Change Status Inside Canada Alberta
Change Status Inside Canada Alberta
Canada, known for its diverse and welcoming culture, attracts thousands of foreigners each year who come to visit, study, or work there. Indeed, the province of Alberta welcomes over 6 million international visitors every year. They come from various countries around the world for varied reasons, such as leisure travel, business meetings, visiting family or friends, pursuing education, or looking for work opportunities in the province. However, circumstances may change, and foreigners who are already in Canada on a temporary status may find themselves needing to change status inside Canada. Whether it is transitioning from visitor status to study or work permit, changing from a study permit to a work permit, or transferring from a temporary work permit to permanent residency, it can be a complex task to change status inside Canada. In this article, we will explore the different situations where foreigners may need to change status inside Canada.
Province Overview
It may be interesting to start by exploring Alberta. It is a landlocked province in Western Canada that borders Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and the US state of Montana. Its total area is 661,848 km2, and its total population is 4,262,635 citizens. The capital of the province is Edmonton, while Calgary is its biggest city.
Alberta is a culturally diverse province in Canada with a population that includes a variety of ethnicities and languages. People of European and Asian descent form most of Alberta’s population, with communities having roots in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine, Scandinavia, China, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
English is the most widely spoken language in Alberta and is the official language used in government, education, and business. French is also spoken in Alberta, particularly by the province’s Francophone community, and it is used in education, culture, and government services for Alberta’s Francophone population. Other languages spoken in the province include Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, and others, reflecting the region’s cultural diversity.
Alberta is known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, making it a popular tourist destination. The tourism industry in Alberta is a significant contributor to the provincial economy, offering a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore. Among the most popular destinations are Banff National Park, Calgary Stampede, Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Falls, Waterton Lakes National Park, the West Edmonton Mall, Royal Tyrrell Museum, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Jasper National Park, and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
Change Status Inside Canada Alberta: Visitor Status to Study Permit
Now, it is time to discuss the first situation when foreigners ought to change status inside Canada. A visitor visa, or a temporary resident visa, is an official document that allows travellers to stay in Canada for up to six months, while a study permit allows international students to study at Canadian schools. If international students are going to change status inside Canada and attend a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI), they must provide a Letter of Acceptance from a chosen school. To change status inside Canada, foreigners must also provide documents they have enough funds to support themself during their studies in Canada. The application process includes three main steps.
The first step is to prepare all the required documents that you need to submit with the application. Then, you need to complete the application forms to change status inside Canada. To make sure you submit all forms, you must use the personalized checklist.
The second step is to pay the processing fees to change status inside Canada. The study permit processing fee is $150. If required, the applicants need to pay $85 for biometrics.
The last step is to apply online to change status inside Canada. You must scan your documents or create their electronic copies and upload them to the system. The processing time to change status inside Canada and get a study permit is about two weeks.
Change Status Inside Canada Alberta: Visitor Status to Work Permit
Foreign residents who get a job offer during the visit to the country must change status inside Canada and obtain a work permit. A work permit is a written authorization that allows a foreigner to work in the country for a set time. To get a work permit, a potential employee ought to follow three main steps.
The first step is to prepare the documents required to change status inside Canada. You should submit the following documents: a copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a copy of the job offer letter, and proof that you meet the job requirements. You also need to complete the forms mentioned in the personalized document package.
The second step is to pay the processing fees to change status inside Canada. The work permit processing fee is $155, but if the foreigner is eligible to apply for an open work permit, they need to pay $100 extra. In case the applicant has invalid biometrics, they ought to pay the processing fee of $85.
The last step is to upload all required documents and apply online to change status inside Canada. The processing time for a work permit application is about five months.
Change Status Inside Canada Alberta: Study Permit to Work Permit
International students who have completed at least a two-year full-time study program and wish to work in the country need to change status inside Canada from a study permit to a work permit. A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies.
To change status inside Canada, international students ought to apply online for a PGWP. The first step is to gather documents and fill out the forms listed in the relevant document checklist.
The next step to change status inside Canada is to pay the processing fees. International students ought to pay the work permit fee of $155 and the open work permit holder fee of $100. If needed, foreigners should pay a biometrics fee of $85.
The last step is to apply online to change status inside Canada and upload all required documents. The processing time for the PGWP is about four months.
Change Status Inside Canada Alberta: Study Permit to Permanent Residency
Foreign workers who are in Canada on a temporary work permit and wish to become permanent residents need to change status inside Canada from a temporary work permit to permanent residency. This typically involves meeting the eligibility criteria for a permanent residency program, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To change status inside Canada under the CEC, foreigners ought to have at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job categories of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. Foreigners also should demonstrate their proficiency in either English or French by taking a designated language test.
Alberta, like other provinces and territories, has its own Provincial Nominee Program that can help certain foreign workers and graduates change status inside Canada and gain permanent residency in the province. It includes Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, and Alberta Express Entry Stream for International Graduates.
Once you have determined your eligibility for CEC or PNP, you need to gather the required documents to support your application. These may include identification documents, educational transcripts and diplomas, employment letters, language test results, and other supporting documents depending on the program you apply to change status inside Canada.
Once you apply online to change status inside Canada, you can be asked to undergo medical examinations, attend an interview, and provide additional information. The processing time to change status inside Canada can vary depending on the program and the volume of applications. You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) if the application to change status inside Canada is approved.
In case, if you need help in order to change status inside Canada in Alberta or other provinces, please fill in application below or contact us directly.
