From Study Permits to Permanent Residency

Last Updated on: 16th August 2024, 09:57 am

How Immigration Consultants Can Assist You at Every Stage of Your Immigration Journey

Many that enter Canada on a study permit indeed enjoy living there. With that in mind, study permits do turn into seeking permanent residency requests. Canada does have strict requirements however for permanent residency, and considers its citizens first.

Reports by Statistics Canada clearly show that temporary foreign residency students applying for residency are increasing since 2014. Because of this stricter requirements to attract more educated students became the norm and were added by the Canadian Government.

The requirements are generally led by the LMIA (Labour Management Impact Assessment) that the Canadian Government uses as a first step in the decision process. Canadian companies must show a need for a foreign worker, to ensure that Canadian citizens do not fall behind in the job market.

Since the process of moving from a study permit to permanent residency can be a lengthy and tedious process, many individuals turn to an Immigration Consultant. The journey can be simplified using an Immigration Consultant as they are specially trained in the process. They also must be licensed.

Many types of residency programs exist in Canada 

There are dozens of types of programs, from Spousal Programs to Federal Skilled Worker programs. Even self-employed programs exist. The Canadian Government also has Provincial Requirements in many cases which overlap with the Student Study Permits processes when transitioning to Permanent Residency.

It can be quite confusing for any student in Canada to decide which program best will lead to success in establishing permanent residency in Canada.  The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which enhances the economy of the province chosen, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Skilled Worker Trades Program are but just a few.

Students in Canada have many options therefore to obtain permanent residency. It is difficult to know where to start the processes and of course, when to start the processes. An Express Entry Program exists, as does a Continuing Education Program in addition to the ones mentioned above. It can be quite confusing.

Why the need for an Immigration Consultant? 

This usually occurs when one of two things happens. Either a student applies for residency themselves and the application is rejected, or the constant changes of the residency requirements, especially in the Express Entry occur so often that no student can keep up to date quickly enough to actually see an application through to completion and acceptance.

Depending upon the “field of need”, the Canadian Government can and does change the requirements to reflect the needs of the country as a whole and of course, the province in which a student is seeking permanent residency.

The overlap of programs can hasten the process but only an Immigration Consultant with experience and licensure can usually assist in completion. The process of immigration for students is daunting to do by oneself.

Acceptance for permanent residency can have a long time-frame and of course, denials do occur frequently. Records are extensively needed such as police records, workplace records, university records, etc.

Processing times vary depending on the number of applications and the types of workers that the LMIA is also seeking. Even with a licensed Immigration Consultant onboard, it can take six months or longer to have an application processed.

Immigration Consultants can facilitate the process of immigration 

Consultants have the knowledge that the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) does need to process applications quickly and efficiently. A visit to the website of the IRCC can show the types of documentation and processes involved.

The steps to proper application are necessary as a denial only prolongs the process and a student might very well need to leave Canada without being approved for residency if a timely manner of approval does not occur.

The Government of Canada also provides a Help Centre for immigration 

The steps are spelled out there but must be followed exactly:

• Fill out and file the online application provided by the Canadian Government.
• Uploading of all required documents listed in the order listed.
• Payment needs to be made for all fees that are listed.
• Submit the application after going over it thoroughly.
• Wait for a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which should arrive with a Resident Visa if approval takes place. The Port of Entry Letter is needed as although a student is studying in Canada, they are considered “tourists” until permanent residency occurs. This does require a Permanent Residency Visa.
• There will be a scheduled interview with an Officer of Immigration usually, at which time final approval will be made or denied.

Additional requirements can include a letter from the University of attendance, as well as in some cases, the need to speak the language of preference in the Province of requested residence.

Quebec can be a challenge in this case as it is mostly French-speaking as the main language. Tests of any language skills might be needed for Quebec and some other provinces.

Quebec also can be challenging for a student to obtain permanent residency as even when French is spoken well, the Provincial Government there is trying to maintain a certain amount of populace, in contrast to the Federal Guidelines. Quebec values its identity as a small, warm, French-style province.

Employment while being a student can enhance Residency Approval 

If a student is also employed within Canada, this does enhance the chances of approval for Student Residency immensely, but it does add the requirement of a letter from an employer stating the time of employment which generally is approximately 6 months or even more.

This does cause overlap with other programs, and with Canada’s focus on prosperity for its existing residents, this does make sense. Remaining a fine place to live and work for those already in Canada will always be a priority.

Summary

The task of becoming a permanent resident of Canada under a study permit is not an easy journey. A good Immigration Consultant will indeed speed up the process and assist in the journey toward residency.

While many students do attempt this journey on their own, any small misstep will cause rejection and the process will need to be started all over again each time. Each journey is different and an Immigration Consultant will make yours unique and successful!

Assad B.

I'm a fully licensed Immigration Consultant based in Toronto. My goal is to make your immigration journey as smooth and successful as possible. Follow my blog to stay informed on the latest immigration updates, tips, and insights to help you achieve your goals in Canada.