From Work Permit to PR in Canada: The Complete Guide

Are you excited to give up your work permit and become a much-desired permanent resident of Canada? You are not alone!

Like you, many professionals want the security and peace of mind that PR in Canada offers. Moving from a work permit to permanent residence in Canada can frequently be compared to solving a complicated legal code full of unfamiliar terminology and confusing processes.

Most people with work permits followed the TR to PR track, which stopped in 2021, to get permanent residence.

So, if you are on a work permit, you would generally need to apply for an immigration program like the Canadian Experience Class to get permanent residence in Canada.

This article will discuss the four main types of Canadian immigration programs that lead to PR in Canada, simplifying this daunting journey.

Benefits of Canadian PR status

Obtaining a Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) grants numerous benefits crucial for individuals pursuing a fresh life start.

It gives people access to Canada’s top-notch healthcare and educational systems, the flexibility to live and work anywhere in its vast and diverse country, and the chance to pursue various career routes that lead to financial success.

A PR status also makes it possible to become a citizen of Canada and integrate more deeply into the country’s multicultural society. It also entails sponsoring family members and making sure they may benefit from Canada’s stability and advantages.

Four Routes from Work Permit to PR in Canada

Work permit holders can apply for Canadian Permanent Residency through any of these four Canadian immigration programs designed for temporary foreign workers:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates under the Canadian Experience Class can submit an application for permanent resident status in around a year. Eligibility requires one year of specialized employment in Canada and the necessary language proficiency.

This is a well-liked option for temporary employees who must accrue the necessary points for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Requirements in Canadian Experience Class:

• Have a paid, continuous, and full-time skilled work experience for at least one year.
• Work experience aligns with skill type in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job categories in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Your work experience can be in one or more of these categories.
• The job conforms to the applicant’s primary NOC.
• Job duties match those described in the NOC.
• There is no education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Under FSWP, temporary workers with an arranged employment offer from a Canadian employer can apply for Permanent Residency. Applicants must meet specific point requirements based on education, age, adaptability, language skills, and the job offer.

The process typically takes 12-18 months, and the requirements in the Federal Skilled Worker Program include:

• Possess a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian Institution or a completed credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you have foreign education.
• Sit for the approved language tests in English or French for writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
• Possess continuous one year of full-time skilled work experience.
• Work experience aligns with skill type in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job categories in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Your work experience can be in 1 or more of these categories.
• The job corresponds to the applicant’s primary NOC.
• Job duties match those described in the NOC.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Another popular route is to become a permanent resident of Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program. With this route, your work experience can show a province you will be valuable to its labor market.

The territories consist of:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

Notably, Quebec was left off the list because it needed a provincial nominee program. Applications for this program must be submitted through the official websites of each territory; there is no centralized application process.

To submit your application through the program, follow the steps below:

• Send in your online application.
• You will submit your biometric data, which includes your fingerprints and a picture of your face.
• When submitting your application, pay the biometrics fee.
• If you are currently employed in Canada, find out if you qualify for a bridging open work permit.
• Send in a certificate of medical exam
• Send in a certificate of criminal or police record.

If your application is accepted, the next stage is confirming your PR. This means that you must submit your passport and pay the right-of-PR fee.

Following payment, you can expect to receive the following:

• Confirmation of permanent residence (COPR)
• Permanent residence visa
• Letter with information outlining your immigration status and conditions of stay

Quebec Experience Class (QEC)

If you have work experience in Quebec or have studied there, you may qualify for the Quebec Experience Class (also known as the Programme de l’expérience Quebecoise (PEQ)).

There are two stages in applying for permanent residence here:

• Applicants must apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate for Immigration.
• The next step is for applicants to apply to the federal government for a Canadian immigration visa (based only on security, criminal, and medical background checks)

Individuals must be over 18 and intend to settle permanently in Quebec. The foreign student stream requires that applicants meet the following requirements:

• The student completed a course that lasted at least two years and graduated or planned to graduate from a Quebec school.
• Within 36 months of the date of the visa application, the course was over.
• After being granted PR in Canada, the student has enough money to support themselves, their spouse, and any dependent children for at least three months.
• Their spoken French language proficiency is at least advanced intermediate.

While the foreign worker rules specify the following:

• During the two years before the application, the applicant completed at least twelve months of qualifying work in a managerial, professional, or skilled capacity.
• This employment is included in the list of suitable occupations for this program.
• The applicant is legally a temporary resident of Quebec and is employed.
• Their spoken French language proficiency is at least advanced intermediate.
• After granting permanent residency, they can support themselves and their spouse or dependent children (if applicable) for at least three months.

In most cases, applicants may receive a decision on their application in less than one month. Alternatively, you can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, leading to PR.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency: Other Considerations

It’s crucial to remember that while having work experience and a legitimate job offer might be very beneficial when applying for permanent residence in Canada, conditions must still be fulfilled.

These include financial stability, linguistic proficiency, and a certain level of education.

For example, the Federal Skilled Worker Program requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if the applicant does not have a secondary or post-secondary diploma/degree from a Canadian institution, even though there are no educational qualifications under the Canadian Experience Class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a work permit and permanent residence in Canada?

Permanent residency and a work permit are different things. A non-Canadian citizen or permanent resident is granted a work visa, which allows them to work for a set amount of time in a specific position.

However, permanent residency, the immigration status immediately below citizenship, allows some qualified immigrants to live, work, and travel around Canada virtually unrestricted.

Permanent residents possess PR cards with their personal information and immigration status listed on them.

After meeting the conditions for residence in Canada for five years, eligible individuals may apply for Canadian citizenship, provided they fulfil additional requirements.

Is permanent residence the same as citizenship?

Canadian permanent residents are not citizens of Canada. Unlike Canadian citizens, they cannot apply for a Canadian passport, which is another benefit that citizens enjoy.

Unlike Canadian citizens, permanent residents must fulfil specific requirements to keep their status.

Can Canadian permanent residence be revoked?

The Canadian government may revoke permanent resident status for one of the following reasons:

• Serious criminality.
• If an individual achieved PR status using misrepresentation.
• They are unable to meet their residency obligations.

How long is Canadian permanent residence valid?

Unlike temporary status in Canada, permanent residence status does not expire. If a Canadian PR continues to meet its residency requirements and the government does not revoke its status, it will continue to maintain its status as a PR.

Can a permanent resident leave Canada?

Permanent residents can leave Canada anytime but must continue to meet their obligations to be physically present.

Is it easy to obtain PR in Canada?

Obtaining 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 determine which province best suits you.