TR to PR in Canada is one of the most exciting opportunities for temporary residents who dream of building a long-term future in the country. Whether you’re an international student completing your studies, a skilled worker gaining Canadian experience, or someone planning to migrate to Canada from India through provincial or employer-driven programs provincial and employer-driven options, Canada offers multiple routes to secure permanent residency, along with abundant job opportunities in Canada.
With new updates and clearer policies set for 2026, the transition from temporary to permanent status is more structured, accessible, and rewarding than ever. This guide will walk you through the key programs, eligibility rules, and timelines helping you plan your journey with confidence. Let’s go.
Table Of Content
1What is TR to PR in Canada?2TR to PR Pathway in Canada3Eligibility for TR to PR Pathway Canada4What are the Requirements for TR to PR in Canada?5How to apply for TR to PR in Canada?6Canada TR to PR Processing Tim7TR to PR Pathway: Latest Update 20268Conclusion9Frequently Asked Questions
What is TR to PR in Canada?
The TR to PR Canada is a special immigration program that helps people who are already living in Canada temporarily like students, temporary workers, and essential workers make a smoother transition to become permanent residents.
Permanent residency means you have the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely with access to many benefits like healthcare, social services, and more job flexibility.
This program is designed to recognize the contributions of temporary residents and give them a chance to settle permanently in Canada and build their future here.
It’s an opportunity for those already part of Canadian life to take the next step toward staying long-term.
TR to PR Pathway in Canada
Canada offers multiple immigration programs that allow temporary residents to transition to permanent residency based on their work experience, skills, education, or family ties.
The main TR to PR pathways in Canada are Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), PGWP to PR Pathway for International Students, Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Family Sponsorship, and Employer-Specific Work Permits to PR.
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Express Entry
CEC helps skilled workers already in Canada gain PR quickly through their Canadian work experience.
Ideal for: International students with PGWP, Temporary foreign workers
Requirements: At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0–3), work within last 3 years, CLB 7 (TEER 0/1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2/3), valid temporary resident status in Canada
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – Express Entry
FSWP allows skilled workers outside Canada or in specific provinces to secure PR based on provincial labour needs.
Ideal for: Skilled workers outside Canada or in a specific province
Requirements: Apply to a province, meet 67/100 eligibility score, enter Express Entry pool, provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – Express Entry
FSTP supports international graduates and skilled trades workers in gaining Canadian work experience to qualify for PR.
Ideal for: International graduates completing studies in Canada, skilled trades workers
Requirements: Program completion at a DLI, PGWP up to 3 years, skilled Canadian job experience, eligible for PR via CEC, PNP, or AIP/RNIP
4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
AIP helps workers and graduates move to Atlantic provinces with employer support and easier PR requirements.
Ideal for: Workers or graduates in Atlantic provinces (NS, NB, PEI, NL)
Requirements: Job offer from designated Atlantic employer, minimum 1 year work experience (some exceptions for graduates), CLB 4+, high school or above
5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNP allows provinces to nominate skilled workers for PR based on labour market needs and eligibility criteria.
Ideal for: Skilled workers with limited Canadian experience but strong qualifications
Requirements: Meet eligibility score (67/100), enter Express Entry pool, get CRS score, receive ITA
6. PGWP → PR Pathway
This pathway helps skilled trades workers in Canada transition from a PGWP to permanent residency.
Ideal for: Skilled trades workers in Canada (electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, chefs, heavy equipment operators)
Requirements: Valid job offer or certificate of qualification, CLB 4/5, enter Express Entry and receive ITA
7. Family Class – Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship allows temporary residents married to Canadian citizens or PR holders to gain PR quickly.
Ideal for: Temporary residents married or in common-law relationship with Canadian citizen/PR
Requirements: Genuine relationship, sponsor meets financial/eligibility criteria, applicant inside Canada for inland sponsorship
8. Employer-Specific Work Permits → PR
Many temporary foreign workers start with employer-specific permits and later transition to PR through multiple programs.
Ideal for: Temporary foreign workers on LMIA-based, employer-specific, or IMP permits
Requirements: Apply via CEC, employer-driven PNP streams, Agri-Food Pilot, Caregiver Pilots, or AIP
Eligibility for TR to PR Pathway Canada
Eligibility for the TR to PR in Canada generally requires applicants to:
- Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor.
- Have work experience in eligible occupations, especially in essential sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, construction, and food production.
- For international graduates, have completed studies at an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution and gained Canadian work experience, often through a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Meet minimum language proficiency requirements, usually Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher, depending on the specific stream and job type.
- Be physically present in Canada at the time of application and approval.
- Pass medical, criminal, and security background checks.
- Provide required documentation including proof of temporary status, work experience or educational credentials, language test results, and police certificates.
Additional criteria may apply depending on the specific stream (e.g., healthcare workers or French-speaking candidates may have specialized requirements) and provincial nomination programs may influence TR to PR eligibility further. The pathway is designed to prioritize individuals who have contributed to Canada’s economy and society while living temporarily in Canada, offering them a streamlined route to permanent residence.
What are the Requirements for TR to PR in Canada?
Depending on which “stream” you qualified under, requirements varied slightly. But general eligibility included the following, covering key Canada PR requirements:
| Requirement | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid temporary resident status | You must be physically in Canada and have legal status (work permit, study permit, etc.) when you apply and also when the decision is made. |
| Eligible current employment / status | For “Workers in Canada” streams: you must be employed (not self-employed, except limited exceptions), paid by an employer, and authorized to work.
For “Recent international graduates” stream: you must have graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) with an eligible credential. |
| Work experience (for worker streams) | For many streams: at least 1 year of work (≈ 1,560 hours) within the past 3 years, in eligible occupations under Chanada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). |
| Language proficiency | Must meet minimum language requirements in English or French: usually CLB/NCLC level 4 (or higher depending on stream/language) for workers; graduates may require higher (CLB/NCLC 5). |
| Residence intent | Applicants must plan to live outside of Québec (unless a Quebec-specific path applies). |
| Admissibility (health, security, etc.) | Medical exam, police certificates for you (and family members, if included) may be required. |
| Proper documentation | Proof of status, work permit, employer reference letter (salary, hours, duties), biometric submission, etc. |
How to apply for TR to PR in Canada?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to apply for TR to PR in Canada:
1. Check Eligibility
Review IRCC website for current TR to PR streams (e.g., essential workers, graduates) and confirm you meet criteria like 1 year Canadian work experience, language CLB 4/5, valid temporary status, and no Quebec intent.
2. Gather Documents
Collect proof of status (permits, passports), language results (IELTS/CELPIP <2 years old), police certificates (6+ months residency), employer letters (1,560 hours, duties, salary), education credentials/ECA, medical exam if instructed, family docs, and photos.
3. Create IRCC Account
Log into or set up an online IRCC secure account; use the TR to PR portal during announced open periods (check IRCC for 2025-2026 intake dates and caps).
4. Pay Fees and Upload
Pay processing fee + right of permanent residence fee online; scan and upload all docs per checklist, include UCI if applicable, and submit application.
5. Submit Biometrics
Receive Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL); attend Service Canada or Visa Application Centre within 30 days for fingerprints/photo (family too if included).
6. Track and Respond
Monitor status via account; reply to requests promptly (e.g., more docs, interview); upon approval, get COPR and land as a permanent resident.
Canada TR to PR Processing Time
Below is a clear breakdown of how long it typically takes to move from TR to PR in Canada.
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC – Express Entry)
- Processing Time: 5–6 months
- Fastest PR pathway for temporary workers and PGWP holders
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Express Entry–aligned PNP: 6–8 months
- Base (non–Express Entry) PNP: 16–19 months
3. PGWP → PR
No separate timeline — processed through CEC or PNP
- CEC: 5–6 months
- PNP: 6–8 or 16–19 months
4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Processing Time: 12–13 months
5. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP – Express Entry)
- Processing Time: 6 months
6. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP – Express Entry)
- Processing Time: 6 months
7. Family Class – Spousal Sponsorship
- Inland Sponsorship: 23–34 months
- Outland Sponsorship: 15–20 months
8. Employer-Specific Work Permit → PR
Timeline depends on PR program selected
- CEC: 5–6 months
- PNP: 6–8 or 16–19 months
- AIP: 12–13 months
TR to PR Pathway: Latest Update 2026
In the TR to PR pathway latest update, the Government of Canada has officially confirmed a one-time, two-year TR to PR initiative that will begin in 2026 and run through 2027. This program aims to provide a pathway to permanent residence for up to 33,000 temporary work permit holders, helping them transition into long-term contributors to the Canadian economy and society.
This upcoming initiative will be highly targeted, focusing on:
- Temporary residents who have already built strong roots in their communities
- Individuals who are paying taxes, working consistently, and contributing to Canada’s labour force
- Workers in priority, in-demand sectors, likely aligned with the recent Category-Based Express Entry draws such as healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, STEM occupations, and other shortage areas
It is important to note that this is not a revival of the broad, open 2021 TR to PR program. The 2026 version is expected to be much more selective, smaller in scale, and designed to target specific labour gaps rather than offer a general pathway for all temporary residents.
While the government has confirmed the intake cap of 33,000 applicants and the two-year timeline (2026–2027), the exact eligibility criteria, such as required Canadian work experience, minimum language levels, qualifying NOC codes, or CRS expectations have not yet been released.
More program details and eligibility requirements are expected to be announced closer to the launch of the initiative in 2026.
Conclusion
The TR to PR in Canada remains one of the most promising routes for workers, graduates, and families already living in the country. With Canada’s 2026 immigration strategy focused on retaining in-country talent, temporary residents now have clearer and more accessible options to transition into permanent residency. Programs like Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, regional pilots, and employer-driven streams offer multiple opportunities based on skills, Canadian experience, and provincial labour needs.
As Canada immigration policies continue to evolve, staying informed through official IRCC updates and trusted news sources is crucial. Preparing your documents early, gaining eligible work experience, and choosing the right program can significantly strengthen your chances of approval. Canada continues to prioritize individuals who contribute to its economy and communities, making the TR to PR journey achievable for thousands each year. With proper planning and guidance, securing Canada PR in 2026 is more realistic than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
