How to Convert a Work Permit to Canada PR: A Complete Guide

If you are a skilled professional and hold a Canada work permit and are wondering how you can convert your work permit to Canada PR, then you are not alone. Many professionals often live in a dilemma whether their work permit will get converted into Canada PR or not, so, let us simplify the process of how to convert Canada work permit to Canada PR.

Before digging in deep, first let us understand when this scenario occurs with an example.

For example, an applicant Mr. Sahil Kapoor, who migrated to Canada as an international student, studied and stayed during the course duration. After completion of his studies, Sahil thought of pursuing higher studies in Canada while looking up a job. Meanwhile he secured a job, making him eligible for a Canada work permit. Later on, he made up his mind to settle in Canada as a Canadian permanent resident. He will now have to convert his Canada work permit to Canada PR.

So, let us understand how he will now convert his Canada work permit to Canada PR.

You can also read our Comprehensive Guide on Canada Work Permit to understand better about its types and requirements. 

Understand the Canada Work Permit and Canada PR

A Canada work permit is a temporary grant that permits skilled professionals the right to work, earn, and live in Canada for a specific period of time and employer. Whereas Canada PR is a permanent grant that allows skilled professionals the right to live, work, and stay in Canada for a period of 5 years. 

Types of Canada Work Permits

The Canada work permit which is a temporary allowance is majorly of two types. Bifurcating them, assures by much time a work permit will take to get it converted into Canada PR. The types of work permits are as follows:

1.   Employer- specific work permit

Employer-specific is a type of Canadian work permit that grants skilled professionals to work for a specific employer for a specific period of time. Temporary foreign worker program and intra-company transfer are examples of employer-specific work permit. 

2.   Open work permit

An open work permit is a type of Canadian work permit which grants skilled professionals to work for any employer regardless of any condition such as time duration or fixed employer. Post-graduation work permit and spouse/common law partner open work permit are examples of open work permit.

 Benefits of Canada PR over Canada Work Permit

Though Canada work permit is a temporary work right but Canada PR is a permanent grant which entails numerous benefits such as:

1.   Canada PR status provides the freedom to applicants be it for work, live, and study anywhere in Canada.

2.   With Canada PR individuals can enjoy universal healthcare benefits such as Medicare.

3.   A major benefit only a PR holder can enjoy is the benefit of sponsoring their family members to join them in Canada.

4.   Canada PR holders are only eligible for Canada citizenship whereas work permit holders do not enjoy this benefit.

5.   Many employers prefer hiring PR holders as they have no visa restrictions. PR status provides better employment opportunities and career flexibility. 

These are some of the benefits entitled to Canada PR holders rather than Canada work permit holders.

 Eligible Pathways to Convert Canada work permit to Canada PR

 Canada work permit can be converted to Canada PR status through some of the eligible visa pathways such as:

 1.   Express Entry Program

The Express Entry program has been regarded as one of the fastest and safest pathways for obtaining Canada PR. Immigration pathways under Express Entry such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are more likely to be the safest option when you have at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience. 

 2.   Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If an applicant is working in a specific province and is being nominated by the province, then the applicant can convert his work permit to Canada PR status by demonstrating his work experience in that specific province. 

3.   Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Another eligible pathway for Canada PR is the Atlantic Immigration program which allows skilled professionals who are working in one of the four provinces of Canada- Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Applicants can convert their work permit to PR when they have a valid job offer from one of these provinces. 

How to Convert a Canada Work Permit to Canada PR

Applicants who desires to convert their work permit to PR, can follow these structured steps which is as follows: 

1.   Check eligibility

The foremost step any applicant would take is to check eligibility factors. The major factor for Canada PR is the 67 point criteria also known as CRS (comprehensive ranking system) score which is evaluated on factors such as age, work experience, educational qualifications, and language proficiency test score. To apply for Canada PR, any applicant would require:

●    minimum one year skilled work experience in Canada

●    Proof of language proficiency test (IELTS for English and TEF for French)

●    Educational credential assessment from WES Canada

●    Valid work permit and job employment letter

 2.   Choose the correct visa pathway

After checking the eligibility factor, the next step the applicant has to choose is the correct pathway.

 3.   Gather essential documents

After choosing the correct pathway, applicants are required to gather essential documents such as work experience letter, educational credentials, employment letter, and pay slips.

 4.   Submit PR application

Once eligible and accumulating essential documents, submit PR applications with the documents, application fee through the IRCC portal. 

5.   Await for decision

Once the application is submitted, applicants are required to wait for the decision. The processing time for Canada PR applications is usually 6 to 8 months. Once approved, applicant will receive a COPR (confirmation of permanent residence) letter. After receiving a COPR letter, the applicant will get a PR card. 

Any applicant moving ahead in the direction directed, he will undoubtedly be able to convert his Canada work permit into Canada PR in an effortless manner.

Transitioning from a Canada work permit to Canada PR may seem complex, but with the right strategy and guidance, it’s entirely achievable. Choosing the correct immigration program, with expert guidance, and in-demand occupations that best fits experience and goals, applicants can certainly achieve Canada PR. 

Still, confused about the conversion process of work permit to Canada PR, leave the hassle to us! Consult Province Immigration and we will help you sail your boat.

For more Canada PR visa updates, Call +91 9896196762