IT student in Canada — is a diploma enough for PR or should I complete my degree?

[SPIW1221]

Hello everyone,
I’m an international student and I’ve just started my academic journey in Canada this year, studying IT. Like many other international students, my long-term goal would be to stay in Canada by applying for Permanent Residency (PR). Right now, I’m facing an important decision: I’m not sure whether I should continue with my Bachelor’s degree or transfer to a 2-year diploma, which would allow me to start working earlier, gain Canadian experience, and then apply for PR after that.
I’m aware that immigration rules change frequently, and I don’t want to base my decision only on assumptions. Since I’m still new here and learning how everything works, I would really appreciate it — and I say this with respect — if anyone who has gone through a similar path could share their experience or give me some guidance on which option might be more beneficial in the long run.
Thank you so much in advance.

 

[Naturgrl]

Are you changing schools and will need to get a new study permit and justify change? Changing to a two year program will give you fewer points and will not be enough for PR unless in healthcare or fluent in French. People with Masters and 3 years of work experience don't get PR. If you want PR then learn French.

 

[SPIW1221]

Are you changing schools and will need to get a new study permit and justify change? Changing to a two year program will give you fewer points and will not be enough for PR unless in healthcare or fluent in French. People with Masters and 3 years of work experience don't get PR. If you want PR then learn French.

No, I’m not changing schools. The diploma I’m considering would be at the same school, just the 2-year version of the 4-year program. Are you suggesting that I should continue with the Bachelor’s degree and focus on learning French to improve my PR chances?

 

[Naturgrl]

No, I’m not changing schools. The diploma I’m considering would be at the same school, just the 2-year version of the 4-year program. Are you suggesting that I should continue with the Bachelor’s degree and focus on learning French to improve my PR chances?

Neither the 2 or 4 year program is going to get you PR unless you are in a province with a PNP job offer program with your score and NOC being selected. And for some PNP job offer programs a degree is a requirement. So research Express Entry and PNP to know what you need for PR. Learning French is your best chance to get PR.

You have to decide what program will give you the best chances of skilled employment when you graduate.

 

[scylla]

Hello everyone,
I’m an international student and I’ve just started my academic journey in Canada this year, studying IT. Like many other international students, my long-term goal would be to stay in Canada by applying for Permanent Residency (PR). Right now, I’m facing an important decision: I’m not sure whether I should continue with my Bachelor’s degree or transfer to a 2-year diploma, which would allow me to start working earlier, gain Canadian experience, and then apply for PR after that.
I’m aware that immigration rules change frequently, and I don’t want to base my decision only on assumptions. Since I’m still new here and learning how everything works, I would really appreciate it — and I say this with respect — if anyone who has gone through a similar path could share their experience or give me some guidance on which option might be more beneficial in the long run.
Thank you so much in advance.

If you want PR, stick with the bachelor. If you are totally fine leaving Canada after the end of your PGWP, then no issues going with the diploma.

You might want to spend more time researching how competitive immigration is right now. You should expect this will not change even if there are some changes to program requirements. Even with the bachelor degree, PR is far from guaranteed. With only a diploma, you will reduce your chances of PR very very significantly and probably take yourself out of the running.