When Ritika landed in Toronto in January 2019 with two suitcases and big dreams, she was just another Indian international student navigating a new world. Her journey, like thousands of others, started with one goal: a Canadian education. But quietly, like many others, she hoped it would eventually lead to something more permanent—PR (Permanent Residency).
Now in 2025, Ritika holds a stable job in Vancouver, has applied for her Permanent Residency through Express Entry, and mentors new students arriving from India. Her story is one of hope, hustle, and the evolving path that Indian students take—from clearing IELTS to finally applying for Permanent Residency.
Step 1: IELTS – The Gateway Dream
For many students like Ritika, the IELTS exam is the first mountain to climb. She spent months preparing while juggling her bachelor’s degree in India. A score of 7.5 bands opened doors to her dream college in Canada—and to the first step in her future here.
Most Indian students aiming for Canada today still start their journey here. IELTS isn’t just about study permits; your score can later boost your Permanent Residency profile in Express Entry by earning valuable language points.
Step 2: Life as an International Student
Ritika joined a business diploma program at a college in Ontario. She quickly realized that studying in Canada wasn’t all maple leaves and snow—managing high tuition fees, working part-time jobs, and adapting to Canadian academic culture was overwhelming.
But she wasn’t alone.
Arjun, a student from Punjab, worked night shifts at a warehouse while attending early morning lectures. Mitali from Gujarat shared a basement with four others to save on rent. These are the untold chapters of many Indian students who come with ambition and adjust with resilience.
Despite these challenges, what kept them going was the long-term goal: gaining Canadian work experience and eventually applying for Permanent Residency.
Step 3: PGWP – The Critical Bridge
After graduation, Ritika applied for her Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—a crucial turning point. It gave her three years to gain full-time Canadian work experience, build professional connections, and prepare her Permanent Residency profile.
She started in a customer service role, eventually moving into a marketing assistant position—jobs that counted as skilled work under TEER categories, which are essential for Permanent Residency eligibility.
Many of her peers weren’t as lucky—some struggled to find NOC-eligible jobs and had to switch provinces or apply under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to stay in Canada.
Step 4: Applying for Permanent Residency – A Changing Landscape
When Ritika first arrived, Express Entry draws were consistent, and scoring above 460 almost guaranteed an Invitation to Apply (ITA). But by 2025, the system had changed.
Now, the government conducts category-based draws for fields like healthcare, trades, and STEM. Ritika had to upskill, improve her CRS score with a better IELTS score, and even consider French classes to stay competitive.
Arjun, on the other hand, received a provincial nomination from Alberta, and Mitali moved to Atlantic Canada to qualify under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
The Permanent Resident journey today isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires strategy, adaptability, and staying updated with immigration changes.
What’s Next for Indian Students?
Canada continues to value international graduates—but it’s no longer just about graduating and applying for Permanent Residency. Immigration policies now prioritize candidates who:
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Have Canadian work experience in high-demand fields
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Speak both English and French
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Have job offers or provincial nominations
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Show strong settlement potential outside big cities
For current and future Indian students, the path to Permanent Residency is still open—but smarter choices, early planning, and sometimes professional support make all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Real Journeys, Real Results
Every Indian student in Canada—from metro cities to remote towns—carries a unique version of this journey. Behind each Permanent Residency application is a story of perseverance, missed family events, side hustles, and sleepless nights. But also—of growth, independence, and success.
Ritika is just one of many. Today, she’s a Permanent Resident applicant, but tomorrow, she’ll be a Canadian permanent resident, contributing to the country she now calls home.
Want Help Navigating Your Permanent Resident Path?
Whether you’re just planning your move to Canada, recently graduated, or struggling to build your Permanent Residency profile, the experts at Eiffel Immigration are here to guide you.
✅ Let’s make your Permanent Residency dream a reality—just like Ritika’s.
📞 Contact us today to start your personalized pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada.
