Canada has now surpassed the United Kingdom as the preferred study‑to‑immigrate destination for international students who are not only seeking world‑class education but also a clear and faster pathway to permanent residence.
This trend reflects major shifts in migration and higher‑education policies in both countries. While the UK has tightened its immigration rules and shortened post‑study options, Canada has maintained and even enhanced policies that support students on their journey from campus to settlement.
Why Canada Now Leads the Pack
One of the key reasons for Canada’s rising appeal is its post‑study work and permanent residence pathways, which are widely viewed as more straightforward and predictable than those available in the UK.
Under Canada’s immigration system:
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Graduates can obtain a post‑graduation work permit (PGWP) that allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies — a longer duration than many other destinations offer.
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Time spent working under a PGWP can count directly toward eligibility for permanent residence under programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), often after as little as one year of skilled work experience.
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Spouses or partners of students — particularly at the master’s and PhD level — can often secure open work permits, making Canada an attractive choice for families.
By contrast, the UK’s pathway from study to settlement has become more complex. Graduate visas — which allow recent graduates to stay and work after finishing their studies — have been reduced in length for many degree levels. In addition, graduates must usually switch to an employer‑sponsored work visa to continue building a record toward indefinite leave to remain (settlement), and recent policy proposals could extend residency requirements further.
What This Means for International Students
For students planning to study abroad with long‑term settlement in mind, Canada’s approach offers clarity and a shorter timeline from academic completion to permanent residence. This has made Canada especially attractive for:
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Students from regions where long‑term work opportunities after graduation are a key priority.
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Graduate‑level applicants who want to maximise their chances of staying and working in their host country.
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Families who value the ability for spouses or partners to work while the student studies.
Policy Changes Reinforcing Canada’s Position
Recent policy updates in Canada — such as exemptions from study permit caps for master’s and PhD students at public institutions — have further strengthened the country’s competitive edge in the global education market.
Meanwhile, shifts in the UK and other destinations, including reductions in post‑study work durations and stricter settlement criteria, have made pathways to permanent residence longer and more uncertain for many international students.
What to Consider When Choosing a Destination
If immigration is part of your study plan, here are a few key factors to weigh:
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Duration of post‑study work rights– longer work permission generally improves chances of building qualifying experience for permanent residency.
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Ease of pathway to permanent residence– clear routes like the Canadian Experience Class can accelerate settlement.
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Family considerations– options for spouses and dependants can make a destination more appealing.
At RoutePal, we help students understand these differences and plan their admissions and immigration strategies accordingly — from programme selection to study permits and long‑term settlement guidance.