Applying for Permanent Residence as a Temporary Resident Permit Holder in Canada: As “Temporary Resident” who is currently in Canada on a study permit, work permit, visitor status, or another temporary status, there is no single application that automatically converts temporary status into permanent residence. You must qualify under a specific Canadian permanent-residence program.
However, if you are currently living in Canada on a valid Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), you may eventually become eligible to apply for permanent residence under the Permit Holder Class. This pathway is specifically designed for people who were allowed to stay in Canada despite being inadmissible, and who have lived here continuously for a required period of time.
This article walks you through the key requirements, documents, fees, and steps involved in the application process, based on the official IRCC Guide 5527. Applications must be submitted online.
Who Can Apply Under the Permit Holder Class?
You may qualify if you fall into one of these situations:
Health-related inadmissibility
- You hold a valid Temporary Resident Permit.
- You have lived continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least three years.
- You remain inadmissible only for the same health reasons that led to the original permit.
- You are not inadmissible for any other reason.
Family member of someone inadmissible on health grounds
- You came to Canada with a family member who was inadmissible because of health issues.
- Neither you nor your family members have become inadmissible for any other reason since the permits were issued.
Other grounds of inadmissibility
- The reason you were found inadmissible is not related to security, human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized crime.
- You hold a valid Temporary Resident Permit.
- You have lived continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least five years.
- You remain inadmissible only for the original reasons, and neither you nor your family members have become inadmissible on new grounds.
Important notes
- A Temporary Resident Visa, work permit, or study permit is not the same as a Temporary Resident Permit.
- Leaving Canada without permission to re-enter, or allowing your permit to expire without extending it, can break the continuous residence requirement and make you ineligible.
- Any new criminal conviction will be reviewed and may affect your ability to stay or apply.
Family Members
Your family members include your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children, and the dependent children of those dependent children.
- Spouse: A person to whom you are legally married (the marriage must be recognized both in the country where it took place and in Canada). Proxy or polygamous marriages are generally not accepted.
- Common-law partner: Someone with whom you have lived in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least one year.
- Dependent children: Generally under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship. Older children may qualify if they have been financially dependent since before age 22 because of a physical or mental condition.
Family members inside or outside Canada cannot be included in your permanent residence application under this class. They must meet their own requirements and may need to apply separately (or you may sponsor them later once you become a permanent resident). All family members must still complete medical exams and security checks for your application to proceed.
Other Basic Requirements
You and your family members must:
- Hold a valid passport or travel document
- Complete an immigration medical examination
- Pass criminal and security clearances (required for those 18 and older)
- Not be the subject of an immigration inquiry or appeal
Living in Quebec?
If IRCC approves your application in principle, they will forward it to Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). You do not need to contact MIFI yourself — they will send you the necessary invitation and forms. The Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) remains valid while your permanent residence application is being processed.
Documents You Will Need
Use the official Document Checklist (IMM 5528) to make sure nothing is missing. Key items typically include:
- Proof of continuous residence in Canada for the required three or five years (copies of all documents listed on the checklist)
- Valid passport or travel document
- Police certificates from any country (other than Canada) where you lived for six consecutive months or more since turning 18
- One immigration-style photo meeting specific requirements
- Translations (with affidavit if not done by a certified translator) for any documents not in English or French
Medical exams are usually requested later in the process by IRCC. You do not need to complete them before submitting the application, but results are valid for only 12 months.
How to Apply for Canada PR as a Temporary Resident
1. Identify the PR pathway you qualify for
Common routes for temporary residents include:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Family sponsorship
- Certain regional or occupation-specific immigration programs
- Other PR programs available under Canada’s current immigration system
For skilled workers, Express Entry manages three federal programs: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
2. Consider Express Entry if you have Canadian work experience
If you are working in Canada with eligible skilled work experience, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) may be an important pathway to investigate.
The general process is:
Check eligibility → Take a language test → Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment if required → Create an Express Entry profile → Enter the pool → Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) → Submit your PR application.
You are not automatically eligible for PR simply because you have a Canadian work or study permit. You must meet the requirements of the particular immigration program.
3. Consider a Provincial Nominee Program
If your occupation, work experience, education or other circumstances match the needs of a Canadian province or territory, you may be able to apply through a PNP.
Some PNP streams are connected to Express Entry, while others operate outside Express Entry. A provincial nomination can significantly improve an Express Entry candidate’s ranking.
4. Check family sponsorship
If you have an eligible Canadian citizen or permanent-resident spouse, common-law partner or other qualifying family relationship, family sponsorship may be an option.
For example, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be able to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child, subject to the applicable requirements.
5. Prepare your documents
Depending on your PR pathway, you may need documents such as:
- Passport
- Language-test results
- Educational credentials and transcripts
- Educational Credential Assessment (where required)
- Canadian work-experience documents
- Employment reference letters
- Police certificates
- Proof of funds, where applicable
- Medical examination
- Marriage or birth certificates, where applicable
- Provincial nomination certificate, if applicable
The exact document checklist depends on the programme.
6. Create your immigration profile or application
For Express Entry, you first create an online profile and enter the candidate pool. IRCC then ranks eligible candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and conducts invitation rounds.
If you receive an Invitation to Apply, you generally have 60 days to submit your complete permanent-residence application.
7. Submit your PR application
After receiving an invitation where one is required, complete the appropriate forms, upload your supporting documents, pay the applicable fees and submit the application electronically.
8. Complete biometrics and medical requirements
Depending on your circumstances, IRCC may require your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics), as well as a medical examination and other admissibility checks.
9. Wait for IRCC’s decision
IRCC assesses your application based on the requirements of the immigration program, the information you provided and your admissibility to Canada.
If approved, you receive confirmation of permanent residence and subsequently your PR card.
Completing and Submitting the Application
Since October 2022, applications must be submitted online through the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal. The main forms include:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Document Checklist (IMM 5528)
Answer every question completely and accurately. Incomplete applications are returned without being processed. If you are using a representative, the proper authorization forms must be uploaded.
Fees to Pay for Permanent Residence in Canada
You must pay the processing fee and are strongly encouraged to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee at the same time to avoid later delays. Biometric fees may also apply. Only online payments are accepted. Keep a copy of the official receipt and upload it with your application.
Certain people (such as dependent children of other permit holders or protected persons) may be exempt from the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
Biometrics before Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada
Most applicants 14 years of age and older must provide fingerprints and a photo. After you pay the fees and submit the application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter telling you where and when to go. Book an appointment promptly so processing can begin.
What Happens After You Submit your Canada PR Application?
IRCC first checks that the application is complete. If something is missing, it is returned. Once accepted, an officer reviews the full file. You may be asked for more information or invited to an interview.
While waiting for a decision, you must maintain legal status in Canada by extending your Temporary Resident Permit if necessary. You cannot work or study (for programs longer than six months) without the appropriate permits.
If approved, you will be invited to a landing interview to formally become a permanent resident. You will then receive a Permanent Resident Card by mail.
Rights and Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident
As a permanent resident you can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada and access most social benefits. You can apply for citizenship after meeting the residency requirements. You must, however, continue to obey Canadian laws and spend at least two years out of every five-year period physically in Canada to keep your status.
Tips for a Smoother Process
- Gather solid proof of continuous residence before you apply.
- Do not apply before you have completed the full three- or five-year period.
- Keep your contact information up to date.
- Respond quickly to any requests from IRCC.
- Check your online account and email regularly.
This pathway offers a real opportunity for people who have built their lives in Canada under a Temporary Resident Permit to gain permanent status. Success depends on meeting the continuous residence requirement, providing complete and accurate documentation, and following the online application process carefully.
For the most current forms, fee amounts, and detailed instructions, you can visit the official IRCC Guide 5527 and the Document Checklist (IMM 5528) on the Canada.ca website.
Important: The Old “Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident” Pathway Is Closed
If you have seen articles claiming that Canada currently has a “Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway”, be careful.
That special COVID-era pathway closed on November 5, 2021. It is not currently available for new applicants.
Therefore, being a temporary resident in Canada does not by itself give you a direct PR application route.
What is Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)? The difference!!!
This is different.
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is issued to certain people who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada but have a compelling reason to enter or remain in Canada temporarily. A TRP is not the same thing as a study permit, work permit or visitor visa.
There is a specific Permanent Residence application for Temporary Resident Permit Holders under the Permit Holder Class. However, this has much narrower eligibility requirements. For example, certain applicants must have held a valid TRP and resided continuously in Canada as permit holders for at least three years, depending on the basis of inadmissibility.
Official starting points
- IRCC – Express Entry
- IRCC – Permanent Residence Portal
- IRCC – PR application for Temporary Resident Permit Holders
Contents for Migrants
- Canada Express Entry System
- Canada Agricultural Worker Immigration
- Travel to Canada for Agriculture Job Listing
- Canada Work Visa Requirements for Migrants
- Canada Introduces 10 New Laws and Policy Changes
- Understanding Canada Express Entry as a new Applicant
- Canada Study Permit Rules & Verification for Proof of Funds