Can a 1-year diploma in Canada get me a work visa and PR?

Admission Prep
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I want to go to Canada after school for one of those 1-year diploma courses… like will that actually help in getting a work visa and then PR later? Or is it a waste of time and money? Anyone who can help me with this…

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A 1-year diploma in Canada gives you a 1-year post-study work permit (PGWP).
It can help with PR if you get a skilled job quickly and gain 1 year of Canadian experience.
However, it’s risky due to the short timeline and high costs.
A 2-year course is safer as it gives a 3-year PGWP.
So, a 1-year course isn’t a waste, but needs strong planning.

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Hey! So if you’re thinking about doing a 1-year diploma in Canada, it can help, but it really depends on your long-term goals.

A 1-year program can make you eligible for a 1-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — which is good, but pretty short. If you get a full-time skilled job quickly after graduating, you can start building your PR points. But honestly, it’s a bit of a tight timeline, and many students prefer 2-year programs instead because they get a 3-year work permit, which gives you more time to gain experience and apply for PR.

So no, it’s not a total waste — but if you can afford a longer course or a 2-year diploma/advanced diploma, it’s usually the smarter move in the long run. Let me know your budget or course interest and I can help suggest better options!

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Thank you @Ronita , @palak_ranjan for sharing the information!
Would anyone of know what can be the possible key factors to maximize my chances of getting PR?

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Hey @riya_kumar

  1. Choose the right course and province – Prefer programs in demand and provinces with PR options like Ontario, BC, or Alberta.
  2. Study at a DLI-approved college that gives you a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit).
  3. Get Canadian work experience after graduation in a skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
  4. Score high in IELTS, especially CLB 9 or more.
  5. Apply for Express Entry or PNP as soon as you’re eligible.
  6. Start building your profile early—age, education, and language score matter a lot.

check this link as well
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html

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@riya_kumar Try going for 2years program as not only it gives you 3years of work permit but also help you get extra CRS score improving your chances of PR. Many provinces offer easier PR routes to graduates who studied and worked in their province (like Ontario, BC, Alberta, etc.).

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@riya_kumar Honestly, a 1-year diploma in Canada usually just gives you a 1-year work permit, which makes PR harder. But under the 2024 rules, some 1-year master’s programs now qualify for a 3-year PGWP, which is a big help if PR is your end goal. So if you’re serious about settling, look more at 2-year programs or those specific 1-year master’s options instead of regular diplomas.