Most Canadian immigrants need to learn the difference between a Canadian work permit and permanent residency. It is important that you know the difference between a Canadian work permit and permanent residency. Both of these terms have one thing in common; they are issued to immigrants who are in Canada. So what do these two terms (the Canadian work permit and the Canadian permanent residency) mean? And how do they work?
Here in this article, we will compare Canada work permit vs permanent residency, including:
- Eligibility and requirements
- Application Process
- Right and obligation
- Cost of application and voting rights
What is the Canada Work Permit?
A Canadian work permit is a legal document that permits an immigrant to work in Canada. As a foreigner/immigrant, you must have a work permit to gain employment legally in Canada. Every year Canada issues about half a million new work permits to temporary foreign workers.
Who is a Permanent Resident?
On the other hand, to be a Canadian permanent resident requires you to be granted a permanent residence permit or visa alongside a PR card. The permanent resident permit allows you to stay in Canada unlimitedly. The major distinction between temporary and permanent residence is the ability to stay in Canada for an endless amount of time.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Types
In this section of the guide, we will look at the various types of Canadian work permits and permanent residencies.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
There are different categories of work permits. Some work permits require that you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, some require that your employer have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while others require that a person has some connection to Canada e.g. previous education, spousal sponsorship etc.
There are two general pathways to obtaining a Canadian work permit,
- Closed (restricted) work permits: these are tied to specific employers i.e., an immigrant with this work permit must remain working with the same employer at the exact location.
- Open work permit: unrestricted work permits give you the freedom to work for any employer in Canada.
Let’s have a look at the various types of Canadian work permits.
- Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
- Global Talent Stream
- LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- NAFTA Work Permits
- CETA Work Permits
- Intra-Company Transfers
- Open Work Permits (no job offers or LMIA required)
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
- International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
Types of Canadian Permanent Residency
There are 4 main categories from which you can attain permanent residency in Canada. As an immigrant under any of the following categories, you are eligible to apply for Permanent residency in Canada.
1- Economic immigrant
This category is for immigrants chosen solely for their economic importance to Canada.
- Worker programs
- Business programs
- Provincial nominee programs
2- Immigrant sponsored by family
This category is for immigrants whose permanent residency is due to their relationship and sponsorship by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Sponsored spouse or partner
- Sponsored parent or grandparent
- Sponsored child
- A sponsored intercountry adopted child
- Public policy or humanitarian and compassionate case sponsored by a family
- Immigrants sponsored by the family, not included elsewhere
3- Refugee
This category is for immigrants who were granted permanent residency based on fear of returning to their home country.
- Protected person in Canada or dependent abroad
- Resettled refugee
4- Other Immigrant
This category is for immigrants who do not fall into any other categories listed above (economic immigrant, immigrant sponsored by family, refugee).
- Public policy or humanitarian and compassionate case
- Other immigrants not included elsewhere
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Eligibility
If you intend to apply for a Canadian work permit or permanent residency, you must first see if you are eligible.
Canada work Permit Eligibility
All candidates who intend to apply for a Canadian work permit must meet the following eligibility criteria;
- Demonstrate intent to leave once your work authorization expires.
- Prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada and to return home.
- You must obey the law and have no record of criminal activity.
- You must not be a threat to Canada’s security.
- You must be in good health and have a medical exam.
- You must be ready and plan to work for an eligible employer.
- You must not work for any employer who regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services and erotic massages.
- You must be able to provide any requested documents that may prove your eligibility to enter Canada.
Canadian Permanent Residence Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for Canada’s permanent residence permit, you must:
- Score 67 immigration points.
- Score the minimum Comprehensive ranking system (CRS) for that year.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Requirements
All candidates who wish to apply for a Canadian work permit or permanent residency must first meet their requirements.
Canada Work Permit Requirements
The main requirements for a Canadian work permit are the documents. Applying for your Canadian work permit requires the submission of a lot of documents. Some of the Canada work permit requirements you will be asked to provide include the following;
- Completed application forms
- Proof of status in Canada (if required)
- Family member’s proof of status (if required)
- CV/Resume
- Marriage certificate (if required)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (if required)
- Marriage certificate (if required)
- Proof that you meet your employer’s requirements for your job
- A valid copy of your passport
- Copy of educational credential
- Medical exam result (if required)
- Evidence of financial competence to stay in Canada and return to home country
- Proof of payments for applicable government fees
- Copy of recent passport photographs that meet the photo size requirements.
You may be required to provide more or fewer documents, depending on the type of work permit you are applying for.
Permanent Residence Requirements
The main requirements for permanent residency are the documents. Applying for your Canadian permanent residency requires the submission of a lot of documents. Some of the Canada permanent residency visa requirements you will be asked to provide include the following;
- Valid Passport
- Driver’s License
- Government Body-Issued Identity Cards
- Proof of Funds
- ECA or Educational Credential Assessment
- Originals and photocopies of all relevant documents
- Certified translation of documents that are not written in English
- Language Test results (preferably IELTS)
- Skills Assessment Test Report
- Sponsorship letters, personal identification letters, recommendation letters or similar documents
Your Canadian permanent residency visa requirements all depend on the immigration route you have chosen.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Application Process
Let’s look at the application procedure for both the Canadian work permit and the permanent residency.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada
Application procedures for a work visa differ due to the different types of work visas that are available.
However, here is a summary of the application process:
Step 1: check if you’re eligible
You will have to be sure that you are eligible to apply for the work permit you are interested in. search for the documents required for each work permit and select the work permit you seem highly qualified for.
Step 2: Apply for the work permit
After choosing the work permit you are qualified for, you will then have to apply for it online. You will be required to apply due to your current location, i.e. are you applying from;
- Outside Canada
- Inside Canada
- At a port of entry
Step 3: prepare yourself for the online tool
As you are applying online, you must be prepared for any and all of the questions you will be asked during your application. The online tool is designed to help select the right applicants for the work permit, so be sure to be thorough with your answers and provide all the documents that would be required of you.
Step 4: Pay the required fees
Pay the required fees for the work permit you wish to apply for. Be sure to download and save soft copies of your online payments in case the need for them arises.
Step 5: wait for your application to be approved
When you are done applying, the next step is for your application to be processed and approved. Depending on the location of your application and the type of work permit you are applying for, the processing time may take above 30 working days to be approved.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada
Application procedures for a Canadian permanent residency visa are quite straightforward. Here are 3 easy steps to apply for a Canadian permanent residency.
The following is a detailed guide to the application process:
Step 1: Check if you’re eligible
You’ll have to determine your eligibility, as being eligible is the first step in the Canadian permanent residency visa requirements.
Firstly, you’ll have to check your National Occupation Qualification (NOC) to check if your employment falls under NOC 0, A, B or D.
Secondly, your educational credentials will have to be accessed by third parties of the IRCC to ensure their authenticity and that they are from a Canadian-recognized institution.
Be sure to take your language proficiency test.
Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Step 2: Submit your profile
For instance, when creating your Express Entry profile, you need to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) with information like:
Personal Reference Code, Marital status, Number of dependent family members, ID documents data, Settlement funds amount, Education history and Language test results, Work history, Passport, Provincial choice, and details of a valid employment offer, if applicable.
After creating your profile, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through your mail. You will then be given 60 days to fill up other documents and apply.
Step 3: Become a PR Resident
After you’ve received your ITA and further uploaded your ITA documentation, you will receive an acknowledgment that your documents have been received. You’ll be asked to share your passport, after which you’ll be granted Canadian permanent residency.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Right and Obligation
As a Canadian immigrant with a work permit, you are entitled to certain rights and obligations, they include:
With a Canadian work permit, you can:
- You are entitled to work for a designated employer.
- You are entitled to a work permit with the same or slightly lesser duration than your current visa.
- You are entitled to Canada’s healthcare benefits.
- You are allowed to apply for permanent residency.
As a Canadian permanent resident, you can:
- Get nearly all social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, as well as health care coverage.
- Live, study, and work anywhere in any Canadian city or province Canada.
- Apply for full Canadian citizenship
- Be protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Length of Stay
Let’s take a look at the length of stay between Canadian work permits and permanent residency:
Canada Work Permit Length of Stay
The length of stay for your work permit depends on the work permit and the duration of your visa. However, most work permits last between 1-2 years.
Permanent residency Length of Stay
The length of stay for your permanent residency is permanent. As seen in the title “permanent residency,” you will be allowed to stay in Canada permanently.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Renewal
Canada Work Permit Renewal
Generally, temporary foreign workers interested in extending their work permits would have to apply online. If you intend to extend your work permit, you have to do so at least 30 days before your current work permit expires.
Permanent Residency Renewal:
As your status as a permanent resident is permanent, you must renew your Permanent Residence (PR) card. The PR card expires after 5 years. You will have to meet the requirements of physical presence in Canada, and you also have to be in Canada to renew it.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Cost of Application
Let’s have a look at the costs of application for both Canadian work permits and the permanent residency
Canada Work Permit: Application/Processing Fee
The processing fee for an open work permit is CAD 255 per person, while a closed work permit costs CAD 155 per person. Additional fees may apply if you are restoring a work permit.
Permanent Resident: Application/Processing Fee
Application fees vary for each route to attaining permanent residency. However, the application fee for the most used route to permanent residency, which is economic immigration costs CAD 1,365.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Voting rights
When it comes to the Canadian work permit and the permanent residency, both programs are not accorded voting rights in Canada, and they cannot run for any political/public office either.
Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency: Benefits
Benefits of the Canadian Work Permit
- Live and work in Canada.
- Access to Canada’s universal healthcare.
- Increased work experience.
- Option to migrate to Canada with your spouse and children
- Access to employee benefits.
- Access to apply for permanent residency.
- Generous parental/maternity leave benefits.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada
- Live and work in Canada.
- Access to cheaper education.
- Access to healthcare.
- Paved way to Canadian citizenship.
- Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and freedom.
- Easy access to starting your own business.
Which PNPs Offer Canadian Permanent Residency and Canadian Work Permits?
Getting nominated for a PNP will enable you to easily get permanent residency in Canada. as a permanent resident, you do not need to apply for a work permit, as you can work and live where ever you want.
Some of the easiest provinces to apply for PNPs are the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). You need not apply for a work permit when you obtain a permanent residency. However, if you first apply for an open work permit, you cannot apply for permanent residency.
Final Thoughts on Canada Work Permit vs Permanent Residency
We have compared the Canada work permit vs permanent residency, and you now know the differences, types, rights and obligations. However, the Canadian work permit and permanent residency offer various opportunities to their holders. Immigrants of working age and who intend to move to Canada solely for working reasons can apply for a work permit while in Canada. However, if you intend to live and work permanently in Canada, you should apply for permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions on Canada Work Permit Vs Permanent Residency
Are work permits and permanent residence the same?
No, the Canadian work permit and the permanent residency are two different visa programs.
Can I apply for both PR and a work permit in Canada?
Yes, you can apply for both the work permit and permanent residency, but they should be done separately.
How long can I stay in Canada with a work permit?
Most work permits are valid for 1-2 years.
Can I get 5 year work permit in Canada?
The maximum validity of the work permit (and the maximum to which it can be extended under a program) is 4 years.
Can I bring my family to Canada on a work permit?
Yes, some work permits provide options to relocate to Canada with your family.
How can I get PR after 1 year work permit in Canada?
Yes, you need a minimum of one year of work experience to be eligible to apply.
How many years can I get PR in Canada?
Being a Canadian permanent resident has no expiration date; however, you must renew your PR card after 5 years.
Can I get a 3 year work permit in Canada?
Yes, some work permits have validity periods of up to 3 years.
How much money is required for a work permit in Canada?
Open work permits cost about CAD 255, while closed work permits cost about CAD 155.
Can I stay in Canada with a work permit?
You’ll need a visa to stay in Canada; however, if your work permit expires, you can remain in Canada till a decision is made on your new work permit application.
Is Canadian PR a lifetime?
Yes, your Canadian permanent residency allows you to stay in Canada unlimitedly.
How can I get PR in Canada fast?
You can easily get permanent residency in Canada, depending on your entry route and how well you meet the requirements.
Which city is best for PR in Canada?
Most permanent residents in Canada often regard Toronto as one of the best cities to get permanent residency.
Which state is easy to get PR in Canada?
Most immigrants regard the Ontario and Nova Scotia provinces as the easiest provinces to get PR in Canada.
