Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada – IRCC, have the mandate to “… facilitate the legitimate entry of visitors, economic immigrants, sponsored family members and those seeking protection in Canada, while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians”. All of the international students participating in the Study & Stay PEI Program have a profile with IRCC and a study permit.

After successfully completing their studies, international graduates need to navigate different immigration pathways at both the federal and provincial levels to access work permits and find a path to permanent residence. Immigration policies change and are currently subject to much debate as politicians try to balance the need for immigration alongside strains on housing, healthcare and public services.

To help international students find the best options for them after graduating, the Study & Stay PEI Program works with a number of partners to provide up to date and factual information. 

Immigration Consultations

The Study & Stay PEI Program engages a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who hosts regular consultations for international students. The topics for the consultations are selected by the international students and can range from an in-depth analysis of the Provincial Nomination Program to immigration options for students with families and dependants. In addition to these consultations, international students can request support and advice on their individual applications.

PEI Office of Immigration

The PEI Government plays a central role in immigration through the Provincial Nomination Program and other mechanisms that secure critical workers for the labour market. The Study & Stay PEI Program enjoys good working relations with the PEI Office of Immigration and hosts meetings where officials discuss immigration pathways with international students.

IRCC

All immigration pathways conform to the overall federal structure that is administered by IRCC. The Study & Stay PEI Program maintains good relations with Atlantic region IRCC staff and arranges for presentations at different times in the year, so that international students can ask questions and get accurate information on federal immigration options and how these relate to the PEI provincial systems.

IRSA and CIF

The Immigrant and Refugee Services Association – IRSA and La Coopérative d’intégration francophone de l’Île-du-Prince-Edouard – CIF, provide information and advice on immigration issues for international students. The Study & Stay PEI Program collaborates with both service agencies to ensure that international students stay well informed about their immigration options and receive support after graduation.

Justice Avenues, Community Legal Information

The Study & Stay PEI Program collaborates with the Justice Avenues project to provide international students / graduates with legal information and support on immigration issues. The Justice Avenues project works with immigration lawyers and has a referral service if needed, to ensure that international students / graduates can get legal advice.

To graduate from the program, international students must participate in 4 mandatory events, complete the 6 stages of the Key Competences Framework and attend 4 elective activities. However, there is no limit to the number of activities international students can attend and there is no cost, all activities are free for Study & Stay PEI students.