Work Permit To Permanent Residency
Canadian work permit holders may be eligible for permanent residency in Canada. There are several ways to become a Canadian permanent resident, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
If you want to become a permanent resident through any of these programs, we can help you explore your options. Call us on +1 844 290 6312 if you need immediate assistance.
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Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway
As of November 5, 2021, the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway is closed. This program allowed some foreign nationals who held temporary work permits to streamline the application for permanent residence.
You can apply for an open work permit but can no longer file a permanent residency application through this program. Temporary workers who wish to become permanent residents must do so through one of the many other available programs, such as the Express Entry System.
We have covered these pathways below.
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Express Entry
The Express Entry program is designed to make the immigration process faster and simpler for both candidates and the Canadian government.
Under this program, skilled workers interested in immigrating to Canada can submit their profiles to an online database.
Based on their skills and qualifications, candidates are ranked against each other, and the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
The Express Entry Program is an excellent way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and start a new life.
Temporary foreign workers can qualify for Express Entry through any of these four Canadian immigration programs: The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Provincial Nominee Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
To be eligible for this program, applicants must have at least one year of either Canadian or foreign continuous full-time work experience within the past ten years in an occupation in high demand.
Occupations in high demand can be found in The National Occupational Classification (NOC), which is an official government organization that describes occupations.
You may also be eligible to apply for your permanent residency under this program if you work with a Canadian employer on a temporary work visa and the employer has offered you permanent employment. This offer is referred to as arranged employment.
Applicants who apply to the Foreign Skilled Worker Program must also prove their proficiency in English or French and demonstrate that they have the funds to support themselves and their dependents.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
This program allows skilled workers with experience in a particular trade to apply for permanent residency.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have at least two years of either Canadian or foreign full-time or part-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. They must also meet the language requirements of either English or French.
Furthermore, candidates require an offer of full-time employment from a Canadian employer and a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by any Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
Once approved, foreign workers can come to Canada and work in the business for up to four years. During this time, they may apply for permanent residence status.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence. The program aims to fill labour shortages in specific occupations and industries and to attract investment and entrepreneurship to the province or territory. Each province and territory has its eligibility criteria and selection process, which are based on the specific needs of the province or territory.
Individuals interested in immigrating to Canada through the PNP must first submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the province or territory of their choice. If selected from the pool of EOIs, they will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
The PNP is a popular immigration option for many people, as it offers a quicker and more straightforward path to permanent residence than some other programs. You can apply from within Canada or outside.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program allows foreign workers with skilled work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency.
Applicants must have at least one year of full-time or part-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the last three years. They must also meet the language requirements of either English or French.
Quebec Experience Class
The Quebec Experience Class (QEC) is a Canadian immigration program that allows foreign workers with skilled work experience in the province of Quebec to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible, applicants must have at least six months of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation in Quebec and meet the minimum language requirements.
The QEC is a points-based system, and points are awarded for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Successful applicants will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate, which allows them to apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Public Policies
Public policies are another way foreign workers can obtain permanent residency in Canada. Under them, certain groups of foreign workers may be eligible for permanent residence if they meet specific criteria.
The Canadian government has implemented several temporary public policies for its citizenship and immigration services in response to global crises, such as the Syrian refugee crisis.
These changes have made it possible for thousands of people to start new lives in Canada, and the country is proud of its reputation as a land of opportunity.
Work Permit to Permanent Residence Application Process
The first step is ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria for Canadian permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Express Entry program, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or be nominated by a provincial or territorial government.
- You must have at least one year of skilled work experience or two years of skilled trades experience.
- You must have strong language skills in English or French.
- You must meet the minimum education requirements.
Along with your application, you will need to provide documentation.
You may also be required to undergo a medical examination and provide additional documentation before your work permit, and permanent residency is finalized.
Documents Needed:
- Your resume or CV
- Your birth certificate
- Your language test scores
- Your education credentials
- A copy of your job offer or nomination letter
- Police certificates
- Proof of completed medical examinations
- Proof of funds
- Any other supporting documents
Successful applicants will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
And if approved, they will receive a permanent immigrant visa, allowing them to live and work anywhere in Canada.
How IAS Can Help?
Work permits are a great way to gain Canadian work experience and can serve as a pathway to make Canada your permanent home. Changing a work permit to permanent residency in Canada is possible through one of the many programs available but can be complex.
However, with the help of an immigration lawyer, the process of getting your documents in order and becoming a lawful permanent resident in Canada can be completed successfully.
Call us on +1 844 290 6312 for more information about how we can help you change your work permit to permanent residency in Canada.
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Last modified on June 17th, 2023 at 8:16 am
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