For many international students, the dream of becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) represents a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and determination. Li Wei, a former international student from China, recently celebrated achieving this milestone. Her story offers a blueprint for success and inspiration for others on a similar path.
In this post, we break down Li Wei’s journey into three parts:
- Her transition to Canada as a student.
- The steps she took to secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- The PR application process, including key milestones and costs.
The Move to Canada
Li Wei arrived in Canada in September 2020 to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The two-year program provided her with an in-depth understanding of sustainability and environmental policy while allowing her to adapt to life in Canada.
Upon graduating in May 2022, she faced a pivotal decision: return to China or stay to explore opportunities in Canada. She chose the latter, applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that allowed her to gain crucial Canadian work experience.
Thanks to her two-year Master’s program, Li Wei qualified for a three-year PGWP. She secured a TEER 1 job with an environmental consultancy firm, a strategic move that aligned her work experience with the requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.
The Path to an ITA
Building a Competitive Express Entry Profile
To join the Express Entry pool, Li Wei needed a valid language test. Her initial IELTS score fell short of her goal, but she persevered, retaking the exam and achieving a score of CLB 9. This significantly boosted her Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Additionally, one year of Canadian work experience earned her an additional 40 CRS points, raising her overall score to 512. This strong profile led to an ITA during a general draw on March 12, 2024.
Staying Motivated
Li Wei shared that staying inspired was key to her journey. “I reminded myself why I started this journey—to contribute to sustainable solutions and build a better future. Keeping that goal in mind helped me push through challenges,” she explained.
The Permanent Residency Application Process
Key Milestones
Li Wei’s PR application journey was systematic and well-planned. Here’s a timeline of her process:
- March 12, 2024: Received ITA.
- March 30, 2024: Submitted all required documents.
- May 18, 2024: Medical exam updated.
- May 23, 2024: Biometrics completed.
- July 10, 2024: PR application approved.
- July 13, 2024: Received portal invitation and PR confirmation.
Costs Involved
The PR process came with expenses, which Li Wei carefully budgeted for:
- Language Test (IELTS): Approx. $330.
- Police Certificate (China): Approx. $45.
- Medical Exam: Approx. $430.
- PR Application Fee: Approx. $1,365.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring PR Applicants
Li Wei’s experience highlights valuable lessons for anyone pursuing Canadian PR:
- Start Early: Prepare essential documents, such as language test results and police certificates, ahead of time to avoid delays.
- Stay Focused: Keep long-term goals in sight, even when the process feels overwhelming.
- Seek Support: Engage with international student communities or immigration professionals for guidance and updates.
- Be Resilient: The journey requires patience and persistence, but each hurdle is an opportunity to grow stronger.
A Message of Inspiration
Reflecting on her journey, Li Wei expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities Canada has offered her. “From the moment I stepped off the plane in Vancouver to holding my PR confirmation letter, it’s been a life-changing experience. To all international students dreaming of a future in Canada: don’t give up. Your hard work and determination will lead you to success.”
For students and professionals navigating the path to Canadian PR, Li Wei’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible with planning, persistence, and passion.
Are you on your way to Canadian PR? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more inspiring stories, immigration updates, and tips for thriving in Canada!
