Canada’s TR to PR Immigration Programs for Essential Workers and International Students

 Canada has always been a serious attraction for immigrants due to its immigration friendly laws and vast educational opportunities. Canadain immigration is steadily on the increase. This has also led to a rise in demand for Canada immigration consultancy services as more and more people are trying to search for ‘consultancy services near me’. Consultancy services help answer basic questions on Canada immigration process and help customers with documents and visas.

The main aim of the article is to know Canada’s TR to PR Immigration Programs for Essential Workers and International Students.

What is PR?

Permanent residents of Canada should carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) in order to board a flight to Canada, or while travelling to Canada through any other means. If you're do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you'll not be able to board your flight etc.

It also becomes your responsibility to make sure that your PR card remains valid once you return from outside Canada, and ensure that you timely apply for a new PR card. If your PR card expires, it doesn't mean you've lost permanent resident status, only that you simply got to renew it.

According to an online site ‘A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but isn't a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries.’

A person in Canada who lives temporarily, who is either a student or foreign worker, isn't a permanent resident but a temporary resident. Refugees who are resettled from overseas can become permanent residents through the Government-Assisted Refugee Program / the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Someone who makes a refugee claim in Canada doesn't become a permanent resident at that point. To become a PR, the Immigration and Refugee Board must first approve their claim based on their credentials and application. Then, they need to apply for and obtain permanent resident status.

International students

“According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, Canada’s international student population grew by 13 per cent in 2019 compared to the previous year, marking yet one more year of double-digit growth. Overall, 404,000 international students saw their study permits become in 2019.” Canada’s international student population has grown over 3 times within the past decade alone. Additionally, it is interesting to notice that Indian students account for 34 percent of the entire number of international students in Canada.

International students studying in Canada can apply for Canadian permanent resident status while they're studying in Canada or after completing their studies, as long as they meet the wants of the Canadian immigration program under which they apply. Applying for a Canadian study permit and Canadian permanent resident status together is known as “dual intent”, and such a practice is common and accepted by Canadian immigration law.

Following are various categories of Canadian immigration programs that the students should consider:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

In order to qualify for the Canadian experience class, student applicants must have at least 12 months of labor experience in Canada. During their stay (candidates must apply within three years of obtaining 1 year of qualifying experience). Students can also obtain some work experience in Canada by applying for a Canadian post-graduate permit that many universities offer. It’s important to note that part-time work experience earned during studies equivalent to a study program (such as internships and co-ops) doesn't count towards the Canadian work experience requirement.

2. Quebec Experience Class (QEC)

International students with a completed and recognized program of study in the Quebec province, and who possess an intermediate level of proficiency in the French language can qualify under this Canadian immigration program in particular. Canadian work experience isn't required for this Quebec immigration program.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

A number of provinces offer Canadian immigration programs for foreign students via the provincial nominee program. Generally speaking, applicants must have a degree from a Canadian post-education program, on record. Requirements can vary by province, and sometimes work experience and employment offers are also required. PNPs are a popular Canadian immigration option as applications for Canadian permanent residency are usually processed faster thus requiring a lesser waiting period, in the whole process.

Essential workers

The new policy stands implemented, according to an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) media release. It serves to benefit temporary residents who are already in Canada with an employment offer, but it doesn't apply to anyone arriving in Canada as a visitor.

Visitors who meet the eligibility criteria can easily apply under the new temporary immigration policy, which incorporates Super Visa holders, business visitors.

Federal trained worker Program

Operated through the Express Entry immigration system, the Federal trained worker (FSW) program could even be an option for a few international student graduates. Sources claim that, Unlike the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), FSW doesn't require a person to possess Canadian work experience, which is a popular option for international student graduates who already gained skilled work experience abroad.

The FSW program is a merit-based immigration program that uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to automatically rank candidates against each other and further, only invites those candidates with the most competitive profiles to use for permanent residence. If an international student meets the specified eligibility requirements and is extremely competitive within the CRS scoring system, FSW is often a superb pathway to becoming a permanent resident.

It is important to note, one of the main conditions under the FSW program requires the applicants to have a minimum of 1 year or 12 months of full-time, continuous, skilled work experience from any country, or the corresponding amount in part-time experience. For international students who haven't entered the workforce, this program is not an option. Once an international student or essential worker lives in Canada for a few years it is through the status of PR that they extend their stay and shift within the territorial boundaries of Canada.

Conclusion

Thus it becomes necessary for workers and international students to know more consultancy services near them to get better clarity on the Canada immigration process.