I was honoured to present to the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, Immigration Law Section as guest speaker for its October 2024 session “International Students in Canada,” attended by 34 immigration law professionals.
What the session covered
The presentation focused on one of the most consequential areas of Canadian immigration practice: work authorization and the pathway to permanent residence for study permit holders and their family members. Topics included:
- Current policies affecting international students in Canada;
- The practical challenges students face, from maintaining status to program compliance;
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) strategy;
- Work options for spouses and family members of students; and
- Strategies for transitioning from temporary resident to permanent resident.
Why this matters for my clients
Presenting to fellow immigration lawyers through the CBA’s professional development program reflects the depth of work I do every week with international students and graduates: study permit applications and refusals, PGWP eligibility questions, spousal open work permits, and the bridge from a Canadian education to permanent residence.
If you’re an international student, or advising one, you can read more about how I approach study permits, work permits and permanent residency.
Source: CBABC Immigration Law Section: 2024/2025 Annual Report
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different: book a consultation to discuss your situation.
About the author
Miguel Martins Pereirinha is a Canadian immigration lawyer and partner at Slayen Immigration Law in Vancouver, British Columbia. He practises Canadian immigration law exclusively — work permits, permanent residence, family sponsorship, citizenship and inadmissibility — and works with clients in English and Portuguese.
