Transitioning from Temporary Residency (TR) to Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada is a pressing concern for millions of temporary residents. With evolving immigration policies, reduced quotas, and long wait times, the path to PR has become increasingly complex.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of this critical topic, watch our in-depth video discussion featuring immigration lawyer Joshua Schachnow. Alongside Saeed Zeinali, founder of Next Stars, Joshua breaks down the challenges, explores practical solutions, and provides expert insights tailored to workers, students, and visitors.
The Current Immigration Landscape in Canada
Over 3 to 5 million temporary residents currently live in Canada on work permits, study permits, or visitor visas. However, Canada’s annual PR quotas—approximately 395,000 approvals—fall far short of meeting demand.
This imbalance creates significant hurdles, including:
- Long Processing Times: It could take up to 9 years to process existing applications if no new ones are added.
- Expiring Permits: Many temporary residents face the expiration of their permits before securing PR.
- Policy Changes: Upcoming elections and shifting immigration policies add further uncertainty to the TR to PR process.
For a detailed breakdown of these challenges and their implications, watch the video discussion here.
Your Pathways from TR to PR in Canada
While each situation is unique, here are some common pathways to consider based on your status:
For Workers:
- Work Permit Extensions:
Seek support from your employer for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to extend your work permit, allowing more time to qualify for PR. - Express Entry & PNPs:
Consider optimizing your express entry profile or exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to increase your chances of PR eligibility.
For Students:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
If eligible, a PGWP lets you gain Canadian work experience—a crucial factor for PR programs. - Further Education:
Enrolling in additional studies can extend your stay and improve qualifications for PR pathways.
For Visitors:
- Job Search with LMIA Support:
Visitors may transition to a work permit through LMIA-backed employment. - Change of Status:
Explore shifting to student or worker status as a stepping stone to PR.
Special Considerations for Unique Programs
Canada offers special measures for groups such as Iranians or victims of natural disasters. These temporary programs provide work permits but often lack direct PR pathways. For individuals on such permits, prioritizing PR planning early in the process is essential.
Alternative Routes: Refugee Claims and H&C Applications
When other options are exhausted, some turn to refugee claims or humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications. These are complex and require meeting specific criteria. Expert guidance is recommended before pursuing these routes.
Why Watch the Video?
This blog provides an overview of the TR to PR process, but the video discussion with Saeed Zeinali and Joshua Schachnow dives deeper into the nuances of Canada’s immigration landscape. You’ll gain:
- Real-life scenarios explained in detail.
- Insights on navigating uncertain immigration policies.
- Expert tips tailored to students, workers, and visitors.
If you’re a temporary resident concerned about your future in Canada, this video is a must-watch for actionable advice and clarity on your options.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the TR to PR process in Canada requires a proactive and informed approach. Whether you’re a worker, student, or visitor, understanding your options and planning ahead are essential steps to secure your future.
Don’t miss out on expert insights—watch the video now to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to make confident decisions about your immigration journey in Canada.
