Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence (TR to PR) pathways have been a hot topic for immigrants in Canada. The program was first introduced in 2021, TR to PR allowed thousands of temporary residents (workers, students, and healthcare professionals) to apply for permanent residency.
The big question on everyone’s mind is: will we see this program return in 2025? Let’s break it down.
What is TR to PR?
TR to PR is essentially a program that provides an opportunity for temporary residents in Canada to transition to permanent residency. Temporary residents include those on work permits, study permits, or other temporary statuses.
The TR to PR Pathway launched in 2021 was a one-time initiative to address labor shortages and recognize temporary residents’ contributions during the pandemic.
It was especially popular among international students and essential workers, with set quotas and specific eligibility requirements, such as language proficiency and work experience.
Will New TR to PR Open Again in 2025?
As of now, there hasn’t been an official announcement about a TR to PR 2025 program reopening in 2025, and unlikely to reopen anytime soon.
However, the Canadian government continues to show interest in retaining skilled workers and international graduates. Programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the new categories for Express Entry targeting occupations suggest that Canada is committed to welcoming immigrants.
It’s possible that a new TR to PR pathway could emerge, especially with ongoing labor shortages in healthcare, tech, and trades.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between TR to PR and Express Entry?
TR to PR is a dedicated pathway for temporary residents already in Canada, while Express Entry is a points-based system for skilled workers globally. TR to PR typically has more lenient requirements with people having only one year of experience in any trade.
2. Do I need a job offer for TR to PR?
Not necessarily. In 2021, having Canadian work experience was enough for some streams. However, job offers can strengthen your case in many other pathways.
3. What are the language requirements?
Language benchmarks vary by program. Most require a CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level of at least 5 to 7, depending on the occupation.
4. Can international students apply for PR directly?
International students usually need Canadian work experience before applying for PR. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a common route to gaining this experience.
5. Is there an age limit for TR to PR?
While age isn’t a specific factor for TR to PR, some programs like Express Entry award fewer points to candidates over 30. Other pathways don’t penalize older applicants.
6. Can I Get PR with TEER 4?
The TEER system, replacing NOC in 2022, categorizes TEER 4 jobs as those needing a high school diploma or specific training, like retail sales or food service. While PR is tough for TEER 4 workers, programs like PNPs, AIP, and RNIP prioritize in-demand roles in rural areas or key industries, making it possible.
Conclusion
While we don’t have concrete information about a new TR to PR pathway for 2025, there’s reason to remain optimistic. However, you should not hope for TR to PR to be your primary method to immigrate to Canada.