Canadian Permanent Residency

Do I Need a Job to Immigrate to Canada?

No. Canada offers a number of pathways to Canadian permanent residency which do not require a job in Canada. The Federal Skilled Worker Program, and provincial nomination programs offer foreign nationals the opportunity to become Canadian permanent residents without a job in Canada or, indeed, any work experience in Canada. However, having a job in Canada can be a positive factor when applying for Canadian permanent residency and there is a pathway to permanent residency called the Canadian Experience Class Program which is focused on Canadian work experience.

Quite apart from the above, it is possible to become a permanent resident of Canada through family re-unification as a member of the Family Class. Members of the Family Class may include spouses of Canadian citizens.

As there are many different possible pathways to Canadian permanent residency, it is advisable to seek immigration assistance to identify the most suitable pathway

Can a Canadian Work Permit be Converted to Permanent Residency in Canada?

Canadian work experience is a positive factor in determining likelihood of obtaining Canadian permanent residency.

Under Canada’s Express Entry system of managing permanent residency applications, foreign nationals interested in applying for permanent residency are ranked using a point system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”). A foreign national can receive a maximum of 1,200 points under CRS. In this regard, for example, a foreign national can be assigned 130 points for 5 or more years of Canadian work experience in conjunction with 2 or more post-secondary credentials. For this purpose, Canadian experience must, amongst other things, be in prescribed management occupations or skilled work.

Equally, working in Canada may enable a foreign national to meet eligibility requirements for immigration programs managed by Express Entry. For example, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer is a pre-requisite for eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Similarly, for example, 1 or more years of Canadian work experience in skilled work is a pre-requisite for eligibility under the Canadian Experience Class Program

A valid work permit, in conjunction with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, may entitle a foreign national to skip the requirement to provide proof of financial resources under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades Programs.

How Much Money Do I Need to Immigrate to Canada?

The amount of money needed to immigrate to Canada will depend upon a number of factors. One factor is the pathway chosen to immigrate. 

For example, if you are applying for Canadian permanent residency based on the British Columbia Provincial Entrepreneurship Program, you will need to show personal net worth of at least CDN600,000. 

However, for example, if you are applying for Canadian permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (“FSWP”) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (“FSTP”) and you do not have a job in Canada, you will need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family (including your spouse and your children) even if those family members are not joining you in Canada. The minimum funds in this case will depend on the number of family members. As at March, 2022, in the case of an applicant with no family members, the minimum funds is CDN13,213 in the case of a couple, the minimum funds is CDN16,449. For a family of 4, the minimum funds is CDN24,553.