Canada is home to some elite colleges and tertiary instructions in the world. As such, the nation accepts large numbers of international students yearly. However, after studying, most of these students may hope to extend their stay in the country further. In this regard, you, as an international student, will have to apply for permanent residency. Applying for permanent residence enables them to stay indefinitely in Canada and brings them one step closer to applying for Canadian citizenship.
So then, as an international student, how can you find the best province to study and get PR in Canada? We’ll get to that. In this article, you will find out everything there is to know to get started on your journey to finding the best province to study and get PR in Canada, including:
- What is the best province to study and get PR in Canada
- Factors to consider when choosing a Province to study
- Pros and Cons of each Province
Read on to learn more about the best province for international students to study and get PR in Canada.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is one of the best countries in the world to have a high standard of living and the best education. The nation ranks third place globally for the best quality of life, according to the U.S. News & World Report in 2022. The nation provides fundamental Canadian rights in terms of equality, respect for human rights, and diversity, making the nation very peaceful.
The nation is home to more than 8,000 colleges and offers 16,000 university programs. According to times higher education, Canada is also home to some of the world’s best universities, with 7 of the nation’s universities in the top 200 in the world. The nation is highly invested in education; in 2014-2015, Canadian colleges, institutes and the students they have trained generated over $191 billion in additional income to the Canadian national economy.
Best Province to Study and get PR in Canada
Canada is home to many provinces, each with its benefits and flaws. It is then left for you to sift through each province and choose the best province to study and get PR in Canada.
1. Ontario
The province of Ontario is located in east-central Canada and borders the U.S. and the Great Lakes. The province is home to Canada’s capital city Ottawa and also home to Toronto, fondly called the nation’s “cultural capital.”
Pros of living in Ontario Province
- Ontario is home to Toronto, which is often recognized as the financial capital of Canada
- Ontario is home to some of Canada’s safest cities, such as Ottawa, Peterborough and Toronto
- Ontario is very diverse
- The food culture in Ontario is amazing.
- Ontario is home to some of Canada’s finest universities, such as Toronto and waterloo, respectively.
Cons of living in Ontario province
- There is a high cost of living in most Ontario cities.
- The weather can be freezing during the winter.
- Most famous Ontario cities experience overcrowding and hence traffic.
- Living independently in Ontario as a student can be very challenging, especially if you aren’t provided accommodation by your college.
2. British Columbia
The province of British Columbia is located in the westernmost part of Canada. Its Pacific coastline and mountain ranges define the province. The province is home to some famous cities as well as universities.
Pros of living in British Columbia
- British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s finest cities, such as Vancouver.
- The province is blessed with beautiful mountains and beaches
- The province has wonderful summers
- The public transport system is very reliable in British Columbia
- The province is home to some of Canada’s finest universities and colleges.
Cons of living in British Columbia
- There are limited job opportunities in British Columbia.
- The cost of housing in British Columbia is high.
- The province has a slightly high unemployment rate.
- The cost of living is high in British Columbia.
3. Quebec
The bilingual province of Quebec is located in the eastern part of Canada. The province is home to some of Canada’s biggest cities and universities.
Pros of living in Quebec province
- The city has affordable electricity rates.
- Quebec is home to some of Canada’s affordable cities to reside in.
- Quebec has four seasons yearly, which isn’t usual in Canada.
- Quebec has amazing parks.
Cons of living in Quebec province
- The price of heating during the winter can be a bit expensive
- There might be trouble in communication as most of the city’s population mainly speaks French.
- Quebec is known for having high tax rates.
- Purchasing certain items like wine and other hard drinks is a bit of a hassle.
4. Alberta
The province of Alberta is located in the western part of Canada. The province is one of Canada’s famous provinces and has some standard universities.
Pros of living in Alberta province
- Alberta has some breathtaking landscapes.
- Housing is affordable in most Alberta cities.
- Alberta is a very festive province.
- Provision and access to basic amenities are always available.
- Alberta has affordable healthcare.
Cons of living in Alberta province
- The crime rate in Alberta is slightly above the national average.
- There are always cases of poor driving in Alberta.
- The winter season in Alberta can get extremely harsh.
- There are high amounts of old and damaged roads in Alberta.
5. Manitoba
Ontario borders the province of Manitoba to the east and Saskatchewan to the west, which makes it a travel channel province. Manitoba also has some top colleges and amazing local experiences.
Pros of living in Manitoba
- Manitoba is known for having a low cost of living
- The unemployment rate in Manitoba is low
- Family housing is much cheaper in Manitoba
- The province has a large number of lakes
- The city is known for its cultural diversity.
Cons of living in Manitoba
- The public transportation system could be more reliable at times.
- Manitoba is known to have frigid winters.
- There are cases of polar bear attacks on people who travel inland during winter.
- There are cases of mosquito infestation in some areas of the province.
6. Saskatchewan
The province of Saskatchewan is located in the southern part of Canada and shares its borders with the United States. The province also has some great schools and colleges.
Pros of living in Saskatchewan
- There are lesser taxes in Saskatchewan.
- The price of housing is less.
- The province has an abundance of beautiful landscapes and views.
- The province isn’t overpopulated.
Cons of living in Saskatchewan
- The province can have sparse population distributions.
- There is a high crime rate in Saskatchewan.
- The province experiences scorching summers and harsh cold winters.
- The province can seem slightly dull.
7. Nova Scotia
The province of Nova Scotia, which in English translates to New Scotland, is among Canada’s three marine provinces. The province is home to some great colleges and has a lot to offer.
Pros of living in Nova Scotia
- Housing costs are cheap in Nova Scotia.
- Clear roads and low traffic are common in Nova Scotia.
- The residents are quite welcoming.
- The province is home to some wonderful cities like Halifax.
- The food and music cultures are amazing in Nova Scotia.
Cons of living in Nova Scotia
- Finding a steady job in the province can be challenging.
- The province has a meager minimum wage.
- Taxes in Nova Scotia are quite high.
- Public transportation systems aren’t always reliable.
8. New Brunswick
The province of New Brunswick is one of the three maritime provinces and part of the Atlantic Canadian. As such, don’t be surprised if you come across various lakes and beaches.
Pros of living in New Brunswick
- The cost of living in New Brunswick is quite cheap.
- The province has quite a number of forests, parks and reserves.
- The province has friendly locals.
- Public transport in New Brunswick is reliable and affordable.
Cons of living in New Brunswick
- Employment opportunities are limited to certain skills related to agriculture.
- The unemployment rate is high.
- The province experiences harsh and cold winters.
- There might be trouble in communication as part of the city’s population mainly speak French.
9. Newfoundland and Labrador
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the easternmost parts of Canada. The province is very subtle and home to some standard colleges and universities.
Pros of living in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The province is one of the safest in Canada.
- The cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador is lesser than in most provinces.
- The province is mostly quiet and peaceful.
- There are beautiful beaches in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cons of living in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The province has a high unemployment rate.
- There are limited job options in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Transport to certain areas in the province is overpriced.
- The province experiences a population decline.
How to Pick a Province for Canadian Permanent Residency After Graduation?
As an international student willing to apply for Canadian permanent residency, you must research the Canadian provinces you wish to apply to. You could apply for permanent residency through a variety of channels. However, you should ensure that the province you want to live in suits you.
Ensure that the province has a high immigrant population. Provinces with a high immigrant population will have more applicants, resulting in more permanent residence allocations to those provinces.
Advantages of Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada can get you numerous benefits as a student, including
- Studying in some of the world’s finest universities.
- Obtaining a flexible and high-quality education.
- Part-time job availability for students.
- International exposure.
- Canada offers affordable education options.
Benefits of Getting a PR in Canada
There are various benefits to getting PR in Canada, such as;
- Live and work in Canada.
- Access to education.
- Access to healthcare.
- Paved the way to Canadian citizenship.
- Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and freedom.
- Easy access to starting your own business.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Province to Study in Canada
1. Location
As an international student, your top priority should be the location of your school. You should look out for more diverse areas to help you adapt easily. Mostly diverse places are the urban areas in Canada. However, if you are searching for an area with a more relaxed living and studying environment, you should choose a university in a rural area. You should also consider the transport costs, rent, food, and overall living cost when looking at the locations of schools you are interested in.
2. University ranking
You should also consider the university ranking to allow you to choose from the best Canadian universities. Choosing a university that is ranked very highly guarantees you have the best learning experience in Canada. As such, you are guaranteed quality education while you still find time for yourself and your job.
3. Courses that guarantee PR
Choose courses or universities that guarantee you a chance at obtaining a Canadian PR after studying there. Not all courses and universities guarantee a chance at obtaining a Canadian PR. However, if t study in Canada is your only intention, then you should be fine no matter what course or university you choose.
4. Availability of Part-time job opportunities for students
You should ensure that the school you are applying to will provide you with the availability of part-time job options. This is to ensure that you can keep your finances in order. You can apply for jobs both on and off campus. However, besides the wages you’ll be paid, you can also learn a thing or two in your new job, meet new people, make new connections and gain working experience. As a student, you also have a limited amount of working hours.
5. Scholarship opportunities
If you can’t afford tuition for certain universities, you could look for universities that offer scholarship opportunities to international students. These scholarship opportunities could be either full or partial, but either way, they can be very helpful in helping you reduce tuition fees and make them affordable.
Final Thoughts on the Best Province to Study and Get PR in Canada
Searching for the best province to study and get PR in Canada isn’t easy. As such, you should always be ready to work by researching various Canadian colleges, universities and provinces that interest you. It is also important that you remember to take things gradually and not rush into anything without having a solid proof plan. Be sure to know that you will study first, then apply for PR before you can apply and be accessed for Canadian citizenship.
