For individuals holding a work permit in Canada, various pathways to apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
are available.
These pathways leverage their Canadian work experience and contribution to the Canadian labor market.
Here are some
prominent PR pathways for work permit holders:
- Express Entry System
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC):Ideal for work permit holders who have
gained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. This experience
helps in accumulating points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):Suitable for those with foreign
work experience, along with meeting other criteria like education and language
proficiency. Valid Canadian work experience, especially through valid LMIA-backed work permits,
can enhance an
applicant's CRS score.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):For individuals with work
experience in a skilled trade, Canadian work experience, especially in a trade, can be
advantageous.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Various provinces offer streams targeting
individuals with Canadian work experience. Work permit holders might qualify
under specific streams if they have a job offer in that province or meet other provincial criteria. A
provincial
nomination grants additional points under the Express Entry system, boosting the chances of receiving
an invitation to
apply for PR.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): FDesigned for work permit holders in one
of the Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova
Scotia, or New Brunswick) and who have a job offer in those regions. This program is employer-driven
and supports
immigration to these provinces.
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): Supports immigration to smaller
communities. Work permit holders employed in participating communities under the RNIP
may qualify for PR.
Each pathway has specific eligibility requirements that can include job type, duration of employment,
language
proficiency, and more. Work permit holders should carefully evaluate each option and stay updated on
changes to
immigration policies. Consulting with immigration professionals might also be beneficial to navigate the
process more
effectively.