Temporary to Permanent: 3 Straightforward Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency

Canada is the first choice for most immigrants aspiring to fulfill their dreams of living abroad, and why not? The country offers a diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes, a stable income, and a better lifestyle than many other countries. Moreover, it offers several pathways for temporary residents to transition into permanent residents (TR to PR). However, each immigration TR to PR pathway has its own requirements, and not all are suitable for everyone. Hence, it is essential to research and understand the eligibility criteria and application process for each pathway. This blog explores three simple and popular pathways that temporary residents can consider to obtain TR to PR Canada. 

Want to Settle Permanently in Canada?

3 Simple Pathways for Canada TR to PR

While the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway announced by Canada Immigration was closed in November 2021, other Canada PR pathways exist for international students and migrant workers aiming to settle in the country. Following are the immigration programs they should consider to get Canada PR.

1) Express Entry Program (Federal Skilled Worker Program)

The Express Entry program is a popular pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It operates through a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses candidates based on factors such as age, qualification, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. By meeting the eligibility requirements, creating an Express Entry profile, and securing a high CRS score, temporary residents can receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants need at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the past ten years.
• The work experience must fall under an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system classified into TEER 0,2,3,4,5.
• Completing a post-secondary degree that meets Canadian education standards with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Demonstrated proficiency in English or French through approved language tests (such as IELTS or TEF) is mandatory with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)7.

How Does It Work?

Applicants must create an Express Entry profile to be accepted into the pool of candidates. Candidates are assessed based on their CRS score, which considers factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and additional factors such as Canadian education or work experience, a spouse’s language proficiency, or a job offer. Candidates with high CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws conducted by the Canadian government. Successful applicants must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet health and security requirements. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members during their initial settlement in Canada. After the assessment of their documents, successful applicants will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).

2) Provincial Nominee Program

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs offer another avenue for temporary residents to become Permanent Residents(TR to PR). Every Canadian province (except Quebec) has its own PNP, designed to address specific regional labor market needs. These programs allow provinces to nominate candidates with the required skills and work experience for their local economies. By obtaining a provincial nomination, temporary residents can apply for permanent residency through a streamlined process, often receiving priority in the selection process.

Eligibility Criteria

• As different provinces in Canada have different requirements to address their labour shortages, the eligibility requirements for PNP vary from one state to another states. 
• Interested candidates must check the eligibility requirements of the province if they wish to apply for Canada PR. 
• However, the prime requirement is that the applicant must get a nomination from the province.

How Does It Work?

Applicants interested in the PNP must first apply to the province or territory where they plan to reside, and if nominated, they receive a provincial nomination certificate. This certificate significantly increases their chances of being selected for permanent residency. Once nominated, applicants should submit a separate application to the federal government using the Express Entry system or the non-Express Entry stream. The federal government makes the decision on permanent residency, considering the provincial nomination and the applicant’s ability to successfully settle in the chosen province or territory. The PNP offers an alternative pathway for individuals to Immigrate to Canada, reflecting the regional diversity and economic priorities of the different provinces and territories.

Checkout Your Eligibility for PNP Program!

3) Canadian Experience Class(CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class is tailored for temporary residents who have gained professional work experience in Canada. This program recognizes the value of individuals who have already adapted to the Canadian workforce, language, and culture. To be eligible, candidates must have acquired at least one year of full-time professional job experience in Canada and meet the language proficiency requirements. By fulfilling these criteria, temporary residents can apply for Canada PR through the CEC, which offers a simplified and expedited pathway.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have a minimum one year of Canadian work experience in the last three years before applying for Canada PR. There are multiple ways you can show this, including, 
• Work full-time at a single job for 12 months (30 hours/week, totalling 1,560 hours).
• Engage in part-time work for 24 months (15 hours/week, totalling 1,560 hours).
• Have the flexibility to work multiple part-time jobs as required.
• Work full-time at atleast one job for 12 months (30 hours/week across multiple positions, totalling 1,560 hours).
• Education does not count as a minimum requirement, but it can help you achieve more points in your application, which increases your chances of getting PR.
• The required language proficiency level candidates applying through CEC are, for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs, Canadian Language Benchmark 7, while for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs, it is Canadian Language Benchmark 5.

How Does It Work?

The CEC is part of the Express Entry system and operates as a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for individuals with Canadian work experience. Candidates must have had at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical Canadian work experience in the past three years. To apply, candidates create an Express Entry profile and indicate their eligibility for the CEC. They are then assessed and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. High-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws conducted by the Canadian government. If successful, they can become permanent residents and enjoy the benefits 

of having Canada PR. 

Important Note

• The program does not consider self-employment or work experience acquired during full-time student status (including co-op work terms).
• Your intention should be to reside outside the province of Quebec. Quebec independently chooses its skilled workers.

Documents Required

When you apply for Canada PR, you will need to present the following documents with a completed application form to prove your eligibility for residency. 

• A valid passport
• Language test results
• Provincial nomination certificate(if you have one)
• Job offer letter from a Canadian employer
• Passport photos
• Proof of funds
• Medical certificate

End Note

Canada’s Immigration System is known for its migrant-friendly programs and efficient application processing. Every year, thousands of immigrants move to this beautiful country in search of a better culture and improved lifestyle. However, in the present time, when the desire to move abroad is widespread, getting Canada TR to PR is no simple task. Temporary residents, in particular, face challenges in identifying the appropriate pathway to attain permanent resident status. We hope we’ve provided you with the necessary knowledge to prepare in advance and secure a promising future in Canada through this blog.

Need assistance in getting Canada TR to PR? Consulting with immigration professionals like Aspire Square can greatly assist temporary residents in successfully transitioning to permanent residency and enjoying all the benefits Canada offers.