For some, a Canadian master’s degree could be a ticket to permanent residence

Obtaining a Master’s Degree: Your Pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada

Pursuing a master’s degree from a Canadian postsecondary institution can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining permanent residence. As a master’s graduate, you can qualify for a three-year open work permit. This permit allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which is crucial for qualifying for permanent residence pathways. Additionally, you will score higher in Canada’s ranking system for selecting permanent residents.

Understanding Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Under Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a master’s degree awards a sole applicant 135 points under Core/human capital factors. Furthermore, a Canadian master’s degree provides an additional 30 points under the "Additional points" allocation of the CRS. 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 be the deciding factor between receiving an ITA and not being invited at all.

Anna’s Route to PR

Let me share an inspiring example of how a Canadian master’s degree can change your immigration journey.

Anna is a 24-year-old project manager from India. She holds a bachelor’s degree and has two years of work experience in her home country. Fluent in English (CLB 10), Anna dreams of immigrating to Canada for permanent settlement. However, her CRS score of 416 is far too low to expect an invitation under most Express Entry draws, which have seen cut-off scores ranging from 515 to 547 for CEC draws in 2025.

Determined to improve her situation, Anna applies to Canadian master’s programs. She is accepted, obtains a study permit, and completes a one-year master’s degree at the University of Toronto. After graduating, she secures a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP) and works as a project manager for a Canadian employer for one year.

Over the next two years, Anna’s CRS score rises to 539. This increase is solely due to her Canadian master’s degree and one year of Canadian work experience. She is now also eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) PR pathway. With a CRS score of 539, Anna would have qualified for 13 out of 15 CEC draws in 2025.

Breakdown of Anna’s Score Before and After

| Component of CRS | Points Before Master's | Points One Year After Master's |

|----------------------------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------|

| Age | 110 (age 24) | 110 (age 26) |

| Education | 120 | 135 |

| Language | 136 | 136 |

| Canadian Work Experience | 0 | 40 |

| Skill Transferability – Education | 25 | 50 |

| Skill Transferability – Foreign Work Experience | 25 | 38 |

| Additional Points | 0 | 30 |

| Total | 416 | 539 |

The Value of a Canadian Master’s Degree

Not everyone seeking permanent residence will be willing to return to school. Some may already possess Canadian work experience or have obtained PGWPs. For these individuals, a master’s degree may not significantly boost their CRS score as it did for Anna. However, any sole applicant can still gain an increase of 45 CRS points by transitioning from a foreign bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s degree. Alternatively, moving from a Canadian bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s can yield an increase of 30 CRS points.

Funding Opportunities for International Students

In some cases, foreign nationals may not need to pay much out of pocket for their master’s degree. Certain Canadian postsecondary institutions offer international student funding packages that exceed tuition costs for specific academic master’s programs. This financial support can make pursuing a degree more accessible.

Conclusion: A Strategic Move for Your Future

For those looking 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 securing an ITA. By investing in your education, you not only enhance your qualifications but also increase your chances of achieving your dream of permanent residency in Canada.

In summary, a Canadian master’s degree can be a game-changer in your immigration journey. It opens doors to new opportunities, increases your CRS score, and ultimately brings you closer to your goal of permanent residence.