Relocating to Canadian through VanHack’s Move to Canada program is a major milestone. For many international professionals, it can also open several potential pathways to Canadian permanent residence.
A three-year work permit does not automatically lead to permanent residence, so it is important to begin planning early. Your strongest option will depend on factors such as your occupation, work experience, age, education, language scores and province of residence.
1. Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class, managed through Express Entry, is often a leading pathway for skilled workers already in Canada.
You generally need at least one year—or 1,560 hours—of authorized Canadian work experience in an eligible TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation during the three years before applying. You must also meet the language requirement for your occupation and plan to live outside Quebec.
This means that your first year of Canadian employment can be especially important. Keep your work permit, employment letters, pay records and tax documents organized, and confirm that your duties match the correct National Occupational Classification.
2. Francophone pathways
Strong French ability can create additional opportunities. Express Entry holds category-based invitation rounds for candidates with French-language proficiency. The current threshold for this category is NCLC 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing, in addition to qualifying for an Express Entry program.
French can also improve your overall Express Entry score. Depending on where you live and work, you may find provincial Francophone streams or community-based programs designed to attract French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec.
If you already speak some French, improving it and taking an approved test could materially strengthen your permanent-residence strategy.
3. Express Entry
Express Entry is the federal system that manages the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Eligible candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score based on factors including age, education, Canadian and foreign work experience, and English or French proficiency. Invitations are not guaranteed, and competitive scores change between rounds.
A smart strategy is to estimate your score early, complete any required educational credential assessment and schedule your language tests before you become eligible. Since March 2025, qualifying job offers no longer provide additional CRS points, although an offer may still matter for certain programs.
4. Provincial Nominee Programs
Every province and territory operates immigration streams based on local labour needs. Some target specific occupations, graduates, Francophone candidates or workers who already have local employment.
An Express Entry-aligned provincial nomination provides 600 additional CRS points, making an invitation highly likely. However, streams can open, close or change quickly, and applicants must genuinely intend to settle in the nominating province.
Your Canadian job is the beginning of the journey—not the final immigration step. Review your options early, strengthen your language scores, protect your legal status and get qualified advice for your individual circumstances.
Official references: Canadian Experience Class · Express Entry categories · Provincial nominees
Immigration rules change regularly. This article provides general information, not legal advice.
