Before setting out, prospective international students are keen on the country and immigration pathway that offer quicker Permanent Residency (PR) after study.
International students, particularly from Africa, face a crucial decision regarding their future after studying abroad.
This is because a significant number of students often choose to remain in their host country in search of better opportunities post-study.
In recent times, the debate has often pitted Canada against the United Kingdom as the two countries have emerged as the favourite destinations for prospective international students coming from Africa.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that as of early 2026, Canada has emerged as the clear leader, offering a more streamlined and faster pathway to permanent residency (PR) compared to the UK’s increasingly restrictive system.
This digital magazine article explores the country that offers quicker PR after study between Canada and the UK.
Canada’s Pathway
Despite recent cuts to overall immigration targets, Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan continues to prioritize those already within its borders.
For many students, Canada remains the quicker option to PR after study due to the Express Entry system and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Also, Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates up to three years of open work experience, which directly counts toward PR eligibility through programs like CEC.
Many students achieve PR within 2-4 years post-graduation, with processing times often around six months.
After completing an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution, students can secure a PGWP valid for up to three years.
This open permit enables unrestricted work, building skilled experience crucial for PR.
The primary route is Express Entry, particularly the CEC stream, requiring just one year of Canadian work experience. High Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores from age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian experience often lead to invitations quickly.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) further accelerate the process for graduates in specific regions.
Processing times average 6-7 months for Express Entry applications. Recent data shows Canada granting PR to tens of thousands of former students annually, with timelines as short as 2-3 years post-study for competitive applicants.
UK’s Pathway
The UK has been implementing changes to its immigration policies since 2025.
Following the 2025 Immigration White Paper, the journey to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the UK’s version of PR, has become more complex and significantly longer.
The UK offers the Graduate Route visa, allowing post-study work without sponsorship which is currently two years for bachelor’s/master’s (three for PhDs).
However, for students applying for the Graduate Route (post-study work) after December 2026, the visa duration is being slashed from 24 months to just 18 months (excluding PhDs).
Also, in the UK, time on this visa does not count toward ILR eligibility. Graduates must transition to a Skilled Worker visa, requiring employer sponsorship, minimum salary thresholds, and an eligible occupation.
Under current rules, ILR requires five years on such a route, but 2025 reforms propose extending this baseline to 10 years (potentially longer for lower-skilled roles), with “earned” reductions for high contributions.
This could push total timelines to 7-12+ years post-study. Additional hurdles include stricter English requirements and potential sector restrictions.
Direct Comparison:
Why Canada Leads for Quicker PR After Study
Post-study work duration — Canada: Up to 3 years (counts toward PR). UK: 18-24 months (does not count).
Minimum time to PR/ILR — Canada: Often 2-4 years post-graduation. UK: 5-10+ years under reforms.
Flexibility — Canada’s open PGWP vs. the UK’s sponsored requirements.
Policy direction — Canada prioritizes student-to-PR transitions amid caps; UK tightens via shorter visas and longer settlement.
Conclusion
The data suggests Canada offers quicker PR after study than the UK.
A student in Canada can realistically achieve PR within 2 to 3 years of graduation.
In contrast, a student in the UK is looking at a minimum of 5 to 6 years, with many now facing a decade-long path under the new 2026 settlement rules.
However, the UK remains attractive for those seeking master’s programs.
