What is the Difference Between a Work Permit and Permanent Residency (PR) Status for Canada?
In this article, you will learn about what is the difference between a work permit and permanent residency(PR) status for Canada.QICMS discussed some common questions we receive from people seeking immigration through finance solutions: what are the variations in having Canadian permanent residency and U.S. permanent residency (U.S. Green Card), and what advantages does each provide to the applicants and to their family members?
One thing we like to highlight is that researching Residency (or Citizenship) by Investment Programs is essential for understanding which one is right for you and for your family, whether it is in Europe, Canada, or the United States. This means knowing what a program’s application requirements are, what kind of visa status is granted, and what benefits the program provides applicants and family to receive.
Many of our program queries involve Canada and what all program offers, such as the type of residency status that is allowed. Canada offers 20 Residency by Investment Programs that includes the popular QIIP (Quebec Immigrant Investor Program), 13 Provincial Nominee Programs, and several federal programs. Like any other residency program in the world, Canadian immigration programs each have particular requirements, which foreign investors must meet to apply and qualify. More importantly, any Canadian residency program grants a type of an immigration visa: Canadian PR (Permanent Residency) or a Canadian WP (Work Permit). For this Canada Visitor Visa Service are always available for providing the best services.
This difference in residency status is usually seen among the PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs), such as the MPNP-B (Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business) and the BCPNP (British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program). Each grants a different type of immigration visa, and for many, the type of immigration visa that is given is the most important part when choosing between Canadian immigration programs.
Today we will outline basic differences in obtaining Canadian PR (Permanent Residency) and a Canadian WP (Work Permit) through investment in a PNP (Provincial Nominee Program). It is important to keep in mind that selecting which program suits your immigration needs depends on your personal conditions and should be discussed in depth with a qualified immigration consultant.
Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) vs. Canadian Work Permit (WP)
First, it helps to define what Canadian PR (Permanent Residency) and Canadian WP (Work Permit) actually means. PR (Permanent Residence) is a legal status that allows an immigrant to legally live and earn anywhere in Canada. A WP (Work Permit) is written permission to work in Canada which is issued by an officer to a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a PR of Canada. Normally, it is valid only for a specified job or a business.
For business immigration to Canada, PR is issued to immigrant investors who do a substantial contribution to the Canadian economy. Investors and their qualified dependents are allowed permanent residency status to study, work, and live anywhere in Canada, as well as suitable for most common benefits granted to Canadian citizens. However, it is important to note that some Canadian PNPs require candidates to reveal their purpose to live in a specific province, i.e. Manitoba, but may live anywhere in Canada once PR is officially granted.
Canadian WP (Work Permits) are issued by Canadian Government officials, who allow foreigners with target skills to work for a Canadian employer/business. Both the employer and job are distinct to the WP given, including the province or location the holder can live while in Canada. In respect to all PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs), work permits are assigned to foreign investors with experience in entrepreneurship, business ownership, and management, or even work experience related to the program of interest. Unlike PR status, applicants for a Canadian WP (Work Permit) must also apply for a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), which is separate from the permit itself.
Many people ask about applying for PR (Permanent Residency) status as a work permit holder. While it is surely not impossible in this situation, applicants should expect a lengthy process ahead. Moreover, applying for PR (Permanent Residency) as a work permit holder is not guaranteed, in this, he/ she must first receive a nomination to apply in addition to meet the eligibility criteria. This also involves replacing a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) if the work permit expires while applying for Canadian permanent residency, and in some cases, applying for Permanent Residency is just not permitted by the individuals’ work permit circumstances.
Applicants from a visa exempt country are not required to obtain a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa). In this case, visa exempt nationals must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before their departure to Canada. But, U.S. citizens or the Green Card holders (Permanent Residents) are not required to obtain either.
Which PNPs Offer Canadian PR (Permanent Residency) and Canadian WP (Work Permits)?
Within 13 Provincial Nominee Programs, 6 programs offer applicants Canadian PR (Permanent Residency) and 7 programs offer a Canadian WP (Work Permit).
PNPs offering Canadian PR (Permanent residency) are as follows:
● AINP (Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program) – Self-Employed Farmer Stream
● MPNP-B (Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business)
● PEI-PNP (Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program) – Partial Ownership
● PEI-PNP (Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program) – 100% Ownership
● SINP (Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program) – Farm Owner/Operator Category
PNPs Offering a Canadian WP (Work Permit) are as Follows:
● BCPNP (British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program)
● NTNP (Northwest Territories Nominee Program)
● OINP (Ontario Nominee Program) – Corporate Stream
● OINP (Ontario Nominee Program) – Entrepreneur Stream
● SINP (Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program) – Entrepreneur Category
● YBNP (Yukon Business Nominee Program)
● NSNP (Nova Scotia Nominee Program) – Entrepreneur Stream
