work experience and improve their language proficiency, making them more competitive in the Canadian job market.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, obtaining a Canadian master’s degree can significantly boost one’s chances of getting permanent residence. With the potential to increase CRS scores, gain Canadian work experience, and improve language proficiency, a Canadian master’s degree can make a significant difference in obtaining an ITA for permanent residence. For those seeking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry but lacking a high enough CRS score, obtaining a Canadian master’s degree can be an attractive and viable route to making the cut for an ITA. By considering the benefits of a Canadian master’s degree and exploring international student funding packages, foreign nationals can take the first step towards obtaining permanent residence in Canada.