Many individuals come to Canada on temporary visas, such as work permits or study permits. However, for those who wish to make Canada their permanent home, there are several pathways to transition from a temporary to a permanent visa.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This is a popular option for temporary workers who have gained at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Key requirements include:
- At least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada
- The work experience must be in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B)
- Meet language proficiency requirements
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Many provinces have streams within their PNPs specifically for temporary residents. These can include:
- Streams for international graduates
- Skilled worker streams
- Occupation-specific streams
Other Pathways
Additional options for permanent residency include:
- Agri-Food Immigration Pilot for workers in the agricultural sector
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program for those in Atlantic provinces
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot for specific communities
Remember, each pathway has its own specific requirements and application process. It's important to carefully review your eligibility and consider seeking professional advice to determine the best option for your situation.