work permit or permanent residence?

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Hi all,

Im really confused with the mine field of immigration. I was told that to stand the best chance of gaining employment as a RN in canada i should start the process of applying for a visa. Is this true? I have applied for elegibility. Now i am confused whether to apply for a work permit or permanent residence. I plan on staying in canada (well if we like it, but come on, whats not to like!) so wonder if permanent residence is best. Could my daughter go to school/nursery there if i only had a work permit? I was told this by a company who said they would assist me with immigration but only for a fee of $1600. Sorry for being cynical but is this the best way of getting employment or does this company just want my money. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum as per the red banner. Many Canadian nurses are not aware of the process for TWP or PR

As a nurse you are on the list and therefore as long as you meet requirements you can apply for PR from the start and from the UK. Which ever route you take your daughter can go to school however depending on the province you may be required to get her a student visa if you apply for a TWP first. Personally I would suggest going straight for PR if you meet requirements which I believe is either employer offering work in Canada or 12 months paid experience full time. You will also need English or French language exam.

You do not need to use an agency. Many of us have gone through the process and can assist you. You may as well save your money for when you make the move across

Starting point would be Immigrating to Canada: Skilled workers and professionals - Who can apply

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Thanks for that useful info. I am currently working 30 hours a week and have done since april when i returned from 11 months maternity leave, previous to that i have worked full time since qualifying in 2001. Would that qualify me in getting PR or do i need to be working full time now? Do you think that getting PR would stand me in good stead for gaining employment, would love to go to British Columbia.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

PR would give you permission to stay and live in Canada and work anywhere, regarding working as a nurse well that would depend on what is available, passing CRNE and obtaining a job. TWP means you must find a employer first.

I would say your work experience would qualify but I am not 100% sure as they may require you to have current full time.

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Specializes in med/surg.

You can (& should) apply for PR but you can also apply for your TWP while your PR is processed. That will get you to Canada quicker than PR and speed up you getting that PR once you are here.

One of my colleagues did that. Yes you do need a job for TWP but honestly I think you should have that in place before you come anyway, it will save a lot of stress. You won't loose anything (in fact time-wise you will gain something) as your PR will be going through at the same time anyway.

Just decide which Province you want & check out if they are hiring International Nurses, apply for one of the positions & their HR should guide you through the rest.

Oh & steer clear of people who charge you to do this, you can perfectly well acheive it on your own. Yes, they just want your money & in my experience have often messed up paperwork.

I had a 5 yr gap in my work experience but most Provinces are loooking at numbers of hours worked in the past 2-5 yrs, so I think you will be fine.

There will be no school issues for your daughter. Under a TWP kids may need a study permit & under your PR she will get PR.

Hope that helps!

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