By e-Visa Immigration*
Canada wants students — But you need to be strategic.
The current Canadian landscape makes one thing clear: studying in Canada can still be the first step toward permanent residency. In 2025, the government updated the list of priority occupations for selection under Express Entry, the country’s main economic immigration system.
Priority areas include:
● Health
● Social Services
● Education
● Technical Professions (“Trades”)
● Science, Technology, Engineering and Agriculture
The government is also considering adding three additional priority categories: managers and directors, researchers, and professionals linked to the military and civil defense sectors.
In addition, the list of programs eligible for the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) has been updated, aligning high-demand fields of study with immigration opportunities. This means that students in programs related to teaching, social assistance, trades, and similar areas have a significant advantage when entering Canada’s labor market and gaining local work experience — which boosts their chances in Express Entry.
The key differentiator now is Canadian work experience (Canadian Experience Class – CEC). Those who graduate in high-demand programs, obtain a PGWP and work in the country move ahead of international applicants.
Data and Recent Changes
More than 1,000 fields of study currently qualify for the PGWP, including 119 new fields added this year, primarily in education, health, and social services.
For bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, there are no restrictions on the field of study: both public and private universities can offer a PGWP of up to three years.
An important detail: some private universities accept applicants for master’s programs even if they only hold a technólogo degree from Brazil, evaluating experience and résumé instead. All master’s programs grant a three-year PGWP — even those lasting only one year.
The study permit cap for 2025 was set at just over 300,000 authorizations, a number expected to remain stable in the coming years, though reviewed annually.
Programs at public institutions offer 15 bonus points in Express Entry, while bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs at any institution — public or private — offer 30 bonus points.
Opportunities for Brazilians
While India and China lead in sending students abroad, rising fraud and new restrictions have increased visa refusal rates in those countries. Brazil and other Latin American nations continue to maintain high approval rates, creating an opportunity with lower competition for Brazilians planning to study in Canada.
For students in nursing, social assistance, or Health Care Assistant programs, provinces like British Columbia offer priority pathways with immediate hiring and full immigration support — with no age or nationality limits.
High-Demand Fields and Programs
● Education: teachers, early childhood educators, disability support instructors
● Health: nurses, psychologists, doctors, paramedics, pharmacists, radiology technologists, social workers, dental assistants, dental hygienists, veterinary technicians, Health Care Assistants, among others
● Trades: carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, maintenance technicians, furniture makers, HVAC technicians
● STEM: science, technology (such as Cyber Security), engineering, and insurance professionals
Those who invest in the right fields and gain local professional experience have a real chance of immigrating — even without previous higher education in Brazil.
Important Changes for Students and Their Families
● PGWP now requires language proof: CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates.
● Minimum financial proof increased to CAD 22,895 for single applicants and CAD 28,502 for couples, starting September 2025.
● Off-campus work hours increased from 20 to up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions, starting November 2024.
● Spousal open work permits are limited to spouses of master’s students (minimum 16-month programs), PhD students, or strategic university programs (such as education, nursing, and engineering).
A Real Opportunity — 2025 Results
In the first half of 2025, 40% of new permanent residents came through the PGWP combined with Canadian work experience. Many Brazilians and Latin Americans who invested in technical programs in early childhood education or health were able, in fewer than three years, to go from classroom to paid employment and then receive an invitation for permanent residency.
How to Take Advantage of This New Landscape
Choose programs in priority areas — federally and provincially.
Invest in English or French proficiency — French is increasingly valued.
Plan your finances carefully, as proof of funds is strict.
Pay attention to the effective dates of policy changes, as they may affect each intake.
Explore provincial and regional programs (PNPs, AIP/RCIP/FCIP), which prioritize local sectors and benefit those working in smaller communities.
Political and Strategic Context
The Canadian government has adjusted the system to balance public services and housing availability, limiting the number of students and prioritizing in-demand fields. The result is a more selective — but transparent and merit-based — process.
For future permanent residents, the lesson is clear: choosing the right program of study and investing in local experience is the safest way to turn education into permanent residency. With strategic planning, the Canadian dream can become reality.
e-Visa is here to help you choose the right program, plan your career path, and navigate immigration changes with security and strategy.
9 Mistakes That Hurt Your Express Entry Profile (and How to Fix Them)
When it comes to Canada’s Express Entry system, every detail of your profile can affect your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score — and therefore your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Many applicants make small mistakes without realizing it, which can delay the process or lower their score.
Here are 9 common mistakes people make in their Express Entry profile — and, more importantly, how to avoid or fix them.
- Not Declaring All Eligible Points
It’s surprising how many people miss out on valuable points simply because they fail to declare everything — such as having a sibling in Canada, proficiency in a second language, or a foreign education credential assessed as Canadian-equivalent.
How to fix: Carefully review all sections of the CRS points calculator. If in doubt, consult a licensed immigration consultant at e-Visa Immigration.
- Using Estimated Language Test Scores
Entering estimated scores instead of official test results is common — and risky. Many people “guess” their score to create a profile sooner, but this can lead to point miscalculations, ineligibility, or even misrepresentation.
How to fix: Take the official language test (IELTS or CELPIP) before creating your profile. Only official valid results are accepted by IRCC.
- Outdated or Insufficient Proof of Funds
Required settlement funds are updated every year. Submitting outdated or insufficient amounts may lead to refusal.
How to fix: Check the updated amounts on the IRCC website and ensure the funds are in your name, available, and meet the minimum required based on your family size.
- Choosing the Wrong NOC
Selecting a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code that does not match your actual job duties — even if the job title looks correct — can cause verification issues.
How to fix: Read the full NOC description, including main duties and requirements. Make sure it aligns with your real work experience.
- Ignoring Spousal Points
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their qualifications — language, education, and work experience — may impact your CRS score positively or negatively.
How to fix: Include all relevant information for your partner. In some cases, it may be better for the spouse to be the principal applicant.
- Inconsistent Work History
Gaps, overlaps, or incorrect dates in your work history can raise concerns or result in lost points.
How to fix: Prepare a clear and accurate timeline. Make sure dates match your reference letters and supporting documents.
- Missing the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Without the ECA, your international degrees will not be considered — even if equivalent to a Canadian credential.
How to fix: Obtain your ECA from an IRCC-designated organization before submitting your profile. Include all post-secondary degrees.
- Not Updating Your Profile After Significant Changes
Improved language scores? Completed a degree? Change in marital status? These changes directly affect your CRS points.
How to fix: Update your profile whenever relevant changes occur, as long as you haven’t yet received an ITA.
- Waiting Too Long to Enter the Pool
Many people wait for the “perfect moment” to enter the pool — after retaking the language test or gaining more work experience. But Express Entry is competitive and dynamic, and sometimes entering early is the smartest move.
How to fix: Enter the pool as soon as you qualify. You can update your profile later, and being in the pool increases your chances of receiving invitations, especially in category-based draws.
Final Considerations
Express Entry is one of the most effective paths to Canadian permanent residency — but only if your profile is complete and optimized. Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference between receiving an ITA and waiting months (or years).
If you’re unsure about your profile’s competitiveness or want to ensure it’s fully optimized, the e-Visa Immigration team can help. We’ve assisted more than 15,000 clients on their path to Canada — and we can help you, too.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the views of CCBC and is the sole responsibility of the company that authored this content.
