How to switch from a work permit to a PR

[canis2012]

I'm currently planning to do a Masters in Canada. The program lasts 9 months. During those 9 months I believe I'll be on a study permit, and once I complete the course I can get a post-graduation work permit for another 9 months.

My goal is to get a PR Visa since I'd like to live and work in Canada, permanently. My question is, what can I do to get a PR after the work permit expires?

Do I join the Express Entry pool or is there a more reliable way of switching to a PR?

 

[vensak]

I'm currently planning to do a Masters in Canada. The program lasts 9 months. During those 9 months I believe I'll be on a study permit, and once I complete the course I can get a post-graduation work permit for another 9 months.

My goal is to get a PR Visa since I'd like to live and work in Canada, permanently. My question is, what can I do to get a PR after the work permit expires?

Do I join the Express Entry pool or is there a more reliable way of switching to a PR?

If you speak about economy class only, there are 2 ways:
1. Express Entry
2. Provincial nomination in a paper version stream (some PNP go through EE and some have to send application as paper version).

EE can be a good way, but it will depend on your total score. PNP is the safest way to immigrate (regardless if you pass through EE or the paper based system with PNP).

 

[NetMecca]

I agree with the previous comment. In my experience, provincial nominee program is much more reliable, and also tends to be faster to conclude. I followed this path and am now a citizen.

Might I suggest however that you do not wait until your work permit expires or even until your student visa expires.

The PNP process for me required a willing employer to assist. So starting to pursue employment options with potential employers, that will help you, should be treated as a rather urgent matter and be started as soon as you can make that happen.

I would also suggest that you seriously consider hiring an immigration specialist (which I am not) to provide you with proper advice and direction. If you are talking to an employer that is willing to help, find out who their specialist is. I did that and it simplified the process considerably for me. Cost a little more money, but in the end it was well worth the trouble.

I wish you luck. It is a complicated journey but one worth taking to make Canada your home. Was for me...

 

[jvid23]

I agree with the previous comment. In my experience, provincial nominee program is much more reliable, and also tends to be faster to conclude. I followed this path and am now a citizen.

Might I suggest however that you do not wait until your work permit expires or even until your student visa expires.

The PNP process for me required a willing employer to assist. So starting to pursue employment options with potential employers, that will help you, should be treated as a rather urgent matter and be started as soon as you can make that happen.

I would also suggest that you seriously consider hiring an immigration specialist (which I am not) to provide you with proper advice and direction. If you are talking to an employer that is willing to help, find out who their specialist is. I did that and it simplified the process considerably for me. Cost a little more money, but in the end it was well worth the trouble.

I wish you luck. It is a complicated journey but one worth taking to make Canada your home. Was for me...

Were you working a job connected to what you studied? And does the PR through PNP cost anything?
Wanting to study for a semester/a year (all I can afford) but afraid a PNP wont be an option if I dont get a bachelors degree or similar and get a "real" job. Im wanting to study fitness/health/nutrition or hospitality and dont think just a semester will do much for me in terms of getting a job after that.. Only have a high school degree other than that.

 

[vensak]

Were you working a job connected to what you studied? And does the PR through PNP cost anything?
Wanting to study for a semester/a year (all I can afford) but afraid a PNP wont be an option if I dont get a bachelors degree or similar and get a "real" job. Im wanting to study fitness/health/nutrition or hospitality and dont think just a semester will do much for me in terms of getting a job after that.. Only have a high school degree other than that.

Not always. Not all provinces requires that. Some do not even require A, B or 0 type of employment in their province.
(i think Manitoba will take any job you had there as connection to Manitoba in order to get through the PNP program). However that said, you will still need to pass federal requirements even if application is paper based (for example 67 points for FSW and such). So that is suitable with people with some education and some international work experience that will then visit canada in order to widen it.

 

[NetMecca]

I cannot speak to the requirements as I am not licensed as an immigration consultant, but for me the previous comment applied.

I also did not study in Canada. Came on a work permit (no formal education beyond high school) but was able prove adequate work experience in an approved category as well as secure a position in that category with a Canadian employer.

With coaxing the employer was willing to help me stay by going through the PNP process with me.

Yes it cost a small fortune for an immigration lawyer, however I am under the impression that it is possible to do without (especially if your employer is very keen to help you stay). Perhaps they may even help you with the cost. Irrespective I did not want to risk mistakes and wanted to be sure that I had proper advice, hence I just forked out the cash. The advice proved very valuable, so it was worth it for me. I am now a citizen.

I think the more important aspect of this to consider would be timing. You will have to plan your timelines very carefully considering expiry dates of visas etc. If you are planning to apply for PR, whichever route you decide to go (getting proper advice will help), the sooner you start the better your chances of succeeding and staying. Don't wait until just before your permit expires. You will likely fail. Certainly do not wait until after. I believe that will get you kicked out for sure.

Good luck

Good luck

 

[jvid23]

I cannot speak to the requirements as I am not licensed as an immigration consultant, but for me the previous comment applied.

I also did not study in Canada. Came on a work permit (no formal education beyond high school) but was able prove adequate work experience in an approved category as well as secure a position in that category with a Canadian employer.

May i asked what your high school education was (anything specific you studied) or what work experience/employer you had?

 

[NetMecca]

A normal academic type highschool grade 12. No special direction. Admittedly this did not have any significant bearing per se. Just that I did have a grade 12 was important as this was a licensing requirement in Canada.

Owned by own business in the insurance field for several years. Proved adequate for experience requirements as well as to secure a position with a Canadian employer.