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Canada Overtakes the UK as the Top Study-to-Immigrate Destination Amid Immigration Cuts

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Canada Overtakes the UK as the Top Study-to-Immigrate Destination Amid Immigration Cuts

As global immigration policies tighten, international students are becoming more strategic about where they study—and where they eventually settle. Despite recent immigration cuts, Canada has emerged ahead of the United Kingdom (UK) as the most attractive study-to-immigrate destination, offering a faster, clearer, and more reliable pathway to permanent residence.

For students whose long-term goal is permanent settlement, Canada continues to stand out.

Why Canada Offers a Faster Path from Study to Permanent Residence

Both Canada and the UK allow international students to transition to permanent status after graduation. However, the speed, clarity, and certainty of the process differ significantly.

In Canada, international graduates can become eligible for Permanent Residence (PR) in as little as one year after graduation. In contrast, UK graduates typically wait five years, with proposals suggesting this could extend to ten years.

This difference alone has positioned Canada as the preferred choice for study-to-immigrate applicants.

Post-Graduation Work Options: Canada vs UK

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

One of Canada’s strongest advantages is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

  • Valid for up to three years

  • Available to graduates of programs two years or longer

  • Also applicable to one-year master’s programs

  • Allows graduates to work for any employer, in any skilled occupation

This flexibility makes it significantly easier for graduates to gain Canadian work experience, a key requirement for PR.

UK’s Graduate Visa Limitations

The UK’s graduate visa system is far more restrictive:

  • PhD graduates: up to 3 years

  • Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates (2026): up to 2 years

  • Applications from January 1, 2027: only 18 months

As a result, international students graduating in Canada often receive nearly double the post-study work authorization compared to the UK.

Work Experience That Actually Counts Toward PR

This is where Canada clearly outperforms the UK.

Canada: Work Experience Counts Immediately

Time spent working on a PGWP in Canada counts directly toward Permanent Residence eligibility. Graduates can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after:

  • One year of skilled work

  • Employment in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations

  • Working for any Canadian employer

This allows students to transition smoothly from study permit → work permit → PR.

UK: Graduate Visa Time Does NOT Count

In the UK, time spent on a graduate visa does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Graduates must first:

  • Secure a Skilled Worker Visa

  • Obtain employer sponsorship

  • Meet high salary thresholds

  • Work for five years before qualifying for ILR

This creates uncertainty, delays, and dependency on employer sponsorship.

Real-World Comparison: Canada vs UK

A graduate pursuing PR in Canada can realistically obtain permanent residence within 2–3 years of arrival as a student. In contrast, a similar candidate in the UK may wait 7–12 years, depending on future policy changes.

This stark contrast explains why Canada is now the top study-to-immigrate destination globally.

Why International Students Prefer Canada in 2026 and Beyond

Key reasons students are choosing Canada over the UK include:

  • Faster PR eligibility

  • Longer post-graduation work permits

  • No employer sponsorship required for PGWP

  • Transparent Express Entry system

  • Multiple PR pathways for graduates

Even amid immigration reductions, Canada continues to prioritize skilled international graduates.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Choosing the right country is only the first step. Successfully navigating Canada’s immigration system requires expert planning—and this is where ICC Immigration makes a difference.

ICC Immigration is committed to helping international students and graduates build a secure future in Canada. Our experienced professionals carefully assess your background and guide you toward the most suitable and reliable Permanent Residence pathways, helping you avoid risky or uncertain options.

Our Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications
    Expert support for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other PR pathways to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

  • Study Permits and Work Permits
    Strategic guidance to help you transition from student to skilled worker, ultimately leading to PR.

  • Family Sponsorships
    Assistance with reuniting families and securing long-term status in Canada.

  • Professional Legal Guidance
    Clear, up-to-date advice to ensure your application complies with current IRCC regulations and maximizes approval chances.

Instead of relying on uncertainty, take control of your future with a structured, legal, and proven pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada. ICC Immigration is with you at every step—whether you’re planning to study in Canada or are already here.