How to Easily Change My Visiting Visa to PR Visa in Canada

By admin (July 29, 2024)

How to Easily Change My Visiting Visa to PR Visa in Canada

It is one of the most visited countries in the world, particularly by tourists, students, and professionals. This makes many people come to Canada with a temporary visa, then realize that they would like to stay permanently. If you find yourself asking the question, “How do I easily turn my visitor’s visa into a PR visa in Canada”, then this guide shall help take you through all the steps involved. Turning a visit visa into permanent residence may sound very difficult, but in reality, with proper information and correct preparation, it’s quite achievable.

Understanding Canada’s PR Visa

A permanent residency visa to Canada is the means toward residing and working in Canada indefinitely. As a permanent resident, you will enjoy almost all amenities and services that are available to Canadian citizens, including health and social services. Remember, however, that you will renew your PR card every five years and fulfill requirements applying to your residence.

Eligibility Criteria for PR Visa in Canada

While looking forward to how to change my visiting visa to a PR visa in Canada easily, understanding the eligibility would be very instrumental. Here are the major ones:

  • Valid Temporary Status: You should hold a valid temporary visa, meaning you are legally in Canada, having a temporary visitor’s visa, student visa, or work visa.
  • Eligible PR Program: You need to be eligible for any one permanent residency program offered by Canada, either Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or Family Sponsorship

.

  • Medical and Security Clearances: You will seek medical clearance and security clearance as part of your PR application.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Easily Change My Visiting Visa to PR Visa in Canada

1. Check Your Eligibility:

First and foremost in changing a visiting visa into a PR visa in Canada is the eligibility issue. Check the many different programs available for a PR visa to know what you are eligible for. Some of the common ones include: 

  • Express Entry: For Skilled Workers
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): The ones who have been nominated for any Canadian province or territory by any province
  • Family Sponsorship: It involves those with a family member who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Canadian Experience Class: This occurs in a situation whereby you have work experience in a skilled area in Canada.

2. Collect the Required Documents

In case you find yourself eligible, then go ahead and gather all the documents required. This, in most cases, includes:

  • Proof of Identity: It must contain your valid passport and your birth certificate.
  • Proof of Status in Canada: You are expected to provide a copy of your valid visa
  • Educational Credentials: Attach all your diplomas, degrees, and transcripts
  • Language Proficiency: Attach IELTS or CELPIP test results
  • Work Experience: Attach letters of employment, payslips, and reference letters
  • Medical and Security Documents: Attach all police certificates and medical examination results.

3. Express Entry Profile

In the case of an application through the Express Entry, you would have to create an online Express Entry profile specifying your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal details. You are then given a CRS score based on this information.

Do the following to improve your CRS score for obtaining an ITA for a PR visa in Canada: Improve language test score

  • Work Experience living
  • Bring job offer from Canada
  • Getting Provincial Nomination

4. Apply to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Now, if you are planning to apply for any Provincial Nominee Program, research the requirements of the province where you would like to stay. All these have their own set of criteria and application procedure to be followed. Now, after doing this, apply for the PR visa in Canada through the Express Entry system or directly with IRCC.

5. Submit Your Application

You can only submit an application for a PR when you receive an ITA or a provincial nomination. Fill out all forms with attachments of all documents in the list. Now, pay all fees for the application and apply online through the IRCC online portal.

6. Wait for Processing

Well, it depends on the type of program, but mainly it hugely depends on the volume of the applications. While you are waiting, ensure that your temporary visa is valid by applying for an extension if you have to. You may even have to appear for an interview or provide more information.

7. Get a confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

It will then be returned upon approval, accompanied by a Confirmation of Permanent Residence and a permanent resident visa. You are required to travel to a port-of-entry to complete the landing process, where you will then become an official permanent resident of Canada.

How to Make Your Application a Success

The following will ensure that everything goes well:

  • Be Organized: Be sure to keep records of all the important deadlines and documents.
  • Seek Professional Help: Consider hiring an immigration consultant or an immigration attorney.
  • Be Honest: Provide your application with truthful and factual information.
  • Prepare for Medical and Security Checks: Make sure to do these as early as possible to avoid delays.

Application for a visiting visa and the change of status to PR visa is an intricate process within Canada. It is going to be easy to transit if one plans carefully and prepares with a deep understanding of the eligibility criteria, the kind of documents that one requires, and a step-by-step guide on this transition. All it takes is getting the right information at the right time and making things happen. If you do it right, you will therefore achieve the sojourn goal of permanent residency in Canada, and enjoy all the attendant benefits.

Still wondering, “How easily can I change my visiting visa to a PR visa in Canada”? Now, take the first step to see if you are eligible and various PR programs available. Determination coupled with the right guidance brings you closer to realizing your dream of permanent residency in Canada.