For many international students, getting a Canadian master’s degree is more than just an academic goal, it can be a smart and realistic way to become a permanent resident of Canada.
Canada values education earned inside the country. Because of this, people who complete a master’s degree from a Canadian university often have a much stronger chance of qualifying for permanent residence (PR) compared to those with only foreign education.
Simply put, studying in Canada can open doors that are otherwise very difficult to unlock.
Why a Canadian Master’s Degree Matters for Immigration
When you graduate with a Canadian master’s degree, you gain two major advantages that directly help with immigration.
First, you can qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that can be valid for up to three years. This permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada and gain Canadian work experience, which is highly valued for PR.
Second, Canada uses a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to select permanent residents through Express Entry. A Canadian master’s degree gives you significantly more CRS points, making your profile much more competitive.
How the CRS System Works (In Simple Terms)
The CRS is a scoring system used by the Canadian government to rank immigration candidates. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Your CRS score is based on factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience. A Canadian master’s degree alone can add up to 30 extra CRS points, on top of the higher education points you already receive.
In many real cases, these extra points are the difference between getting invited and being left out.
A Real-Life Example: How a Master’s Degree Changed Everything
To understand how powerful this can be, let’s look at a simple example.
Anna is a 24-year-old project manager from India. She has a bachelor’s degree, two years of foreign work experience, and excellent English skills. Despite this, her CRS score is only 416, which is far below the typical Express Entry cut-off scores.
In recent years, most Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws have required scores above 515, meaning Anna has little chance of receiving an invitation.
Anna decides to study in Canada. She applies to a master’s program, receives admission, gets a study permit, and completes a one-year master’s degree at the University of Toronto.
After graduating, she receives a three-year PGWP and works in Canada as a project manager for one year.
This one decision completely changes her future.
With a Canadian master’s degree and one year of Canadian work experience, Anna’s CRS score jumps to 539. She also becomes eligible under the Canadian Experience Class, a popular PR pathway for people with Canadian work experience.
With this score, Anna would have qualified for 13 out of 15 CEC draws in 2025.
CRS Score Comparison Before and After a Canadian Master’s
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
Who Benefits Most From a Canadian Master’s Degree
Not everyone will see the same increase as Anna. People who already have Canadian work experience, a PGWP, or Canadian education may see a smaller jump in points.
However, even in the simplest case, a person moving from a foreign bachelor’s degree to a Canadian master’s degree gains around 45 CRS points. Someone moving from a Canadian bachelor’s to a Canadian master’s still gains about 30 points.
For many candidates, this increase alone is enough to cross the Express Entry cut-off line.
Cost Concerns: Is a Master’s Degree Always Expensive?
A common concern is cost. While tuition for international students can be high, some Canadian universities offer funding packages for certain academic master’s programs. In some cases, scholarships and assistantships may cover most or even all tuition costs.
This means that for some students, a Canadian master’s degree can be far more affordable than expected, especially when compared to the long-term benefits of permanent residence.
Why This Pathway Makes Sense for Many PR Aspirants
For people who want to immigrate to Canada but do not currently have a competitive CRS score, studying for a Canadian master’s degree is not just education, it is a strategic immigration decision.
It provides Canadian credentials, Canadian work experience, higher CRS points, and access to stronger PR pathways. For many, it turns a weak profile into a successful one.
Is a Canadian master’s degree guaranteed to lead to permanent residence?
No, permanent residence is never guaranteed. However, a Canadian master’s degree significantly improves your chances by increasing your CRS score and eligibility for programs like the Canadian Experience Class.
Do I need Canadian work experience after my master’s degree?
While not mandatory, Canadian work experience greatly boosts your CRS score. Most graduates use the PGWP to gain at least one year of experience, which makes a major difference.
Is a one-year master’s degree enough?
Yes. Even a one-year master’s degree from an eligible Canadian institution can qualify you for a PGWP and additional CRS points.
Can older applicants still benefit from a master’s degree?
Yes. While age affects CRS points, the education, Canadian work experience, and additional points from a master’s degree can still make studying in Canada worthwhile.
Is this pathway suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily. Each case is different. Factors like age, finances, career goals, and existing CRS score matter. Professional guidance is strongly recommended before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
A Canadian master’s degree is not just an academic achievement, for many, it is a realistic, structured, and achievable pathway to permanent residence. When planned correctly, it can transform an otherwise uncompetitive immigration profile into a successful one.
If you are exploring your options and unsure whether this route is right for you, getting personalized advice can help you make the right move at the right time.
