If you’re graduating from a Canadian school soon—or just recently wrapped up your program—you’re probably wondering, “How am I supposed to get my Permanent Residency in Canada in this madness?”

Trust me, I get it. I graduated from a Canadian university during the COVID era when everything felt unpredictable. Jobs were scarce, immigration draws were all over the place, and nobody had clear answers. Still, by the grace of God and some planning, I made it through. And today, I want to share exactly what helped me—and what I would do differently if I were starting my Permanent Resident (PR) journey now.

What I Did to Secure My Permanent Residency After Graduation

Here’s the strategy that worked for me when I finished school in Canada:

• Gained at least one year of Canadian work experience: This helped me qualify for pathways like CEC (Canadian Experience Class) and strengthened my profile.
• Chose my PR pathway early: Even though I qualified for multiple programs (CEC, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Spousal Sponsorship, Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, and Nova Scotia Prpvincial Nomination Program), I focused on just one pathway instead of spreading myself thin.
• Built a time buffer: I didn’t wait until my permit was about to expire. I made sure I had extra time (about 2 years) to work and apply without feeling rushed.
• Applied as soon as I was eligible: No procrastination. Once I met the criteria, I sent in my application.
• Prayed a lot: Because honestly, sometimes you do everything right and still need favor to succeed.

Why It’s Even Harder Now

Fast forward to 2025, and things have gotten even tougher:

• CRS scores are higher than ever.
• Express Entry draws now often target specific industries, making it harder for “general” candidates to get selected.
• Streams like healthcare PR programs open and close within hours because of overwhelming demand.

This is why being strategic isn’t optional anymore—it’s necessary.

If I Were Starting My Permanent Residency Journey Now, Here’s What I Would Do

If I had to do it all over again today, these are the moves I would make:

1. Write both English and French language tests
   → French speakers are getting more opportunities right now, and a second language score can give you an edge.
2. Secure a Provincial Nomination (PNP)
   → PNPs give you a massive 600-point boost in Express Entry, which can almost guarantee you an invitation.
3. Get into a healthcare-related field
   → Canada is desperate for healthcare workers, and this sector continues to be heavily prioritized for immigration programs.
4. Qualify for multiple PR Pathways
   → Canada is desperate for healthcare workers, and this sector continues to be heavily prioritized for immigration programs.

Final Thoughts

Securing PR in Canada right now takes more planning, more resilience, and honestly, more faith than ever before.
But it’s still possible—with the right strategy, a strong mindset, and a bit of divine favor on your side.

If you’re on the journey right now, I’m rooting for you! Feel free to share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear how it’s going for you.