In case you are already in Canada with a tourist visa and realize that, I would like to stay here forever! Don’t worry. A lot of the visitors are impressed with the clean cities, safe environment, and endless opportunities in Canada.
The good news? You can begin working on PR on a visit visa; there is no direct transfer of a visitor visa to a PR. Rather, you must be qualified under one of the immigration programs in Canada.
We will go step by step in a simple manner.
Is it possible to apply for PR with a visit visa?
Yes, absolutely. You are on a Canada Tourist Visa, which does not prevent you from applying for PR. It just implies that you have to meet the formal criteria, such as Express Entry, PNP, or family sponsorship.
A large number of individuals begin the process when visiting family members, sightseeing in cities, or during interviews.
Step-by-Step Guidance to Turn Visitor Visa into PR
Step 1: Find the PR Pathway That Suits You.
Identify what type of PR you belong to before you take any action. The main options include
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, Federal Skilled Trades)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Spousal Sponsorship (where necessary)
- Start-Up Visa/ Business Pathways.
Everything depends on your age, your qualification, your work experience, and your scores in language.
When you are uncertain, it may save a lot of time to seek profile evaluation with the Best Visa Consultant in India.
Step 2: Enhance Your Profile in Canada.
The benefits of being in Canada would be that it is quite easy to increase your PR score. You can:
- Complete a test in Canada, IELTS or CELPIP.
- Undertake Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Attend job interviews
- Build local networks
- Get to know about provinces that you can consider settling in.
These steps can assist you in scoring more points according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Step 3: Change a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit (Where it is an option).
Even though a visitor visa does not permit you to work, you might have a chance to transfer to a work permit within Canada. It is a good track to take since Canadian work experience increases your PR probability by a huge margin.
A work permit may be obtained by:
1. LMIA-Based Job Offer
2. Spousal Open Work Permit
Your PR eligibility goes up dramatically when you start working.
Step 4: Acceptance into the Express Entry Pool.
Meet the requirements and make your Express Entry profile.
In order to have a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you may:
- Improve your IELTS score
- Get more work experience
- Get provincial nomination.
- Get an LMIA-backed job offer
- Study a short program to enhance CRS (not mandatory in some cases)
- CNP nomination offers 600 additional points, which would ensure an ITA.
Step 5: Have to be applied through a Provincial Nominee Program.
Several provinces favour those candidates who are already residing in Canada. Popular choices:
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
Travel to a province, develop local contacts and chances of being more likely to become a PNP might go up.
Step 6: Place Your PR Application.
After receiving an ITA or a PNP nomination, you are able to apply for Canada PR.
This includes:
- Biometrics
- Police certificates
- Medical exam
- Proof of funds
- Supporting documents
The processing normally takes between 6 and 12 months.
Final Thoughts
Although you cannot directly transfer a Canada Tourist Visa into Permanent Residence, you can start the process when you are in the country.
And in case you are lost, you can make your PR process easier, quicker and more stress free by working with the Best Visa Consultant in India.