Move to Canada on temp work visa then get PR?

Yes, you can move to Canada under a temporary work visa and later apply for permanent residency (PR), provided you meet certain eligibility criteria. This is a common immigration pathway used by foreign workers in Canada.

Here's how it generally works:

1. Obtain a Temporary Work Permit

• You must first receive a job offer from a Canadian employer.

• The employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless the job is LMIA-exempt.

• Once approved, you apply for a Temporary Work Permit and enter Canada legally.

2. Gain Canadian Work Experience

• Work in Canada under the terms of your permit.

• Ideally, your job should be full-time and skilled (classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

3. Apply for Permanent Residency

You may apply for PR through several programs, such as:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry – for those with at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – some provinces nominate temporary workers for PR based on local labor market needs.

• Agri-Food Pilot, Home Child Care Provider Pilot, or other occupation-specific PR pathways.

• Atlantic Immigration Program – for workers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

4. Maintain Legal Status

Ensure your work permit remains valid while your PR application is being processed, or apply for a bridging open work permit if eligible.

Summary:

Yes, you can move to Canada on a temporary work visa and later transition to permanent residency through Express Entry, PNP, or other pathways. Success depends on your job type, work experience in Canada, language ability, and meeting program requirements.