The Circuitous Routes to Permanence
Understanding International Students’ Permit Transition Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24226997 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jonathan Amoyaw (0000-0002-5958-0332, Dalhousie University), Yoko Yoshida (0000-0001-8202-6068, Western University), M Haan (0000-0003-4942-7841, Western University), George Botchey (0009-0007-8693-0864, Western University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-10-08 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Migration Review (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0197-9183 • E-ISSN: 1747-7379 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/01979183261493075 |
| OpenAlex | W7221023440 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 31 |
As countries adopt a “two-step” immigrant selection process, understanding how temporary residents granted study or work permit(s) transition to permanent residency (PR) is crucial. Using linked administrative records and sequence and cluster analysis, we identify five permit transition pathways to PR among international students that vary by timing, duration, and permit sequence. Our multinomial logistic regression analysis highlights pathway differences across study level, arrival cohort, and province. Students pursuing a master's degree or non-university diploma were more likely to obtain off-campus work permit(s) during studies and a post-study work permit before PR. Post-2008 cohorts were also more likely to follow this pathway. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec stood out for transitions to PR without a post-study work permit. This study reveals complex, non-linear transitions to PR, emphasizing the role of evolving immigration policies in shaping diverse pathways. Insights can inform discussions on temporary status transitions and differential access to PR.
Canada · Immigration policy · international students · master's students · permanent residence · provincial differences · study permits · work permits · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Migration and Labor Dynamics · Migration, Refugees, and Integration
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| Highly cited | No |
|---|