Transitioning from a work permit to Canadian permanent residence is a complete process involving various methods. It is often claimed that if one seeks Canadian PR, one must initially obtain a temporary work permit in Canada. Temporary work permit holders have access to numerous ways to gradually transition from temporary residence to permanent residence.
Transitioning from work permit to Canadian permanent residence – Exploring the Express Entry system
The Express Entry system has a chief role to play in Canadian immigration. Each of its three federal economic-class programs leads to permanent residency. Hence, candidates must comprehend the working process of this system. To begin with, the Comprehensive Ranking System is at the center stage of Express Entry, allocating scores to candidates through the human capital attributes, each having its value point. In addition, if an individual demonstrates Canadian work experience, they can step up their game through 70 points under their human capital factor and 100 points under the skills transferability factor. Further, they’ll be able to obtain an additional 200 points through a valid employment offer.
Overall, a work permit holder demonstrating considerable work experience and employment offer under Express Entry will benefit significantly through additional points. A higher score will enable them to obtain an ITA and finally acquire Canadian permanent residence.
Eligibility conditions
The foremost thing to remember is that just being a work permit holder will not result in Canadian PR through Express Entry. The most crucial step is to self-assess your eligibility for Express Entry, whether you’re eligible to enter the pool or not. Moreover, applicants must ensure their eligibility for any of the three Express Entry federal programs, including:
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program;
- Canadian Experience Class Program; and
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
On the other hand, if a temporary worker seeks to settle in Quebec, they will need to fulfill the eligibility requirements of the following:
- Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program; or
- The Quebec Experience Class Program
Each Express Entry program has separate eligibility conditions, demanding a detailed evaluation of their eligibility for each program.
Transitioning from work permit to Canadian permanent residence through five pathways
It is highly possible for Canadian work permit holders to apply for PR in Canada. The following programs for Canadian immigration are explicitly designed for temporary foreign workers in Canada:
Canadian Experience Class
Candidates under the Canadian Experience Class program can submit a PR application within one year. To qualify for the CEC program, applicants must show a year of Canadian work experience and fulfill the essential language levels. This appears to be a prominent choice for those TFWs who might not acquire the FSWP points required. They will need to meet the following obligations under CEC:
- Full-time and paid skilled work experience for a complete year.
- Their work experience matches NOC job categories under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 skill types. They might show work experience in one or more of these categories.
- The job must primarily align with their chief NOC.
- Their job responsibilities must be in sync with NOC.
- CEC has no educational requirement.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Temporary foreign workers possessing an arranged job offer from an employer in Canada have the right to apply for Canadian PR through FSWP. This type of job offer is referred to as arranged employment, and applicants must fulfill the separate point eligibility criteria depending on age, education, language abilities, adaptability, and job offer. This entire procedure will take nearly 12 to 18 months.
FSWP requirements
Applicants must ensure fulfilling the following eligibility conditions:
- Holding a certificate, degree, or diploma from a Canadian institution or a complete credential. Also, ECA in the case of foreign education.
- Demonstrate accepted language test results in French or English in all four categories: writing, reading, speaking, and listening.
- Full-time skilled work experience of one complete year without irregularity.
- Work experience must align with NOC skill type TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. The work experience must be in one or more core categories.
- The job aligns perfectly with the candidate’s chief NOC.
- Their job duties must be prevalent in the NOC job description.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program typically enables applicants to submit a PR application within one year and a half. Generally, employers nominate foreign workers for permanent residency in Canada, provided they are able to fulfill the different criteria across various provinces.
Quebec Experience Class
Just like the Canadian Experience Class, the Quebec Experience Class provides a route to PR in Canada. However, the QEC demands the applicant to meet separate additional conditions to gain eligibility. They must be able to demonstrate two years of skilled work experience in Quebec French skills at the intermediate level.
Essential Worker and Healthcare Worker
When the pandemic phase started, Canada launched new streams to combat the Covid challenge. However, these streams are no longer in operation but previously enabled eligible healthcare workers to gain Canadian permanent residency status. This was an attempt to prove the country’s efforts toward inviting and valuing skilled immigrants.
Modifying the Visa status
Individuals with visitor visas can’t seem to shift to permanent residency directly. However, transitioning from a visitor visa to permanent residency might occur in unusual circumstances. This includes being eligible as a refugee or possessing a spouse or partner with Canadian citizenship. Furthermore, shifting from a visitor visa to a work visa is more practical if the individual has an employment offer in Canada. However, this process would also require them to depart from Canada temporarily during the application process.
W-1 Visa to Canadian PR
Canada’s foreign workers frequently become W-1 visa holders, indicating their employee status. This type of visa primarily comprises two chief types, including an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit. The W-1 visa transition to PR is also possible through the above-detailed pathways.
You must use the above pathways and adhere to the distinct eligibility conditions to become eligible for the transition from a temporary worker to permanent residence. Having an employment offer will surely contribute to your Express Entry profile and upgrade your chances of gaining an invitation.
Do you have any queries on Canadian PR as a temporary worker? Get in touch with our immigration representatives at MakeHomeCanada by writing to us at [email protected].
