Where should I start?

[lr.xs]

I'm posting in general because I've read through cica, which basically said that I can't get permanent residency without getting a job offer from Canada while still outside the country.

I have U.S. citizenship and residency. I am currently a university student in the U.S. After I graduate, I want to get a degree in veterinary medicine and after looking around, it does seem that one of the best places to do that is Canada. The issue is that both of the English-speaking vet schools require permanent residency, which I don't have and wouldn't be able to get for at least a year, I think?, after graduating.

I am willing to go through the process for permanent residency if I decide that's THE best option but I'm having trouble figuring out what that would entail. Knowing this would help me decide whether to bank on Canada or stick with the U.S. Maybe I'm just tired from studying so none of the information on the websites is really clicking but I'd really like straightforward advice about now.

 

[Leon]

It is not exactly simple or fast to get permanent residency in Canada.

FSW = Federal skilled worker
you need points and that usually means at least a couple of years skilled work experience which you probably don't have and you need a job offer

QSW = Quebec skilled worker
also points, job offer is not a must but speaking French helps a lot

PNP = Provincial nominee program
you are nominated by a province, usually involves having a job offer in that province and in many cases that you are already in the province on a work permit. Normally also restricted to skilled work but varies between provinces.

CEC = Canadian experience class
you have done 2 years of full time skilled work on a work permit and you may apply

After you have applied, that's not all because the processing time to get the PR is usually at least a year.

In order to get a work permit so you can get to Canada and try to qualify to apply for your PR, you usually need an employer to apply for your LMO (labour market opinion) proving that he advertised and found no Canadian or PR who wanted the job. If he gets the LMO, you can apply for a work permit. The exception is if your job falls under NAFTA, then you don't need an LMO, just a job offer.