What is the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway in Canada?

A temporary resident is anyone who has been authorized to enter or remain in Canada, despite not meeting the requirements and visa eligibility criteria of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or Regulations. A temporary resident permit is issued to people that were granted inadmissibility in the first place due to multiple reasons. Once you get a TRP and follow other requirements, you can be eligible for permanent resident status.

This article discusses the new pathway to permanent residency from temporary residency in Canada.

 

What is the Ideal Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway?

Canada has a specific program for people who want to go from temporary residents to permanent residents on Canadian land. This program is called the temporary resident to the permanent resident pathway and is available for a limited time. The purpose of this program is to ensure that highly-skilled, qualified, and educated temporary residents can get permanent resident status in Canada. Therefore, this program is eligible for people with TRP who also match the following requirements.

 

● People who have worked in Canada in various high-paying and essential professions, especially those with experience working in the health industry or health services occupations.

● Students who have studied in a post-secondary and internationally-recognized institute in Canada and have recently completed their graduation.

Besides these eligibility requirements, temporary residents who want to get permanent resident status in Canada need to follow the usual permanent resident requirements, discussed below.

 

Who Can Apply for Permanent Residency?

People with TRPs, also called temporary resident permits, in Canada are eligible to apply for permanent resident status and can get their application accepted. But they also need to fit the following eligibility criteria:

 

● They should have a currently valid temporary resident permit

● They need to stay in Canada as temporary resident permit holders for three to five years. If there has been a break in continuity when you leave Canada and re-enter as a TRP holder, it can affect the eligibility for your permanent resident application. However, exceptions can be made in certain extreme situations. In this case, you'll have to submit the necessary documentation and discuss the issue with your immigration officer.

● They shouldn't be criminally inadmissible. However, even if you have previously been convicted of a crime, depending on how long ago it was or how you have behaved since, a conviction can be overlooked.

 

What Are the Current Streams in the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway?

Since the temporary resident to the permanent resident pathway is a recently-introduced program, the Canadian government has added 6 streams to it. French speakers are eligible for all 6 streams, while non-French or English speakers can only apply for the 3 streams. Here’s a breakdown of all 6 streams, helping you decide which stream is the ideal path for you to get that permanent resident status.

Streams for Non-French Speaking and English-Speaking TRP Holders

Since these streams are relatively new, they only accept a limited number of applications. Once enough applications are gathered for one stream, it’s closed for the year. If you’re a TRP holder who doesn’t speak French, these streams are the ideal option for you.

 

● The first stream is for workers that work in the healthcare sector in Canada. This stream accepts around 20,000 applications annually.

● The second general stream is for workers in an essential occupation other than healthcare. The number of applications the Canadian Government will accept for this stream is 30,000..

● The third stream that both French-speaking and non-French-speaking TRP holders can apply for is for post-secondary graduates of an internationally recognized educational institute on Canadian land. This stream accepts the highest number of applications, with a maximum capacity of 40,000 applications.

 

Streams for Only French-Speaking TRP Holders

If you’re fluent in French and have a temporary residence permit, you can apply for the French-speaking streams with less competition. Here are the three streams ideal for French-speaking workers and students in Canada.

 

● The first stream is for French-speaking workers in the healthcare sector. The Canadian government will accept unlimited applications for this stream.

● The second stream caters to French-speaking workers with essential occupations and skills who don’t work in the healthcare sector. This stream also accepts unlimited applications.

● The third unlimited stream is for French-speaking international and non-secondary graduates from a Canadian institute. This stream also allows unlimited submissions.

 

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Each Stream?

Besides the overall requirements, each stream has certain specific requirements that applicants need to meet while applying for permanent residence status. Here’s a guide on the eligibility criteria for each stream.

For Non-French-Speaking and French-Speaking Healthcare Applicants

Here are the eligibility requirements for the first stream that is open for both French and non-French-speaking applications.

 

● The applicant should currently reside or be willing to reside outside Quebec.

● The application should have a valid temporary resident status in Canada.

● This stream is not eligible for people who have entered or are living in Canada on refugee claims.

● They must prove their ability to speak, read, write, and listen to French or English.

● The applicants should be currently employed in the healthcare sector. They can’t be self-employed or work as volunteers.

● They need to have proven experience working in the healthcare sector for at least a year in the past three years.

 

This stream has the same requirements as the previously discussed streams. The only difference is that you need to have a 1-year-work experience in an essential and non-healthcare sector. You also need to be currently employed as any of the following professionals.

 

Essential Occupations For Non-French-Speaking and French-Speaking Non-Healthcare Applicants

 

● Customer service representatives

● Security guards

● Labourers that work in the food, beverage, and seafood industries

● Specialized workers in the agricultural, farm, and livestock industries

● French teachers

● At-home childcare providers

● Service agents in airlines

● All kinds of repairers

 

The list is not limited to these workers, as National Occupational Classification (NOC) constantly updates the list of essential workers that can transform their TRP to permanent residency.

For Non-French-Speaking and French-Speaking International Graduates

This stream has the same requirements as the other streams in the general category. However, instead of having a 1-year-working experience, they should have an Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate that lasted at least eight months. You can also apply for this stream if you have a diploma or certificate that lasts around 2 years.

 

For French-Speaking Healthcare Applicants

French-speaking healthcare professionals have the same eligibility requirements when applying for the permanent residence pathway in Canada. But they must show Level 4 proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening to French.

For French-Speaking Non-Healthcare Applicants in Essential Occupations

The applicants of this stream have to meet the same eligibility requirements as English-speaking candidates in the general stream. But they also have to show that they’re proficient in French.

For French-Speaking Recent International Graduates

Applicants of this stream have the same requirements as non-French-speaking International graduates. However, they must show certification of Level 5 proficiency in French that is less than two years old.

  

Considering Applying to This New Pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada? Hire an Immigration Consultant

Applying for this new pathway to permanent residency can be challenging for TRP holders in Canada. Therefore, they need to hire an immigration consultant that analyzes the current requirements and assists TRP holders in Canada in applying for this program. Nanda & Associate Lawyers have immigration lawyers that can assist applicants with their applications. Their immigration lawyers can help you get a temporary resident permit or guide you through the new pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

Additionally, their immigration consultants can help you get an open work permit in Canada, Canadian spousal sponsorship, and prevent deportation from Canada. They are well-informed about the changing eligibility requirements and ensure you match them before applying for a permanent residency.

Book a consultation session with their immigration lawyers in Toronto and let them help you fill out your permanent residence application quickly.

 

Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for legal advice.