Updated: Become a Permanent Resident in Canada with this New Government Program

Canada is opening a new pathway to permanent residence for temporary workers and international graduates, as well as a new open work permit.

Updated:

Not only is there a new pathway to permanent residency for newcomers — see below for more details on that — but if you're waiting for your results, you may be eligible for a new open work permit.

The open work permit is available to those who've applied through the new PR pathway described below, and should help anyone with an expiring work permit to stay in Canada and continue working.

There are a few catches. You must:

• have a valid work permit that will expire in the next 4 months
• have submitted an application for permanent residency (see below)
• be in Canada when you apply

The new open work permit becomes available July 26. Check out this primer for more information.

The new plan should make living and working in Canada easier than ever, and offers another step on the road to permanent residency. Check out the rest of this article to learn more about becoming a permanent resident.

Previously:

The federal government of Canada has announced a new program that will allow a huge number of temporary workers — and international graduates — to apply for permanent resident status in Canada in the coming months. Permanent resident status is an important step to becoming a naturalized Canadian citizen.

International students who have graduated from a Canadian college or university within the past four years — between January 2017 and the time of your application — who are currently employed will be able to apply for Canadian permanent resident status starting May 6th. It doesn't matter what field you're working in: if you've got a Canadian degree and a job, you could be on your way to becoming a permanent resident. The program is open until November 5, or until all available slots are filled.

How many international graduates will be accepted?

This new program will accept 40,000 international graduates between May and November 2021. This is just for English speakers, though. There's no limit on the number of permanent residents who speak French, part of the government's efforts to strengthen French-speaking communities.

How do I qualify for permanent resident status as an international graduate?

To qualify for permanent resident status in Canada under this new program, you'll need the following:

• Graduated from a Canadian college or university between January 2017 and the time of your application
• Legally authorized to work in Canada
• Employed in any field or position at the time of your application
• Meet all general admissibility requirements for Canada

What does "permanent resident" mean?

Permanent resident status is a big step towards Canadian citizenship. A permanent resident is someone who has legally immigrated to Canada, but isn't yet a citizen. You can't vote in Canada, but you'll be eligible for most other benefits that citizens get, including health care coverage, and you'll be able to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada. Not to mention you can apply for Canadian citizenship!

Who else is eligible?

Under this new program, Canada will also accept 50,000 temporary workers for permanent resident status. This includes 20,000 people who work in health care, and 30,000 in other essential jobs, including caregiving and food production.

Temporary workers in these categories need to have at least one year of work experience before applying.

What are my next steps?

Starting on May 6, you'll be able to start an application via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. All applications are online, and processed remotely. The site will guide you through the program, and with a little luck, you'll soon be a new permanent resident of Canada!