Employed in Canada on an open work permit? Now that makes you open to work with any employer. That is the kind of advantage this kind of work permit gives you. But are you a Canada PR?
If you are not, then we will tell you how you can change your open work permit status to a PR one. Because the long-term benefits that you get as a PR are not available on an open work permit. That is the ‘Power of PR’!
Many of those who have gone on open work permits are now permanent residents and even citizens. Your open work permits allow you to work for a stipulated time but do not guarantee a long-term residence.
Ways to transition from Open Work Permit to Canada PR visa?
1st Way – You need to check your eligibility for any of the immigration programs under the Express Entry Program. Take your pick and start gathering your documents. Your holding a work permit will not count as one of the eligibility requirements.
2nd Way – Certain special open Canada work permits help you to apply for permanent residency.
3rd Way – Apply through Provincial Nominee Programs if your job is in demand in the province.
4th Way – Canada Experience Class route
5th Way – Federal Skilled Worker Program
1. Canadian Experience Class stream under Express entry stream
To apply for this pathway, you need to have a minimum of 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada. This work experience must be on the open Canada work permit and make a point to other eligibility requirements.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs
Many Canadian provinces issue nominations to applicants whose jobs are in demand and are present on their list of occupations. Other factors like skills, experience, or connections to the province are also taken into account by the province.
In case you are already working on an open work permit in a particular province and meet all the eligibility requirements you are qualified to apply for a nomination. Upon approval, you become a Canada PR visa holder.
3. Federal Skilled Worker Program
This is an economic route specially designed for skilled workers. Once you have gathered enough work experience on an open Canada work permit you can get a maximum of 15 points. These points are allocated for initial PR eligibility to enter the profile.
4. Caregiver Programs
This path has been specially created for those who are employed in Canada as a caregiver. However, as an aspirant, if you have worked as a caregiver on an open work permit you can apply for permanent residency in Canada.
5. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
This kind of program has been specifically curated to address the skilled workers shortage in the Atlantic provinces of Canada, In case you are currently employed in any of the designated professions in these provinces on an open work permit you are qualified to apply for Canada PR visa.
Open Work Permit Holders have higher chances of getting a Canada PR visa
The Canadian government has always given preference to those who already have experience working in Canada. Having an open work permit is an advantage. Many people who have a vision of ultimately settling in Canada with their families initially apply for an open work permit.
After all with Canada PR visa, you can go ahead and apply for citizenship as well. You cannot do the same with an open work permit. When you live for a long time, you need assistance which is offered when you become a PR.
Some of the long-term benefits you get as a PR are free medical services, education at subsidized rates, and many other social security services. All this cannot be enjoyed on an open work permit, except that you can work for any employed, that too anywhere in Canada.
Also, those who have jobs that need them to work for them for a longer time, need a PR to make that possible. If you have a family, then a PR visa is your most secure option, especially if you have children. Because initially, one is not sure whether they wish to settle.
With a PR visa, no travel restrictions are imposed on you and you can visit any place you want. It is better if you are a student who comes on a study permit and goes on to apply for a work permit. Chances of CRS points increase by giving you extra points for having connections to the province.
Conclusion
Converting your open work permit into a PR visa is a smart choice. Depending upon your profile you can choose the route to apply for Canada permanent residence on an open work permit. If you wish to get more clarity, connect with Nationwide Visas. After all, they are the best immigration consultants in Delhi.
