Immigration to Canada remains one of the more desired avenues among immigrants. An opportunity to become a Canadian Permanent Resident is an ultimate dream for many, with perks such as quality living, top-notch healthcare, world-class education, and employment opportunities galore. Whether you are the student trying to get your Study Permit Extension, a worker holding a valid Work Permit trying to get its extension, or an applicant through Express Entry or a provincial program, the first step towards building your life in Canada is to understand how the procedure works.
What is Canadian Permanent Residency?
Canadian Permanent Residency refers to an alien who has been accepted as a foreigner, thereby permitting him to live and work anywhere in Canada indefinitely. The holders enjoy very many advantages, including access to social services, health care, and the pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen after satisfying residency conditions.
Popular Pathways to Canadian PR
There are several pathways, through which you can obtain Canadian PR, including:
Express Entry System
This is a points-based immigration system designed for skilled workers. It includes:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Since the CRS score system is used to rank candidates, invitation to apply for PR goes with their placement in the top rank.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
You may be nominated by that province for PR should you possess the set of skills necessary to satisfy its employment needs. Each province has its own streams and criteria.
Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and PRs are entitled to sponsor a spouse, children, or parents for permanent residence.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
A separate program for those wishing to live in Quebec, with its own selection criteria and application process.
Extension of Study Permit in Canada
International students usually find that they need more time to complete their studies. In case the study permit is close to expiring, Extension of Study Permit must be applied for to maintain legal status in Canada.
Key Steps:
Apply at least 30 days before the expiration date of the current permit.
Valid reasons to be justified for an extension may include the delay in a program or new program enrollment.
Submit proof of enrollment and proof of financial support.
Important Tips:
You can continue studying while your application is under process.
If your permit expires before you apply, you may lose your student status and need to restore it.
Work Permit Extension in Canada
If you are working in Canada under a temporary work permit and wish to continue employment, a work permit extension is required. There are several scenarios where this might apply:
Employer-Specific Work Permit
If you are under a job offer approved by LMIA, then your employer must continue to meet their compliance obligations. An extension has to be applied for prior to the expiry of your current permit.
Bridging Open Work Permit
If applied for PR, and the work permit is about to expire, BOWP would allow you to work while awaiting a decision.
Benefits of Canadian Permanent Residency
Freedom to Reside and Work Anywhere: You can move from one province to another and change jobs without additional permits.
Access to Public Services
Free healthcare and education for children.
Pathway to Citizenship
After 3 years of physical presence within 5 years, PRs can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Sponsorship Rights
You can sponsor eligible family members to join you in Canada.
Legal Protection
PRs are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the average time to obtain PR in Canada via the Express Entry?
The processing can nearly always last 6 months after one has been issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Can I stay in Canada while my study permit expires?
Only if you had first filed for an Extension of Study Permit before it expires. Implied status can grant you staying rights during the processing of your application.
What’s the extension fee for a study permit?
Currently, the application fee is CAD 150.
Can I work while waiting for the work permit to be extended?
Yes, as long as you filed your application before your current permit expired and you are remaining in the same job under the same conditions.
Conclusion
Canadian Permanent Residency offers endless possibilities. Whether you are extending your study permit, applying for a work permit extension, or getting in through Express Entry, staying well informed and acting proactively are the main things. Since Canada’s immigration system is constructed to attract skilled individuals, it would be worth it to hire a good guide to ensure that you realize the dream of living in Canada.
