How Do I Change Temporary Worker Visa To Permanent Resident Visa In Canada?

Question: I am a Filipino who has been working in Canada as a store cashier for a year (temporary foreign worker visa). I am now planning to apply for a Permanent Resident visa, but I am not very confident about my English skills. My line of job is also not included in the labor shortage list, and when I asked my boss how long he plans to employ me, he could not give me a definite answer. He told me that he might consider hiring me permanently if I obtained an permanent immigrant status. I don’t want to leave Canada because my earnings here has been a great help to my family in the Philippines. What’s the easiest way to get a Permanent Resident card? My friend suggested that I find myself a Canadian citizen for a bride. What do you think of his suggestion?

Answer: You could be worrying too much and unnecessarily. Since you are already in Canada and working, there’s a very good chance you’ll get an approval on your Permanent Resident application with the 15 points you automatically earn, thanks to the job you have. About marrying a Canadian citizen, there is no problem with the suggestion, but only if you are actually in a serious relationship with the person. If you are, then you’re lucky. You can take the fastest route to living permanently in Canada by virtue of your marriage. But if you’re in it for the sole purpose of getting the visa, you should think twice, especially as Citizenship & Immigration Canada can get suspicious with marriages with Canadian citizens where the relationships’ authenticity is not exhaustively proven. If you’re caught, you could permanently jeopardize your chances of permanently residing in Canada.