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Please note that this article has been archived. The information contained may be out of date.

Update — November 5, 2021 — The TR to PR pathway streams are closed as of November 5 after the Government of Canada opted not to extend the application intake period. The information below is for reference only, as you will not be able to submit an application once the program closes.

The TR to PR pathway applicant portal can be accessed here.

Update — July 26, 2021 — Canada has introduced a new open work permit program for individuals who have applied through the recently opened TR to PR pathway to permanent residence for essential workers and international graduates. Similar to the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), this new open work permit program enables applicants whose work permits are expiring within four months to apply for a new open work permit. This will allow TR to PR pathway applicants to continue working while their permanent residence is being processed.

The new open work permit program is accepting applications as of July 26, 2021. In order to qualify for this one-time open work permit, applicants must show that they:

  • have successfully submitted an application under one of the new permanent residence pathway’s streams
  • held a valid work permit, or were authorized to work without a work permit, at the time their permanent residence application was submitted
  • hold a valid work permit that is set to expire within the next 4 months
  • have temporary resident status, maintained status or are eligible to restore their status at the time their open work permit application is submitted
  • are in Canada at the time their open work permit application is submitted
  • were employed in any occupation at the time their permanent residence application was submitted
  • meet the language requirements of the stream under which they applied at the time their permanent residence application was submitted

Full details on the new open work permit program, including details on how to apply, can be found on the IRCC website here.

Overview of the TR to PR pathway

Canada’s new permanent residence pathways for essential workers and graduates, known as the TR to PR pathway, is a response to Canada’s need for immigration as a means to help grow the economy and add much-needed talent and labour to the workforce.

For eligible workers, the TR to PR pathway is an exciting, and perhaps unexpected, way to transition to permanent residence in Canada from their current temporary status (hence “TR to PR”).

More than 90,000 temporary residents in Canada have the opportunity to become permanent residents this year through six new TR to PR pathway immigration pathways that officially launched on May 6. These new Canadian immigration pathways target essential workers, international students, and French speakers. These new TR to PR pathway immigration programs further Canada’s initiative to help more temporary residents in Canada to remain in the country permanently.

Check your eligibility for Canada’s TR to PR pathway programs by completing the assessment form on this page! This form was designed by Deanne Acres-Lans, one of our recommended Canadian immigration consultants and founder of Canada Abroad.

The TR to PR pathway programs were announced on April 14 by Marco Mendicino, Canada’s immigration minister. The programs will accept applications until November 5, 2021, or until the program quota is reached. You can view the spaces remaining in each stream here.

Notably, French-speaking candidates are exempt from the quotas. The new pathways are deemed “temporary public policies,” which suggests that they may not be permanent fixtures in the landscape of immigration — although an extension is always possible.

TR to PR pathway applicants are eligible to apply with their spouse or partner and dependent children, giving families the opportunity to obtain Canadian permanent residence together.

Skip ahead to view the eligibility criteria and application process you’re most interested in.

Eligibility for Canada’s TR to PR immigration streams for essential workers

Essential workers, who have been critical to Canada’s ongoing management of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be eligible to apply through two different streams: one for temporary workers in 40 health care occupations — which has a quota of 20,000, and one for temporary workers in 95 other essential services occupations — which has a quota of 30,000. You can view the spaces remaining in each stream here.

French-speakers have their own additional streams — the criteria are identical, except for the French-language requirement, and French-speakers are exempt from the quotas.

Canadian work experience

To apply through the essential workers immigration streams, candidates must have at least one year of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount in part-time experience (1,560 hours), gained within Canada in the three years prior to submitting an application.

For the healthcare workers stream, the Canadian work experience must be in one or more of the eligible healthcare occupations. For the non-healthcare workers streams, the Canadian work experience must be in one or more of the eligible non-healthcare occupations (experience in the healthcare occupations can also be combined to apply through this stream).

For TR to PR pathway eligible occupations, please refer to the lists at the bottom of this page.

Current employment in Canada

Candidates must be currently employed in Canada at the time they apply. Notably, this current employment can be in any occupation — it does not have to be in an occupation on one of the eligible occupation lists. As well, the government guidelines do not specify that the current employment needs to be full-time, suggesting that part-time employment will be sufficient.

Language Proficiency

Candidates must submit results from an approved language test in either English or French showing results consistent with the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 4 (CLB 4). Remember, French-speakers are exempt from the program quotas.

Other criteria

In addition to the eligibility criteria listed above, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • be in Canada on valid status (or eligible to restore status),
  • be physically present in Canada at the time the application is submitted and at the time the application is approved,
  • have the intention to reside outside the province of Quebec, and
  • be criminally and medically admissible to Canada.

Eligibility for Canada’s TR to PR pathway immigration streams for international graduates

These TR to PR pathway streams are for international graduates from Canadian post-secondary schools. The stream for English-speakers reached its quota of 40,000 applications and is now closed. French-speakers are exempt from the quota and can apply at any time while the applications are open between May 6 and November 5, 2021.

Qualifying Canadian educational credential

To apply through the international graduates stream, candidates must have completed a program of study at an eligible institution in Canada no earlier than January 2017. Only the following types of educational credentials are eligible:

  • a degree issued upon completion of a program at least 8 months in duration
  • a degree, diploma, certificate, or attestation issued upon completion of a program of any duration, so long as it has lead to an occupation in a skilled trade (refer to the list of eligible trades occupations at the bottom of this page)
  • one more diplomas/certificates/attestations where the following conditions are met:
    • For diplomas/certificates/attestations, each program of study must be at least 8 months in duration and the combined length of the credential(s) must be equivalent to a two-year credential (at least 16 months in duration).
    • For the DVS and AVS, each program of study must be at least 900 hours in duration and the combined program of study must be at least 1,800 hours in duration.

Current employment in Canada

Candidates must be currently employed in Canada at the time they apply with a valid permit or authorization to work. Notably, this current employment can be in any occupation. As well, the government guidelines do not specify that the current employment needs to be full-time, suggesting that part-time employment will be sufficient.

Language Proficiency

Candidates must submit results from an approved language test in either English or French showing results consistent with the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 5 (CLB 5). Remember, French-speakers are exempt from the program quotas. All applicants need to submit language test results, even if their qualifying educational credential is for an english program.

Other criteria

In addition to the eligibility criteria listed above, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • be in Canada on valid status (or eligible to restore status),
  • be physically present in Canada at the time the application is submitted and at the time the application is approved,
  • have the intention to reside outside the province of Quebec, and
  • be criminally and medically admissible to Canada.

Application procedure and required documents for the essential workers and graduates programs

Eligible candidates can submit applications online using IRCC’s new online application portal — accessible here. The programs will accept applications between May 6 and November 5, 2021, or until program quotas are filled. You can view the spaces remaining in each stream here. The English-speaking stream for international graduates has reached its quota of 40,000 and is now closed. All other streams remain open.

The application guide for Canada’s TR PR pathway is now available here on the Government of Canada website. This guide includes detailed instructions regarding required documentation and application procedure.

The application process will be broken down into four steps:

Step 1 — Gather supporting documents

When applicants sign up for IRCC’s online application portal, a document checklist will be generated based on the applicant’s profile. All TR to PR pathway applicants will require the following documents:

  • Proof of entry and status in Canada
  • Proof of current employment in Canada (work permit — if applicable, employer reference letter, pay stubs)
  • Proof of language proficiency (approved language test results less than two years old)
  • Passports (biodata page)
  • Immigration Medical Exams (IME)
    • If applicants are having difficulty getting an IME prior to applying, they may provide proof that a medical exam is scheduled (including the name of the panel physician and date/time of the appointment), or a letter of explanation of best efforts. Please note that substitute documents will be accepted at the discretion of the officer assessing the file.
  • Police clearance certificates
    • Please refer to our guide on police certificates for Express Entry, as the requirements are the same.
    • If applicants are having difficulty getting police certificates prior to applying, they may accept proof of having requested a police certificate and an explanation of best efforts (not a guarantee of acceptance). Please note that substitute documents will be accepted at the discretion of the officer assessing the file.
  • Photos

For the essential workers stream, all applicants must submit proof of qualifying Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation:

  • A copy of the work permit (if applicable)
  • Employer reference letters for the periods of qualifying work, including:
    • location of work
    • period of employment (to/from dates)
    • description of main duties and responsibilities (matching an eligible National Occupational Classification code)
    • salary and benefits
    • hours worked per week
    • employer’s name, signature, address, telephone number, and email
  • Applicants must also include:
    • copies of T4 tax slips and Notice of Assessment (if applicable); or
    • work contracts; or
    • pay stubs

For the international graduates stream, all applicants must submit proof of their qualifying Canadian educational credential:

  • Applicants must provide:
    • A final transcript, and
    • A letter from the institution and/or the formal notice of graduation
  • Applicants must provide proof that shows:
    • The type of credential granted (degree, diploma, certificate, or attestation)
    • The length (in weeks, months, or years) of the program of study,
    • That you were authorized to study for the duration of studies,
    • the date of completion;
    • the name of the school that granted the degree, diploma, certificate, or attestation.

Additional documents may be required depending on the profile of the applicant. These may include identity and civil status documents, documents relating to family members and familial relationships, etc.

Any documents submitted in a language other than English or French much be accompanies by a certified translation.

Step 2 — Complete the application

Once candidates have registered for the TR to PR pathway application portal, they will be required to submit personal information, upload supporting documents, and complete and upload a variety of required forms. Forms can be completed by downloading them onto a computer and completing the required fields.

All applicants will be required to submit the following immigration forms:

If applicable, applicants will be required to submit the following immigration forms:

Step 3 — Pay the fees

Once a TR to PR pathway application is complete (and you’ve double- and triple-checked everything!), you must pay the required fees.

  • Your permanent residence fees (principal applicant): CAD$1,050 (includes a $550 processing fee and a $500 right of permanent residence fee)
  • Spouse or partner’s permanent residence fees (if applicable): CAD$1,050 (includes a $550 processing fee and a $500 right of permanent residence fee)
  • Dependent children’s fees, per child (if applicable): CAD$150
  • Biometrics fees: CAD$85 for a single applicant, or CAD$170 for a family

All fees must be paid at the time of submission — if your application is refused you will received a refund, but only of the $500 right of permanent residence fees paid by adult applicants.

You must pay your fees online and keep a copy of your receipt. You must upload a copy of this receipt to your application when asked.

Step 4 — Submit the application

When ready, applicants can submit the application. Currently, it is not known how long application processing will take for these programs.

Why are Canada’s TR to pathway immigration programs important?

Minister Mendicino spoke about the importance of recognizing the incredible contribution of temporary residents in Canada, especially through the challenges of the past year: “The pandemic has shone a bright light on the incredible contributions of newcomers. These new policies will help those with a temporary status to plan their future in Canada, play a key role in our economic recovery and help us build back better.”

Canada doubles-down on commitment to in-Canada immigration applicants

In November of last year, Canada announced the most ambitious immigration targets in Canadian history, with a goal to welcome more than 400,000 new permanent residents in 2021, with even higher targets for 2022 and 2023. At that time, Minister Mendicino made it clear that in order to achieve those targets during a pandemic, with international travel restrictions in full effect, Canada would introduce innovative ways to prioritize permanent residence applications from temporary residents who are already in Canada.

In the first four months of 2021, Minister Mendicino has led Canada’s immigration department to do exactly that.

In January, Canada created a new open work permit program for international graduates to remain in Canada and work. In February, Canada invited every single candidate in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) of Express Entry — more than 27,000 candidates. Then, Canada launched six new streams that are expected to admit more than 90,000 new permanent residents: the TR to PR pathway.

Canada’s remains committed to high-levels of immigration, even during a year in which the economy has been shaken by a pandemic. This is because immigration is essential to Canada’s long-term economic growth — as the rate of natural population increase (population increase based on birth rate alone) continues to fall. Minister Mendicino made it clear that immigration is also essential to Canada’s short-term economic recovery from COVID, “We need workers who possess a range of skills in a range of sectors within our economy to keep it going forward and accelerate our economic recovery.”

In a year like no other in Canadian history, the immigration sector continues to innovate and adapt in ways that recognize the contributions of newcomers to Canadian society. While we cannot say what’s in store for the next few months, it’s clear that the next few years will be enriched by the contributions of these many newcomers who are being given the chance to make Canada their home.

Be the first to find out about Canadian immigration news: Create a free Moving2Canada account and subscribe to our newsletter!

Eligible Health occupations

OccupationNOC
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors3011
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses3012
Specialist physicians3111
General practitioners and family physicians3112
Dentists3113
Optometrists3121
Chiropractors3122
Allied primary health practitioners3124
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating3125
Pharmacists3131
Dietitians and nutritionists3132
Audiologists and speech-language pathologists3141
Physiotherapists3142
Occupational therapists3143
Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment3144
Medical laboratory technologists3211
Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants3212
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists3214
Medical radiation technologists3215
Medical sonographers3216
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.3217
Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)3219
Denturists3221
Dental hygienists and dental therapists3222
Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants3223
Opticians3231
Practitioners of natural healing3232
Licensed practical nurses3233
Paramedical occupations3234
Massage therapists3236
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment3237
Dental assistants3411
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates3413
Other assisting occupations in support of health services3414
Psychologists4151
Social workers4152
Family, marriage and other related counsellors4153
Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers4165
Social and community service workers4212
Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations4412

Other non-health essential occupations

Unit GroupOccupationNOC Code
Sales support occupationsCashiers6611
Service station attendants6621
Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers6622
Other sales related occupations6623
Industrial, electrical and construction tradesContractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations7201
Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations7202
Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades7203
Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades7204
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers7205
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors7231
Tool and die makers7232
Sheet metal workers7233
Boilermakers7234
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters7235
Ironworkers7236
Welders and related machine operators7237
Electricians (except industrial and power system)7241
Industrial electricians7242
Power system electricians7243
Electrical power line and cable workers7244
Telecommunications line and cable workers7245
Telecommunications installation and repair workers7246
Cable television service and maintenance technicians7247
Plumbers7251
Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers7252
Gas fitters7253
Carpenters7271
Cabinetmakers7272
Bricklayers7281
Concrete finishers7282
Tilesetters7283
Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers7284
Roofers and shinglers7291
Glaziers7292
Insulators7293
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)7294
Floor covering installers7295
Other installers, repairers and servicers and material handlersResidential and commercial installers and servicers7441
Waterworks and gas maintenance workers7442
Pest controllers and fumigators7444
Other repairers and servicers7445
Longshore workers7451
Material handlers7452
Transport and heavy equipment operation and related maintenance occupationsTransport truck drivers7511
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators7512
Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs7513
Delivery and courier service drivers7514
Heavy equipment operators (except crane)7521
Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers7522
Railway yard and track maintenance workers7531
Water transport deck and engine room crew7532
Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations7533
Air transport ramp attendants7534
Other automotive mechanical installers and servicers7535
Trades helpers, construction labourers and related occupationsConstruction trades helpers and labourers7611
Other trades helpers and labourers7612
Public works and maintenance labourers7621
Railway and motor transport labourers7622
Harvesting, landscaping and natural resources labourersHarvesting labourers8611
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers8612
Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers8613
Mine labourers8614
Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers8615
Logging and forestry labourers8616
Mail and message distribution occupationsMail, postal and related workers1511
Letter carriers1512
Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors1513
Retail salespersonRetail salespersons6421
CleanersLight duty cleaners6731
Specialized cleaners6732
Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents6733
Agriculture and horticulture workersGeneral farm workers8431
Nursery and greenhouse workers8432
Other workers in fishing and trapping and hunting occupationsFishing vessel deckhands8441
Trappers and hunters8442
Machine operators and related workers in food, beverage and associated products processingProcess control and machine operators, food and beverage processing9461
Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers9462
Fish and seafood plant workers9463
Testers and graders, food and beverage processing9465
Other groupsManagers in agriculture821
Managers in horticulture822
French and French Immersion Secondary school teachers (language of instruction must be French4031
French and French Immersion Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (language of instruction must be French)4032
Home child care providers4411
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants4413
Retail butchers6331
Airline ticket and service agents6523
Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives and related clerks6524
Security guards and related security service occupations6541
Customer services representatives - financial institutions6551
Other customer and information services representatives6552
Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers8252
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services8255
Labourers in food and beverage processing9617
Labourers in fish and seafood processing9618

Eligible trades occupations (for the graduates stream only)

Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
7202 Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
7203 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
7204 Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
7205 Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
7231 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
7232 Tool and die makers
7233 Sheet metal workers
7234 Boilermakers
7235 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
7236 Ironworkers
7237 Welders and related machine operators
7241 Electricians (except industrial and power system)
7242 Industrial electricians
7243 Power system electricians
7244 Electrical power line and cable workers
7245 Telecommunications line and cable workers
7246 Telecommunications installation and repair workers
7247 Cable television service and maintenance technicians
7251 Plumbers
7252 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
7253 Gas fitters
7271 Carpenters
7272 Cabinetmakers
7281 Bricklayers
7282 Concrete finishers
7283 Tilesetters
7284 Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
7291 Roofers and shinglers
7292 Glaziers
7293 Insulators
7294 Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
7295 Floor covering installers
Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades;
7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
7302 Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
7303 Supervisors, printing and related occupations
7304 Supervisors, railway transport operations
7305 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
7311 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
7312 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
7313 Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
7314 Railway carmen/women
7315 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
7316 Machine fitters
7318 Elevator constructors and mechanics
7321 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
7322 Motor vehicle body repairers
7331 Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
7332 Appliance servicers and repairers
7333 Electrical mechanics
7334 Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
7335 Other small engine and small equipment repairers
7361 Railway and yard locomotive engineers
7362 Railway conductors and brakemen/women
7371 Crane operators
7372 Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction
7373 Water well drillers
7381 Printing press operators
7384 Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.
Major Group 82, supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production
8211 Supervisors, logging and forestry
8221 Supervisors, mining and quarrying
8222 Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
8231 Underground production and development miners
8232 Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
8241 Logging machinery operators
8252 Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
8255 Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
8261 Fishing masters and officers
8262 Fishermen/women
Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators;
9211Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
9212 Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
9213 Supervisors, food and beverage processing
9214 Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing
9215 Supervisors, forest products processing
9217 Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing
9221 Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling
9222 Supervisors, electronics manufacturing
9223 Supervisors, electrical products manufacturing
9224 Supervisors, furniture and fixtures manufacturing
9226 Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing
9227 Supervisors, other products manufacturing and assembly
9231 Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
9232 Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
9235 Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators
9241 Power engineers and power systems operators
9243 Water and waste treatment plant operators
Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
6321 Chefs
6322 Cooks
Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers
6331 Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale
6332 Bakers

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Rebecca Major

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Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Rebecca Major is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (R511564) with nearly 15 years of licenced Canadian Immigration experience, gained after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in the UK. She specializes in Canadian immigration at Moving2Canada.
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