Students looking for universities abroad pick Canada as one of the top destinations. Canada, being home to some of the best universities, also allows students to continue their stay after they complete their studies. This is made possible through the granting of a PR. Many students already apply for a PR while they are studying in Canada. Going through the entire process of a PR application is time-consuming; hence students often plan to make their dream come true. This blog post explores some crucial steps to take while applying for a PR, Canadian immigration programs, and essential tips to crack a PR application.
Understanding Permanent Residency
Holding a permanent residency status in Canada is different from gaining citizenship. One must know the difference between the two before applying for a PR. A residence permit student can live, work, and study in any part of Canada. There is a thin line of difference between the rights secured by a Canadian citizen and the individual with a residence permit. Most rights and privileges like health care and social services are the same for both types. However, only the citizens have a significant role in the country’s political field. Any individual planning to settle in Canada has to go through the application process of a PR to get accepted as a legal citizen.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Canada offers different immigration programs for individuals looking to migrate to Canada for work, higher studies or a new life. Of the many programs, foreign students can explore these three pathways to gain a PR:
1. Express Entry
One of the most common and popular immigration programs in Canada is the Express Entry. There are three different types of programs offered under the Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is undoubtedly a popular pathway that is advantageous for foreign students seeking PR in Canada. It is designed for students with
- Skilled work experience of at least one year of the three previous years of living in Canada.
- Adequate language proficiency in either of the two languages: English and French.
- Proof of education in Canada includes a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Canada is known for its humanitarian culture, which invites students worldwide to explore a diverse culture, find work opportunities, and access quality education. Provinces and territories offer PNPs to international students who have graduated from a Canadian institution to gain a PR through PNP. The criteria and streams offered under each PNP are different. Some of the most sought-after PNPs for international graduates include:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Students pursuing higher studies in Canada can opt for a PGWP, which allows them to stay in Canada and gain work experience for up to three years after their post-graduation. The PGWP is critical to applying for a CEC as it proves the candidate’s skilled work experience in Canada.
4. Quebec Experience Program
International students studying in Quebec can benefit from this. Graduates with skilled work experience and language proficiency in French can be eligible for PR applications through this program.
Steps to Apply for Permanent Residency
Students applying for a permanent residency in Canada can streamline the application process by following a set procedure, which includes:
- Assessing one’s eligibility for the different residency programs offered by Canada. For this, the candidate must consider essential factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and job offers secured in Canada.
- Creating an Express Entry profile is an indispensable part of the application process. The profile must be continuously updated and checked to ensure you get a PR. Students with a low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can improve this score by updating their profile with higher test scores and adding proof of skilled work experience and education.
- Start the documentation process as early as possible. Gather essential information like work experience certificates, language proficiency scores, educational achievements, job offer letters or provincial nominations. Having all documents ready can help you avoid delays during the process.
- If you are choosing Express Entry as your stream, make sure you create a profile, update all necessary information asked for in the form, and submit your candidature.
- Check for PNPs offered by the province where you graduated from or have minimum work experience.
- If you meet all the criteria, an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will be issued in your name through Express Entry or a PNP.
- After receiving the ITA or PNP nomination, you can apply for a PR while providing all necessary information and paying the fees.
Tips for Successful PR Applications
- Keep your eyes and ears open for any essential information regarding your PR application. Immigration policies and programs constantly change, so stay updated by regularly visiting the official IRCC website.
- Navigating through the entire process of a PR application can be overwhelming. To avoid missing deadlines or facing rejection, seek the help of a professional citizenship lawyer. They ensure that all information you submit in your application is accurate and complete.
- Utilize your time in Canada by building professional relationships and gaining relevant work experience and skills that can increase your chances of getting a PR.
Conclusion
Getting permanent residency in Canada is a rigorous process. While many gateways exist to achieving a PR, the application process is equally challenging for all applicants. Gathering details about the various immigration programs offered by Canada, assessing one’s eligibility, gathering documents well ahead of time, and trying to improve CRS scores can all help improve one’s chances of getting a PR. In this process, the role of Citizenship Lawyer seems inevitable since they help you navigate through the best options that suit your reason for seeking a PR. We hope this comprehensive guide will help you transition from a temporary status to a permanent one.
