Maple News reports that Canadian work and study experience is now more valuable than ever for those seeking permanent residency (PR) in Canada. In the wake of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the government has pivoted its immigration efforts toward foreign nationals already residing within its borders.
To address the limited intake of new immigrants from overseas, Canada is launching multiple PR pathways aimed at temporary residents working or studying in the country. One of the most notable initiatives is a set of six limited-time immigration streams opening May 6, designed for essential workers and international graduates currently employed in Canada. These streams will prioritize applicants regardless of their job’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level—marking a departure from traditional requirements.
The government will cap these new streams at 90,000 applications, with no limit for French-speaking or bilingual applicants. High demand has already led to the crash of several English-language testing platforms, underlining the urgency and popularity of the programs. Successful applicants must meet minimum language requirements and include valid language test results in their submissions.
Another well-established avenue is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), designed for candidates who have at least one year of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B) in Canada within the last three years. The CEC is managed under the Express Entry system, which uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate and invite top-scoring candidates. While having a current job is not required, higher CRS scores can be achieved through strong language skills, Canadian degrees, job offers, and additional work experience.
Each Canadian province, except Quebec, also offers its own pathways for immigration via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These allow candidates to receive a nomination to live and work in a specific province. A provincial nomination can significantly boost a candidate’s CRS score and improve chances for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.
Quebec, operating independently of the federal system, manages its own set of economic immigration programs. The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) particularly targets skilled workers and recent graduates with ties to the province. French is typically an important eligibility criterion for these pathways.
With immigration remaining a central part of Canada’s economic recovery strategy, temporary residents currently living, working, or studying in the country are in a prime position to secure permanent status. Maple News recommends that all eligible applicants prepare well in advance, including securing required language test results and reviewing program criteria carefully.
As the landscape of Canadian immigration continues to shift, local experience—whether through work or study—is proving to be one of the strongest stepping stones toward permanent residency.