How to Travel Fast to Canada via Temporary Residence Visas and Stay Back Permanently Later

The JAPA Syndrome in Nigeria and even other African and Asian countries is not a new thing. In fact, it has been growing around other First World Countries like UK, Italy, USA, Australia, New Zealand among others. To travel to Canada quickly on a temporary residence visa and then transition to permanent residency, you can follow these routes and next steps:

Temporary Residence (TR) Visas

We have discussed the Canada TR routes through many of these written LinkedIn Newsletter articles and even relocation webinar sessions that are hosted mainly on our YouTube channel but now we will like to give a short summary of each of them whilst also giving our own researches through the recent contents we have shared on the internet. For immigrants asking about other viable ways to migrate to Canada, we will be discussing 4 other routes you can be eligible for which are under the temporary residence pathways namely;

Visitor Visa

A Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting short-term business. Watch the full details via this webinar! Here are the key details:

Types of Visitor Visas

1. Single-Entry Visa:

• Validity: Allows entry to Canada once. After leaving Canada, a new visa is required to re-enter (unless traveling to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and returning to Canada within the validity of the visa).

2. Multiple-Entry Visa:

• Validity: Allows multiple entries to Canada for up to 10 years or one month before the passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay can last up to six months.
• General Stay Validity: Up to 6 months.
• Processing Time: Usually a few weeks but can extend till months.
• Key Documents: Proof of ties to your home country, financial proof, invitation letter (if applicable).

Work Permit

A Canada Work Permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific period. Watch the full details via this webinar. Here's a detailed overview:

Types of Work Permits

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit:

• Tied to a Specific Employer: You can only work for the employer listed on your work permit.
• Job Offer Required: Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and, in most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• Conditions: The permit will include details such as the employer’s name, location of work, and the duration of employment.

2. Open Work Permit:

• No Specific Employer: Allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions).
• Eligibility: Typically granted under specific programs or situations, such as: Spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary foreign workers (like menial tasks) and international students. International Experience Canada (IEC) participants. Certain permanent residence applicants. Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, and their family members.

• Purpose: Employment.
• Types: Employer-specific (requires a job offer and usually a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)) or Open Work Permit (specific programs).
• Processing Time: Varies; can be a few weeks to several months.
• Key Documents: Job offer, LMIA (if applicable), proof of qualifications.

Study Permit

A Canada Study Permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Watch the full visa details via this webinar! Here’s an overview of the key aspects:

• Purpose: Studying at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Processing Time: Varies; typically a few weeks to a few months.
• Key Documents: Letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, medical exam (if required).

Working While Studying

• On-Campus Work: You can work on-campus without a work permit if you are a full-time student at a post-secondary DLI.
• Off-Campus Work: You can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided you meet certain eligibility criteria.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• Eligibility: If you complete a program of study at an eligible DLI, you may be eligible for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.

Asylum Seeking - Refugee

Seeking asylum in Canada involves applying for refugee status, which provides protection to individuals who face persecution or are at risk of serious harm in their home country. Watch the full details via this webinar! Here’s a detailed overview:

Definition and Eligibility

1. Refugee:

• A person who is outside their home country and is unable or unwilling to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

2. Asylum Seeker:

• A person who has left their home country and is seeking protection as a refugee but whose claim has not yet been legally recognized.

Types of Refugee Status

1. Convention Refugee:

• Recognized under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.

2. Person in Need of Protection:

• A person in Canada who would face danger of torture, risk to life, or risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if returned to their home country.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency

Many international students, visitor or tourist, temporary work permit holders and refugee claimant can switch their TR status to permanent residency through various programs such as;

Express Entry

• Programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades (FST).
• Requirements: Vary by program but generally include language proficiency, work experience, education.
• Pathway: Gain Canadian work experience (through work permit), apply for Express Entry, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Purpose: Each province has specific streams targeting workers, students, entrepreneurs.
• Pathway: Work/study in a province, receive a provincial nomination, apply for permanent residency.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)

• Regions: Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick).
• Pathway: Obtain a job offer in the Atlantic provinces, receive an endorsement, apply for permanent residency.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Purpose: For individuals with Canadian work experience.
• Requirements: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, language proficiency.
• Pathway: Gain work experience, apply through Express Entry under CEC.

Family Sponsorship

• Purpose: For spouses, common-law partners, children, and other eligible relatives.
• Requirements: Have a relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident willing to sponsor you.

Refugee Protection Granted: If your claim is accepted, you can apply for permanent residency as a protected person.

Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Grounds: In exceptional cases, individuals who do not qualify as refugees may apply for permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Appeals and Reviews

• Refugee Appeal Division (RAD): You can appeal a negative decision to the RAD if you are eligible.
• Judicial Review: If not eligible for RAD or if RAD appeal is unsuccessful, you may apply for a judicial review by the Federal Court.

Steps to Take

1. Choose the Right Temporary Visa: Determine whether a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit suits your initial travel needs.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents for your chosen temporary visa.
3. Submit Application: Apply for the temporary visa and await approval.
4. Travel to Canada: Upon receiving the visa, travel to Canada.
5. Gain Experience: If on a work or study permit, start gaining Canadian experience and integrating into the community.
6. Explore PR Options: While in Canada, research and decide the best pathway for permanent residency.
7. Apply for PR: Follow the specific application process for the chosen PR program.

Tips for a Successful Transition

• Networking: Build connections in your professional and community circles.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with immigration policy changes and new opportunities.
• Language Skills: Improve your English or French proficiency.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

By following these steps and planning strategically, you can increase your chances of successfully transitioning from a temporary resident to a permanent resident in Canada. Visit this and get started right away!

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To your international success,

A.O.S