From Work Permit to Permanent Residency: Our Journey to Canada
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Immigration to Canada
2.1. Work permit and open work permit
2.2. Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
2.3. Score in the pool system
- The Initial Application and Cancellation
3.1. Validity of documents
3.2. Implications of a cancelled application
- Seeking a New Nomination
4.1. Reapplying for a nomination
4.2. Verifying employment with the company
4.3. Paying additional fees
- The Second Application and Waiting Game
5.1. Biometrics
5.2. Requesting GCMS notes
- Approval and Permanent Residency
6.1. Submitting passport pictures
6.2. Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Conclusion
Immigration Journey to Canada: From Work Permit to Permanent Residency 👩👧👦
Immigrating to a new country can be a long and challenging process. In this article, I will share my experience and journey to becoming a permanent resident of Canada. From obtaining a work permit to facing setbacks in the application process, I hope my story can provide insights and lessons for others going through a similar journey.
Introduction
Moving to a different country is often fueled by the pursuit of dreams and opportunities. For my family and me, Canada was the destination we aspired to call home. The journey was filled with excitement, perseverance, and moments of disappointment, but in the end, it was all worth it. Let me take you through the different stages of our immigration journey, and hopefully, you can gain valuable insights and avoid the mistakes we made along the way.
Immigration to Canada
2.1. Work permit and open work permit
Our journey began with a work permit. Since my husband had already secured a job in Canada, I was able to obtain an open work permit based on his employment. This allowed us to start our new life in Canada and laid the foundation for our path to permanent residency.
2.2. Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
Initially, we wanted to become permanent residents directly. However, our scores in the pool system were not high enough to secure an invitation. Each passing year decreased our scores, making it challenging to meet the requirements. In search of an alternative, we turned to the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). Through this program, we were nominated by the province of Alberta, which gave us an opportunity to enhance our chances of obtaining permanent residency.
2.3. Score in the pool system
It's important to note that scores in the pool system can fluctuate. As applicants age, their scores naturally decrease, making it crucial to consider alternative routes, such as the PNP, to improve their chances. This realization prompted us to adapt our immigration strategy and consider other options to achieve our goal.
The Initial Application and Cancellation
3.1. Validity of documents
After receiving the nomination, we submitted our application for permanent residency. However, to our dismay, the application was cancelled. The reason? The police report I had obtained from my home country before coming to Canada was deemed invalid since it was done prior to my arrival. This unexpected setback was disheartening, considering the time and money we had invested in the process.
3.2. Implications of a cancelled application
The implications of a cancelled application were significant. Firstly, we had to go through the process of obtaining another nomination from the province, with no guarantee of receiving it. Secondly, we had to incur additional expenses for reapplication fees and new police reports. These hurdles added to our concerns and the uncertainty of whether we would ever become permanent residents.
Seeking a New Nomination
4.1. Reapplying for a nomination
Determined not to give up, my husband decided to pursue another nomination from the province of Alberta. This meant paying another fee, resending documents, and requesting verification from his previous employer back home. We anxiously waited for their response, hoping they would acknowledge his previous employment and positive standing with the company.
4.2. Verifying employment with the company
Obtaining verification from my husband's previous employer proved to be challenging. It required multiple attempts, reaching out to different individuals within the company's HR department, and constantly following up. Finally, after much effort, we received the long-awaited confirmation that our nomination had been reissued.
4.3. Paying additional fees
Reapplying for a nomination came with additional costs. We had to pay the nomination fee once again, despite having already paid it before the initial cancellation. The financial burden coupled with the uncertainty of a positive outcome added pressure to an already stressful process.
The Second Application and Waiting Game
5.1. Biometrics
With the reissued nomination, we submitted our second application for permanent residency. As the months went by, we anxiously awaited any news from the immigration authorities. In October, we were required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints, to further process our application. However, even after this step, the wait continued.
5.2. Requesting GCMS notes
In December, my husband decided to request GCMS (Global Case Management System) notes to gain further insight into the status of our application. This service provides information on the progress of an application and any updates or concerns. Unfortunately, the notes did not reveal much, except for the completion of biometrics. We were left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of what the future held.
Approval and Permanent Residency
6.1. Submitting passport pictures
Just when we began to lose hope, we received an email that changed everything. Our application was in its final stage, and we were requested to submit passport pictures. This was a significant moment of excitement and relief, as it indicated that our permanent residency was within reach. We wasted no time and quickly took the required photos.
6.2. Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
After submitting the passport pictures, we eagerly waited for further instructions. By the end of December, we received an email containing the long-awaited Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). This moment brought overwhelming joy and relief to our family, as our dreams were finally becoming a reality.
Conclusion
The journey to permanent residency in Canada was undoubtedly filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. However, with perseverance, adaptability, and a strong support system, we overcame these obstacles and achieved our goal. Our story serves as a testament to the resilience required during the immigration process, and we hope that by sharing our experience, others can find strength and guidance in their own journeys.
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