From Work Permit to PR in Canada in 5 Easy Steps
September 1, 2023
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Are you eager to ditch the work permit and switch to a much-coveted Canada PR status? You are not alone. Many professionals like yourselves seek the peace and stability that permanent residency in Canada brings. Navigating the transition from a work permit to a Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada can often feel like deciphering a labyrinthine legal code filled with complex terms and perplexing procedures.
This is where we step in as your trusted confidant, providing comprehensive, easy-to-follow guides, simplifying this daunting journey. This article will walk you through five straightforward steps, demystifying procedures and presenting them in an understandable language. By the end of this guide, you'll have unraveled the enigma of Canada's PR process and be well on your way to securely making Canada your home. Welcome aboard - let's embark on this voyage to a new life chapter in Canada.
Canada Work Permit vs. Canada PR: What's the Difference
As an international worker in Canada, you might have wondered about the difference between your work permit and Canada PR (Permanent Residency). The work permit allows you to live and work in Canada for a specific period, typically up to four years. It's tied to your employer, and changing jobs can be complex.
On the other hand, a Canada PR allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the country indefinitely. As a permanent resident, you also enjoy other benefits, such as access to healthcare and social services and the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship.
The transition from a work permit to Canada PR might seem overwhelming, but it's not as hard as it may seem. This guide breaks down the process into five steps to help you unlock your Canadian dreams.
How to Go From Work Permit to Canada PR in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Check Your Canada PR Eligibility
The first step to transitioning from a work permit to Canada PR is to check your eligibility. Canada's permanent residency programs have different requirements, so you must research your program fully or have a certified immigration professional like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to give you a full evaluation and help you determine which program is right for you and how to ensure your eligibility.
For example, Canada uses a points-based system, commonly known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), to assess applicants. The CRS calculator considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and whether you have a job offer in Canada.
To stand a good chance of being invited to apply for Canada PR, you should aim to score as high as possible on the CRS. Invest in improving your language skills, gain relevant work experience, and consider furthering your education.
Step 2: Choose Your Most Suitable Canada PR Program
The next step is to choose the most suitable Canada PR program for you. There are several pathways to getting PR in Canada, and each has its own set of requirements. When choosing the best program, you should consider factors such as your work experience, language skills, and whether you have family in Canada.
The Canadian Experience Class
One of the popular routes for transitioning from TR to PR is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The CEC is a permanent resident category for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who want to become permanent residents. It is a part of Canada's Express Entry system, an online system that manages applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. The CEC program allows individuals who have worked in Canada for at least one year to immigrate permanently. This option is primarily open to those with a post-secondary qualification or working in an occupation classified under the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) system's Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibility (TEER) levels 0, 1, 2, or 3. Learn more about how to apply to the CEC.
Provincial Nominee Programs
The Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer another pathway to Canada PR. These programs allow Canadian provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in living in a particular province. Each province has its PNP with unique requirements. Still, each PNP is generally geared towards individuals with the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the specific province's economy. PNPs have several streams, and each province and territory has unique program requirements and application procedures, including certain streams that require work experience from within Canada, meaning that you will likely have a massively increased chance of receiving a nomination with your Canadian work experience. Interested applicants should consult each of the provinces to determine their eligibility.
Family Sponsorship
If you've met that special someone while in Canada or some of your close family members have completed their Canada PR journey, you may be eligible to get PR in Canada through the family sponsorship program. If you do have a spouse, common-law partner, or children who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, the Family Sponsorship program may be the pathway for you. The program allows certain family members to become permanent residents of Canada, and they can live, study, and work in Canada. The program includes the following streams: sponsoring a spouse, partner, or dependent children; sponsoring parents and grandparents; and sponsoring other relatives. The sponsor must be 18 years old and meet certain income requirements.
The program has reduced processing times because Canada values family reunification. The program is managed by the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which establishes program criteria, accepts and reviews family sponsorship applications, and provides permanent and temporary resident visas. Learn more about how you can be sponsored in Canada.
Quebec Experience Class (QEC)
You might be eligible for the Quebec Experience Class (QEC) if you work or study in Quebec. This program allows Quebec to nominate individuals who have acquired work experience or completed a program of study in the province. The program is a fast-track immigration program that aims to process applications within six months. Applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having at least 24 months of full-time work experience gained in a job at NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 and proving the requisite level of French ability. The program is ideal for candidates with French language proficiency who have legally acquired work experience in Quebec.
Step 3: Create Your Application
Once you've determined your eligibility and chosen the most suitable program, the next step is to create your application. You will likely have to do this online or locally at a visa center or via mail. Depending on the program, you may need to fill out different forms. Providing inaccurate or incomplete information can delay or reject your application. Double-check all the information you provide to ensure it is accurate and complete. After creating it, you may need to edit it to add or change deployment types, detection methods, dependencies, or requirements. Remember to follow the instructions provided by the program and submit your application before the deadline.
Step 4: Gather the Necessary Documents and Pay the Application Fees
You must gather several documents to support your Canada PR application. These differ depending on your chosen program. However, they typically include:
- Proof of work experience,
- Educational credentials,
- Language test results, and
- Police clearance certificates.
It's essential to gather these documents early to avoid delays in your application.
You will also need to pay the application fees. The fees vary depending on the Canada PR program you're applying to, so check the current fees on the official IRCC website. This website provides a helpful breakdown of Canadian immigration fees.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once you've gathered all the necessary documents and paid the fees, it's time to submit your application. At this point, you should check your application again before submitting it to ensure all the information is correct and all required documents are included.
Step 6: After You Apply
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision from IRCC. The processing time varies depending on the program you applied to and the volume of applications received by IRCC. Learn how long you must wait for your Canada PR by checking the Canada immigration processing times. During this time, maintain your legal status in Canada and keep your contact information up-to-date with IRCC.
Transitioning from a work permit to Canada PR is a significant step towards achieving your Canadian dreams. By following these steps and carefully preparing your application, you'll be well on your way to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
FAQs
Is It Easy to Get PR in Canada?
Getting PR in Canada can be straightforward if you meet the eligibility requirements and choose the right program. However, it requires careful planning and preparation.
What's the Best Province in Canada for PR?
The best province for PR depends on your circumstances, such as your occupation and where you have a support network. The Provincial Nominee Programs are worth exploring to see which province suits you best.
What are the Benefits of Canada PR?
As a permanent resident, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. You can also access social benefits such as healthcare and apply for Canadian citizenship.