From a Temporary Work Permit to a Permanent Resident (PR) Card
Obtaining a Temporary Work Permit in Canada is often considered a step toward Permanent Residence in Canada. This is true, and for those who already have an active Temporary Work Permit in Canada, there are several ways to move up from a Temporary Work Permit to Permanent Residency in Canada.
What Is the W-1 Category Canada Visa?
The W-1 visa category in Canada isn’t actually a specific visa, but rather a code that identifies someone with a work permit. Think of it like a category label.
There are two main types of work permits under the W-1 category:
- Open work permit: This lets you work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions)
- Employer-specific work permit: This is tied to a specific job with a specific company
So, basically, a W-1 visa tells the border officer you have permission to work in Canada, and the work permit details what kind of work you can do.
Can I Apply for Canada PR While on a Work Visa?
Yes! Below you will find five Canadian immigration programs that temporary foreign workers can apply for to obtain their Canadian permanent residency:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through the Canadian Experience Class, applicants can apply for Permanent Resident Status within about a year. People with Temporary Resident Permits who are looking to move to Permanent Resident Status using the Canadian Experience Class need to have either two years of work in Canada or completed one year of post-secondary studies as well as one year of work. This is a popular option for those temporary workers who do not meet the points required by the federal skilled worker program.
If you are interested in obtaining Permanent Residency Status in Canada and you think you qualify for one of the methods above, contact us at the form to the right.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
If you are working with a Canadian employer on a temporary work permit and the employer has made you an offer for permanent employment, you may be eligible to apply for your permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Such an offer is referred to as arranged employment. The temporary worker will have to meet the necessary points required under the Foreign Skilled Worker Program. Points are awarded based on factors such as the applicant’s education, age, adaptability, language skills and the job offer. This process can take up to 12-18 months.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Under the Provincial Nominee Program, applicants can generally apply for Permanent Residency within a year to a year and a half. Through this program, foreign workers are nominated for Permanent Residency by employers, but each program can be different across provinces. Most of these applicants must be highly skilled for certain jobs, although the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program can involve a select few unskilled occupations.
Quebec Experience Class (QEC)
Through the Quebec Experience Class, temporary workers can apply for permanent residency. The Quebec Experience Class (QEC) is similar to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), but the QEC has additional requirements.
Applicants for the QEC must have worked in a skilled position in Quebec for at least one year (via a temporary work permit) and must speak French at an intermediate level. The province of Quebec will issue a Quebec Selection Certificate to successful applicants, allowing them to apply for permanent residence status.
It should be noted that foreign nationals in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa are eligible to apply for permanent residence through QEC if they meet the requirements outlined above. This option is only available to Working Holiday workers at the QEC.
The transition from temporary worker to permanent residence via QEC can take as little as a year.
Essential Worker Stream
Canada accepted 30,000 essential workers to become permanent residents in Canada in lieu of the COVID crisis. This stream was active between May 6th, 2021 and November 5th, 2021. This pathway is now closed. Find out more about the Essential Worker Stream to Canada PR.
Healthcare Worker Stream
Canada invited 20,000 current temporary healthcare workers to become permanent residents of Canada in lieu of the COVID crisis. This stream was active between May 6th, 2021 and November 5th, 2021. This pathway is now closed. Learn more about the Healthcare Worker Stream to Canada PR.
How to Change a Tourist Visa to Permanent Residency in Canada?
In most cases, you will be unable to change directly from a visitor visa to a permanent resident. Typically, the only way to change from a visitor visa to permanent residency is to qualify as a refugee or to have a partner/spouse with citizenship in Canada. However, it is possible to change your visitor visa into a work visa. This would be possible if you found a job in Canada and followed the procedures for securing a work permit. Unfortunately, due to the length of time it can take to process the work permit application, you may find that you will have to leave the country and return on the new visa.
Canada W-1 Visa to PR
A Canadian visa with the code W-1 identifies the traveler as a worker. So, typically any Canadian work visa will be identified as a W-1 code.
A work permit visa is provided to qualifying foreign nationals to allow them to work in Canada for a set length of time. It is a legal document that allows a foreign worker to lawfully work in Canada. With a few exceptions, most international temporary workers require this legal document in order to work. Depending on your country of residence or citizenship, you may additionally need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada.
There are two kinds of work permits:
- Open Work Permit
- Employer Specific Work Permit
As spoken about above, there are several ways that you can convert a W-1 visa to a Canadian Permanent Residency.
Are You Interested In Going from a Temporary Work Permit to PR Status in Canada?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.
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President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
