Work Permit to PR in Canada: 2026 Guide
If you have been working in Canada for a number of years on a Canadian work permit, you may be interested in applying for permanent residence (PR) in Canada.
Contact Total Law for immediate help with your Canadian PR application. We are available to speak over the phone or by online video call.
Call +1 844 290 6312 today to get started.
Page Contents
- How to convert work permit to PR in Canada?
- Work Permit Routes to PR in Canada
- Canadian Experience Class to Permanent Residency
- Federal Skilled Worker Program to Permanent Residency
- Obtain PR Through the Provincial Nominee Programs
- Obtain PR Through the Quebec Experience Class
- Processing Time for the Different Pathways
- How Total Law Can Help You Moving from Work Permit to PR in Canada
- Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Convert Work Permit to PR in Canada?
You may be able to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada through the work permit route. In fact, obtaining a work permit in Canada is actually the first step for many towards settling permanently in the country.
Foreign nationals who come to work in Canada usually hold a W-1 visa. It allows the visa holders to enter Canada with a worker status. This visa comes in two main types: open work permit and employer-specific work permit. It is possible to transit from a W-1 visa to PR in Canada.
While a valid job offer and work experience in Canada both provide significant advantages, note that you must also meet other requirements (such as language skills, sufficient means of subsistence, educational qualifications, etc.) to be eligible to apply for PR,
TR to PR Route Closed in 2021
In this context, note that temporary foreign workers, who have permission to stay in Canada for a limited time period, are typically not eligible to take the work permit route to PR. The erstwhile temporary resident to permanent resident pathway closed in 2021.
Those who are still awaiting a decision on their PR application submitted in 2021, may apply for an open work permit until December 31, 2026.
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Work Permit Routes to PR in Canada
We have discussed in this article the four main work-based immigration programs that lead to permanent residency in Canada. These are the:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) including the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Quebec Experience Class (PEQ)
The CEC and the FSWP both come under the Express Entry system, which manages applications under several economic immigration programs in Canada. The system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates in the immigration pool.
Under the CRS, you will get points based on factors such as your age, education level, official language proficiency, skilled work experience, and such other attributes relevant to your economic success in Canada. Highest-ranking candidates or those who meet the requirements of specific draw categories are then invited to apply for PR in the country.
Work permit holders usually have a significant advantage while pursuing PR through Express Entry as work experience in Canada increases a candidate’s CRS score.
PNP. AIP and PEQ come under the provincial immigration route. If your job or profession is in demand in a particular Canadian province, you may be able to apply under one of these provincial programs.
Federal Skilled Worker Program to Permanent Residency
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a pathway for foreign skilled workers toward Canadian permanent residency. This route is suitable for those working as managers and supervisors, or in jobs that usually need a university degree, a college diploma or apprenticeship training.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, first you must have skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories in the NOC. This experience must correspond to the NOC of the job you want to use for your immigration application (called your primary occupation). In addition, you must:
- Have at least 1,560 hours of continuous, paid work experience in that skilled work role
- Have gained the said experience within the last 10 years in Canada or abroad
You will also require a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian Institution. If you had foreign education, you would require a completed credential and an ECA. You must also pass approved language tests in English or French for writing, reading, listening and speaking.
Selection Factor Points and Submitting an Express Entry Profile
Those who meet all the above requirements, will then be assessed for eligibility through selection factor points. The selection factors at this stage include language skills, education, skilled work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability of a candidate.
Out of an overall score of 100, an applicant must score 67 points or higher to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Following that, they can submit an Express Entry profile. If you receive an invitation to apply based on your Express Entry profile, you may then submit your application.
Canadian Experience Class to Permanent Residency
This is the best route for work permit to PR Canada. On this route, your Canadian work experience on a work permit will play a huge role to obtain Canada PR status.
Note that as part of this programme, foreign nationals must choose a region other than Quebec to settle. The rules in Quebec are separate in many ways from the rest of the Canadian territories.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, first you must have skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). In addition, you must:
- Have at least 1,560 hours of continuous, paid work experience in that skilled work role
- Have gained the said experience within the last 3 years in Canada (you must be authorized to work under temporary resident status)
To apply for Canadian permanent residency (PR) under the Canadian Experience Class, you must also meet or exceed the required level of language skills. There is no minimum education requirement for this route.
Ways to Improve Your Score in the Express Entry System
You can further improve your score in the Express Entry pool if you meet one of the following requirements:
- If you attended school in Canada, you may receive points for a certificate, diploma, or degree received from a Canadian institution (secondary or post-secondary)
- If you have received educational qualifications abroad, you may receive points if you have a completed educational credential and have an educational credential assessment (ECA) report verifying this
Obtain PR Through the Provincial Nominee Programs
Becoming a permanent resident of Canada via the Provincial Nominee Program is another popular route for those seeking to immigrate and obtain Canada PR. With this route, your work experience can show a province that you will be valuable to its labour market.
The territories consist of:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Out of these, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador programs fall under the Atlantic Immigration Program pathway. Notably, Quebec province is excluded from the list as it has its own different route.
How to Apply
There is no centralised system to apply for these programs. You must submit an application via the official website of each province. Here’s a step-by-step guide to submit your application:
- Create and submit an online application
- Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and facial photo)
- Pay the biometrics fee
- If you are currently working in Canada, identify whether you are eligible for a bridging open work permit
- Submit a medical exam certificate
- Submit a police or criminal record certificate
If your application is accepted, the next stage is confirming your PR. You must then submit your passport and pay your right of PR fee. Following payment, you can expect to receive the following:
- Confirmation of permanent residence (COPR)
- Permanent residence visa
- Letter with information outlining your immigration status and conditions of stay
Obtain PR Through the Quebec Experience Class
If you have work experience in Quebec, or you have studied there, you may qualify for the Quebec Experience Class, also known as the Programme de l’expérience Quebecoise (PEQ). It provides a fast-track way for foreign graduates and individuals with work experience in Quebec to obtain a Quebec selection certificate. It is mandatory to obtain this certificate to obtain PR status.
The goal is to make it easier for Quebec employers to hire young graduates of Quebec educational institutions and foreigners already in Quebec. If you are fluent in French and have legally acquired work experience in Quebec, the PEQ can be your ideal option for obtaining PR in Canada.
Note that this program was previously closed in November 2025. However, Quebec’s immigration ministry announced in June 2026 that the PEQ would re-open for a two-year period (i.e., from July 2, 2026, through to July 2, 2028). After June 2, 2028, it will close permanently.
The first phase runs from July 2 to October 31, 2026, focusing on foreign nationals who had qualified through both PEQ streams, i.e., the international graduate stream and the foreign worker stream.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Workers
To apply through the foreign worker stream, you must:
- Have had full-time work experience in Quebec for at least 24 months in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation at the time of the PEQ’s closure in November 2025
- Are working full-time on a valid work permit for a Quebec employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation at the time of your application
- Are not employed in an ineligible sector
Full-time work experience acquired as an international student on a Post-Graduation Work Permit or under a Youth Exchange/International Experience Canada (IEC) Program may be considered. However, any period of part-time work, self-employment, or entrepreneurial work will not be taken into consideration.
In addition, you must have a knowledge of spoken French corresponding to a level 7 per the Quebec scale of French Proficiency levels.
In the majority of cases, applicants may receive a decision on their application in less than one month. Alternatively, you can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, which also leads to PR.
Processing Time for the Different Pathways
The abovementioned pathways to obtain a PR Canada via the work permit route involve different application processing times. Here’s an estimated timeline as of August 2026:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 6 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 6 months
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 7 months
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): 26 months
- Quebec Experience Class (PEQ): 6 months
However, this timeline may increase if you submit an incomplete application or the concerned authorities require additional documentation from you.
How Total Law Can Help You Moving from Work Permit to PR in Canada
If you are currently in Canada on a work permit or are looking to use the job route to become a permanent resident, we can help. We understand that it is not always easy moving from temporary resident status to permanent resident status, but we can help you sift through the many routes to choose the one that will best help your chances of obtaining a Canadian PR.
We’d provide advice specific to your circumstances, ensure you are eligible, advise on the documents and proof that will help your application, help fill out all application forms and liaise with the IRCC were necessary to maximise your chances of success.
To get started with moving from a work permit to Canada PR, get in touch with us today by calling us at +1 844 290 6312 or reaching out to us via live chat.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
A work permit and permanent residence are two separate entities. The difference is that a work permit is issued to a non-Canadian citizen or permanent resident to work in a particular role for a time-limited period.
On the other hand, permanent residence refers to the immigration status just below citizenship, giving certain qualifying immigrants the freedom to live, work, and travel within Canada without almost any restrictions.
Permanent residents (PR) are issued with PR cards stating their immigration status and personal details. Eligible individuals may apply for Canadian citizenship after five years of qualifying residence in Canada, and if they meet other requirements.
The quickest options from work permit to PR in Canada are the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry.
No, submitting a permanent residence application via a work permit is not the only route available. You may be able to apply under the Family Sponsorship, Self-Employed Persons Program, or other routes (e.g., Canadian Family Visas).
Most PR cards in Canada are valid for up to five years. Occasionally, your PR card may have only one year of validity. However, your PR status in Canada does not expire along with your PR Card. You will just have to keep on renewing your card to maintain your valid PR status in Canada.
