Essential Workers Permanent Residence Program

Applying for Permanent Residence as an Essential Worker or Recent International Graduate in Canada

In an effort to boost post-pandemic economic recovery, the Government of Canada has announced a number of new pathways to apply for Permanent Resident status over the last few months. Most recently, on May 6, 2021, they opened 90,000 applicant spots to essential temporary workers and to recent International graduates of Canadian post-secondary programs.

To recognize the service of temporary workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, permanent resident applications are being accepted from 20,000 temporary workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience in a healthcare professional such as nursing, and from 30,000 temporary workers in other essential professions, such as carpenters, trades, or food services. The complete list of eligible professions can be found on the Government of Canada website (see link below). There are still spaces left for applicants in the employment categories. There were also 40,000 permanent resident spaces allotted to recent International graduates of Canadian post-secondary schools.

What do I do if I need a police certificate/criminal background check as part of my permanent residence application?

After you have applied for permanent resident status, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) may ask you to provide a police certificate from every country where you have lived for longer than 6 months, including Canada.

How do I obtain a criminal record check/police certificate from Canada?

If you require a certified criminal record check/police certificate from Canada, your fingerprints need to be taken digitally at an accredited fingerprint agency. The agency will submit your fingerprints to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for processing. When you get your fingerprints taken, you will need to provide the request letter from the CIC if possible, as well as two pieces of government-issued identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license from any country. Please note that health cards and social insurance cards are NOT acceptable forms of identification for fingerprinting. Please see our pages on fingerprinting (link below) for more information.

How do I obtain a criminal record check/police certificate from another country?

Each country has its own requirements, so you will need to determine what the requirements are for each country you need a police certificate. A good place to find this information is to check the list on the CIC website and/or check the website of the consulate or embassy of the country you need the police certificate. Some countries require that you provide an ink and roll fingerprint card while others need a notarized form.

What if I need to provide notarized copies of my diplomas or identification?

You may be required to provide notarized copies of official documents as part of your permanent residence application. You can obtain these by bringing the original documents to a notary public, who with then make copies and certify that the copies are true copies of the originals.

How can Red Seal Notary help?

Red Seal Notary is accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Red Seal Notary can submit digital fingerprints to the RCMP for a Canadian criminal record check. Our professional and trained staff can also take your ink and roll fingerprints or notarize applications for submission to other countries for criminal record checks/police checks. We can also provide certified true copies of official documents that you may require for your permanent residence application.

For more information, see our fingerprinting page for ID requirements and locations, or contact us at 1-888-922-7325.

Helpful Links:

Government of Canada Announcement regarding permanent resident applications for essential workers and graduates

Government of Canada information on how to apply for police certificates in many countries