PR for Foreign Workers in Canada: Everything You Need to Know
If you are a foreign worker in Canada, it is important to understand the PR process. There are many things to consider, and it can be a difficult process to navigate.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about PR for foreign workers in Canada. We will cover topics such as eligibility, application procedures, and what to do if your application is denied. Let’s get started!
What is a Permanent Residency?
PR for foreign workers is the process by which foreign workers can apply to become permanent residents of Canada. This status allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely and gives you access to many benefits such as healthcare and education. To be eligible for PR, you must meet certain criteria.
For example, you must have a valid work permit, and you must have been employed in Canada for at least one year. You will also need to meet other requirements, which we will discuss in more detail below.
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👷🏿 Some Important Programs For Workers In Canada
There are a few programs that are important for foreign workers in Canada. These programs are explained below:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The FSWP is a program that allows foreign workers with certain skills to apply for PR.
Requirements for eligibility:
- you must have at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation
- You also need to meet the language requirements
- you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The FSTP is similar to the FSWP, but it is for foreign workers with certain skilled trades occupations.
Requirements for eligibility:
- In order for an employer to offer a skilled trade or technical position, the position must be at NOC skill level B (Skill Level C).
- you must have at least one year of work experience in a skilled trade
- you must also meet the job requirements for that skilled trade, as set out by the National Occupational Classification
Canadian Experience Class
If you are a foreign worker who has been working in Canada on a temporary work visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class.
The CEC is a program designed to fast-track the permanent residency process for foreign workers who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada.
Requirements for eligibility:
- you must have at least one year of full-time or equivalent work experience in Canada
- Your position must be classified as a skilled occupation. These are typically those that require university education or post-secondary training. Some common skilled occupations include: Accountant, Engineer, Computer programmer, Doctor, Nurse, Dentist, Teacher etc.
Essential Worker Stream
In Canada, the term “essential workers” refers to those who provide services that are critical to maintaining the health, safety, security, and economic well-being of the population.
Workers in these sectors are often required to work long hours with little rest, and they have been on the front lines of the pandemic since it began.
Examples of such workers are Firefighters, Paramedics, Emergency medical personnel, Police officers, nurses, doctors, social workers, caregivers, technicians, engineers, plant operators etc.
With the COVID pandemic ongoing, Canada is accepting 30,000 essential workers to become permanent residents.
These essential workers will be given priority status and will be able to apply for permanent residence through a fast-track system.
At the current time, this stream has reached its numerical limit but it is expected that as soon as the need arises, it will be open soon.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a program that allows foreign workers to be nominated for Permanent Residency by their employers.
Each province has their own PNP, and each one can be different in terms of requirements and what types of occupations are eligible.
Most of the time, applicants must be highly skilled for certain jobs in order to be eligible for the PNP.
However, the Alberta PNP is one of the few programs that allow for a select number of unskilled occupations. In general, applicants can expect to receive a Permanent Residency within a year to a year and a half from when they first apply for the PNP.
As a result, the PNP is an attractive option for many foreign workers who are looking to immigrate to Canada.
Quebec Experience Class (QEC)
The Quebec Experience Class (QEC) is a program that allows temporary workers in Quebec to apply for their permanent residency.
The QEC is similar to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), but there are additional requirements that must be met in order to be eligible.
Requirements for eligibility:
- you must have at least one year of full-time or equivalent work experience in Quebec
- your work experience should be a skilled position
- you must be able to speak French at an intermediate level
A Québec Selection Certificate will be issued by the province of Quebec for applicants who meet these requirements, which they can then use to apply for permanent residence.
🗂️ Application Procedures
Now that we have overviewed some of the programs for foreign workers let’s discuss the application process.
Prepare Required Documents
You will need to gather the required documentation for the program you are eligible for.
This includes things such as your passport, birth certificate, and educational documents.
You will also need to provide proof of your work experience, as well as a job offer from a Canadian employer (if applicable).
Submit Online Application
The online application will ask you to provide personal information, such as your name and contact information.
You will also be asked to provide information about your education and work experience.
Once you have submitted your online application, you will need to pay the processing fee.
Be Contacted for an Interview
The interview is conducted to confirm the information that you provided in your application and to assess whether or not you are eligible for permanent residency.
If you are found to be eligible, you will be granted permanent residency and will be able to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
⛔ What To Do If Your PR Application Gets Denied?
If your application for permanent residency is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Here are the steps you can take.
In order for an employer to offer skilled trade or technical position, the position must be at NOC skill level B (Skill Level C).
If the review of the decision is unsuccessful, you can file an appeal with the Immigration Appeal Division. The IAD is a division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The IAD will review your case and decide whether or not to overturn the original decision.
If you are still unsuccessful after going through the review and appeal process, you can file a judicial review with the Federal Court. The Federal Court will review the case and decide whether or not to overturn the decision of the IAD.
If you are still unsuccessful after going through all of these channels, you can contact a lawyer to discuss other options.
Learn more about different types of residency in Canada
🤔 FAQ about PR in Canada for Foreign Workers
Applying to jobs is a never-ending task, so you’ll have to stay on top of it. When applying here are some advices you might find helpful.
Yes, you do necessarily need a job offer in most cases to apply for permanent residency. Having a job offer can improve your chances of being approved for permanent residency.
The length of time it takes to get permanent residency varies depending on your individual situation. The process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
The requirements for permanent residency vary depending on your individual situation. However, some of the general requirements include having a job offer from a Canadian employer or being related to someone who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Yes, you can bring your family with you when you become a permanent resident. You will need to include them in your application, and they will need to meet the requirements for permanent residency.
Permanent residency comes with a number of benefits, including access to all the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens, such as free healthcare and education. Additionally, permanent residents can live and work in Canada indefinitely.
You can apply for permanent residency through the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process can be lengthy, so make sure to allow yourself plenty of time.
Most jobs are eligible for PR in Canada. To find out if your job is eligible, you can contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also check online at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
Yes, you can get PR with LMIA. The process is called Express Entry, and it allows eligible candidates to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian government’s online portal.
The cost of applying for permanent residency in Canada varies depending on your individual situation. However, the general cost is around $550 CAD.
🍁Conclusion
The process of obtaining permanent residency in Canada can be difficult, but it is worth it for those who want to live and work in the country permanently.
With a permanent resident card, you will have access to all the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens, including free healthcare and education.
If you are interested in becoming a permanent resident of Canada, make sure to follow the steps outlined above!
