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 Time7TR 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
The main TR to PR pathways in Canada are through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry system helps skilled workers transition from temporary to permanent residency based on their skills, education, and Canadian work experience.
The main streams under Express Entry are:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For those with at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
For skilled workers meeting eligibility criteria (67/100 points).
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
For qualified trades workers.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNP lets provinces nominate temporary residents who meet their labour market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing PR through Express Entry.
Disclaimer:
The 2026 TR to PR initiative is still in the planning stage, and full eligibility criteria have not yet been released. The information provided is based on current official announcements and may change once the Government of Canada publishes complete program details.
Eligibility for TR to PR Pathway Canada
Eligibility for the TR to PR pathway through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) generally requires applicants to
- Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada.
- Have Canadian work experience in skilled or priority occupations (especially healthcare, trades, transportation, STEM, and other in-demand fields).
- Meet the minimum language requirement (usually CLB 5–7 depending on the program and NOC level).
- Be physically present in Canada at the time of application.
- Pass medical, criminal, and security checks.
- Provide supporting documents such as proof of work experience, temporary status, language test results, and police certificates.
Disclaimer:
The complete eligibility requirements for the 2026 TR to PR initiative have not yet been released. The information above is based on current official announcements and may be updated once the Government of Canada publishes full program details.
What are the Requirements for TR to PR in Canada?
Requirements vary slightly between Express Entry programs and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), but the core TR to PR requirements for these two pathways include:
| Requirement | Details / Notes (Express Entry & PNP Only) |
|---|---|
| Valid Temporary Resident Status | You must be in Canada with legal status (worker, student, or visitor) at the time of applying and when the decision is made. |
| Skilled Work Experience | For Express Entry: at least 1 year of skilled work experience in the last 3 years (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
For PNP: provinces may require skilled work experience that matches their labour needs. |
| Work in Priority or In-Demand Sectors | Experience in healthcare, trades, transportation, STEM, construction, and other high-demand sectors increases eligibility for category-based Express Entry draws and PNP nominations. |
| Language Proficiency | Minimum language requirement varies:
|
| Education (as applicable) | Express Entry requires proof of education through Canadian credentials or an ECA for foreign education. PNP requirements vary by province. |
| Intent to Reside Outside Quebec | Applicants must plan to live in any Canadian province or territory except Quebec. |
| Admissibility | You must pass medical exams, police checks, and security screening. |
| Documentation | Includes proof of temporary status, work experience, education/ECA, language test results, police certificates, biometrics, etc. |
| CRS & Provincial Nomination | Express Entry requires meeting the CRS cut-off. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, nearly guaranteeing an ITA. |
Disclaimer:
The eligibility criteria for the 2026 TR to PR initiative under Express Entry and PNP have not been fully released. The information above reflects current official announcements and may change once the Government of Canada publishes complete program guidelines.
How to apply for TR to PR in Canada?
If you’re a temporary resident in Canada, the two main routes to permanent residency are Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to apply for TR to PR in Canada:
1. Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the criteria for Express Entry or a PNP stream, including:
- Valid temporary resident status
- Skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0–3)
- Required language scores (CLB 5–7)
- Education proof or ECA (if applicable)
- Intent to live outside Quebec
2. Gather Required Documents
Collect:
- Passport and status documents
- Employer reference letters with duties, hours, and salary
- Proof of skilled work experience
- Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP – valid for 2 years)
- ECA (if needed)
- Police certificates
- Medical exam (if instructed)
- Proof of funds (if required for FSWP or certain PNPs)
3. Create an Express Entry Profile or Apply for a PNP
Express Entry: Create a profile through your IRCC account and enter the pool.
PNP: Apply directly to a province. A nomination adds 600 CRS points, leading to an Express Entry ITA.
4. Receive ITA and Submit PR Application
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- Upload all documents
- Pay fees
- Submit your complete PR application through your IRCC portal
5. Provide Biometrics
After submission, complete biometrics at a Service Canada Centre or Visa Application Centre.
6. Track and Respond
Monitor your IRCC account, respond to additional document requests, and once approved, receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Disclaimer:
The full program details and eligibility requirements for the 2026 TR to PR initiative have not yet been released. The information above is based on current official updates and may change once the Government of Canada provides complete guidelines.
Canada TR to PR Processing Time
The processing time for TR to PR in Canada takes anywhere between 6 months to 1 year, depending on the pathway you choose.
Below is a clear breakdown of how long it typically takes to move from TR to PR in Canada:
1. Express Entry
- Processing Time: 5–6 months
- Fastest PR pathway for temporary residents.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Express Entry–aligned PNP: 6–8 months
- Base (non–Express Entry) PNP: 16–19 months
Disclaimer:
Processing times may change once the Government of Canada releases full details of the 2026 TR to PR initiative. Current timelines are based on existing program standards and may be updated when new guidelines are officially published.
TR to PR Pathway: Latest Update 2026
In the latest TR to PR pathway update for 2026, the Government of Canada has officially confirmed a one-time, two-year TR to PR initiative that will run from 2026 to 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
