A visitor visa in Canada allows you to stay temporarily in the country, it is usually granted for purposes like tourism, or visiting family or friends.
You can also apply for a visitor visa if you are coming to Canada to attend business meetings or conferences or participate in short-term courses or training programs.
Also, read: How do I get my passport reference number?
The duration of a visitor visa is usually up to six months and does not grant you the right to work or study in Canada without additional authorization.
So, if you are in Canada on a visitor visa and wondering if you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) during your stay, below is your answer and every option you have at PR in Canada.
Can I apply for PR while on a visitor visa in Canada?
No, you cannot apply for Permanent Residency (PR) while on a visitor visa in Canada. Your visitor visa only allows you to stay in Canada temporarily not permanently, it does not give you the right or make you eligible to apply for PR status directly.
If you wish to become a Permanent Resident in Canada, you need to go through the right immigration pathway.
Also, read: Can I bring my wife to Canada while on a work visa?
Canada has many immigration pathways through which you can become a permanent residency holder in the country.
None of them come through a visitor visa, you have to meet the eligibility criteria of at least one of these immigration pathways before you become a permanent residency holder in the country.
There is the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Family Class Sponsorship, and other immigration programs offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
With your Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada, you can live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.
You will also have access to most social benefits (like healthcare coverage) that Canadian citizens receive.
Applying for PR while on a visitor visa
It is not allowed for you to apply for PR while on a visitor visa in Canada.
However, a visitor visa can help you understand the different provinces in the country and prepare you for other visa options that can lead to permanent residency.
If you want to become a part of Canada’s community but enter the country on a visitor visa, you can use this opportunity to explore the different provinces in Canada and know which has a PR option that best suits you.
Different provinces have their PR options and terms, a visitor visa can help you understand this better, you will get firsthand information about the options you have based on your eligibility
What are the eligibility criteria for Canada PR?
To be eligible to apply for PR in Canada, you usually need to be nominated by a province or territory, have a valid job offer, or be sponsored by a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Additionally, you must meet the eligibility criteria for one of the immigration programs, such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or Family Class Sponsorship.
Different PR pathways in Canada and their eligibility criteria
If you want to apply for PR in Canada, you have to go through any of the following pathways.
Express entry system
If you are a skilled worker, the Express Entry system is the right pathway to immigrate to Canada.
It is based on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
This system will evaluate everyone who applied based on their age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Eligibility for Express Entry
- To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the requirements of one of the three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- To apply for express entry, you need to create an online profile and enter your information in the Express Entry pool.
- You will then be ranked based on your CRS score. Those with high scores will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow each province and territory in Canada to nominate candidates who have the skills, experience, and intentions to settle in a specific province or territory.
Eligibility for the provincial nominee programs
- Each province and territory has its eligibility criteria and streams under the PNP.
- Eligibility can be based on work experience, job offer, education, language proficiency, and ties to the province.
- To apply for the Provincial Nominee Programs, you must apply directly to that province or territory.
- If you are nominated, you can then apply for Permanent Residency through the Express Entry system or a separate application process.
Family Class Sponsorship
Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen and a Permanent Resident?
If yes, they can sponsor you for Permanent Residency in Canada under the Family Class Sponsorship program.
Eligibility for the family class sponsorship program
- Your sponsor must demonstrate that they can financially support you, as the sponsored family member.
- They also need to meet other sponsorship requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- To apply under this program, your sponsor must submit a sponsorship application, and you (the sponsored) must apply for Permanent Residency.
- The process is different for everyone but it depends on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.
Quebec Immigration Programs
Quebec, as a province has its immigration policies, they have several immigration programs if you are interested in settling in the province.
Eligibility for Quebec immigration programs
- Each of the Quebec Immigration Programs like the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), or Business Immigration Programs has its eligibility criteria.
- To apply for any of the Quebec Immigration Programs, you need to meet the eligibility criteria of at least one of the programs and then submit your application directly to the Quebec government or immigration authorities.
- After submitting your application, it will be accessed by the authorities before a decision will be made on your application.
Start-up Visa Program
This program is for you if you are an entrepreneur with innovative business ideas to create jobs in Canada.
Eligibility for start-up visa program
- You must have a qualifying business idea.
- Aside from your idea, you also need to secure a commitment from a designated organization in Canada.
- In addition, you also need to meet the language proficiency, education, and financial requirements.
- To get this visa, you have to apply and if approved, you will receive a work permit to establish and operate your business in Canada.
How to apply for PR in Canada
If you want to apply for PR in Canada, start by checking if you are eligible for a PR in Canada.
- Check your eligibility for a PR: To get started, check if you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the PR programs in Canada like the Express Entry, PNP, or Family Class Sponsorship.
- Create an Express Entry Profile (if you are eligible): If you are applying through the Express Entry system, create an online profile and enter all your information.
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you are eligible for Express Entry, you will receive an ITA based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
- Submit PR application: Once you receive an ITA, submit your PR application along with all required documents and pay the fees.
- Wait for the processing of your application: Your PR application will be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It takes time to complete the processing so be patient.
- Do your medical and security Checks: In some cases, you will be required to go for medical examinations and security checks – they are part of the PR application process.
- Receive PR status: If your application is approved, you will receive your PR status – with this, you can live and work in Canada as a permanent resident.
Canada PR application considerations
- Applying for PR while on a visitor visa is not allowed. You must have the appropriate visa or status before you apply for PR in Canada.
- Pick a single PR program when you want to apply.
- Make sure that you carefully check the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet them before submitting your application.
Conclusion
Visitor visas are meant for temporary stays in Canada, they do not give you the right to apply for PR directly.
While it is not possible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) while on a visitor visa in Canada, you can use the opportunity to explore the best immigration option for you to get PR.
After examining your options, ensure that you meet the PR requirements before you apply for PR.