F-1/OPT to Canada — Study Permit → PGWP → PR
For F-1/OPT students in the US whose H-1B lottery didn't clear.
Thousands of F-1 grads on OPT/STEM OPT use Canada's study→PGWP→PR ladder when the H-1B lottery doesn't come through. A one-year Canadian post-graduate program restarts your work-permit clock with an open work permit at the end.
Timeline
3–6 months for study permit; PGWP within 6 months of graduation.
Estimated cost
CAD 15,000–35,000 tuition + CAD 150 permit fee + biometrics.
Why now
USCIS is tightening OPT unemployment rules and STEM OPT extensions are increasingly denied. A PGWP in Canada gives you 1–3 years of unrestricted open work permission.
Eligibility snapshot
- US bachelor's or master's degree
- Acceptance to a DLI (designated learning institution) in Canada
- Proof of funds (~CAD 20,635 per year plus tuition)
- IELTS Academic (6.0+ typically)
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Common questions
Can I keep my US OPT while I apply?+
Yes. You can apply for a Canadian study permit while on OPT/STEM OPT, and travel to Canada only when your program starts.
Is my US degree enough, or do I need to study again?+
You need a Canadian study permit to get a PGWP. Many US grads pick a 1-year Canadian PG diploma or master's that qualifies for PGWP.