Hi, could anyone who has experience of getting Permanent Residency, after getting a Temporary Work Permit let me know how long the process took, and anything I should be aware of.

I have been in the Transport industry (Trucks) for 12 years, servicing and repairing them, and driving. It looks like I should be able to get a job offer fairly easy (I hope) and looks like I would have to apply for a TWP, then after working for a while and with a full time job offer, be able to apply for PR.

There is also the PNP, but I don't know which companies are eligible for this programm and think for driving it is only for long haul (which is no good for me, although one company looks like it has been granted PNP and is short haul?) Truck mechanic's are on skill list B, so may qualify for PNP - but not sure.

I have read about, and contacted drivers who have gone over with a TWP, but haven't heard of any that now have PR status - I just want to try and make sure if I move, it won't only be for 1 or 2 years.

Chris

Read this
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra.../apply-who.asp

HI Chris
We are currently in Calgary on work permits- we applied for our PR 10 weeks ago -I had a letter from my boss stating that my job would be made permanent on receipt of PR status and we applied for our application to be fast tracked- we received our medical requests on Monday- how quick was that
We have our medicals booked for next week.
Jacqui

I came out on WP April 2007 and have just received our passport requests this morning.

Thanks for the replies I think I worry too much!

Tangram and Jacquidur - hope it all goes well for you, let us know what happens.

Also, we were thinking of buying a house instead of renting, but still undecided. Would a bank only offer a mortgage to people with PR? we would be putting down around 50% downpayment ($125,000, for a $250,000 house), so don't know if that would make any difference or not.

Have been trying to talk the wife and kids into buying a caravan/trailer until we can buy a house - then keep the trailer for holidays ect..... They're not having any of it!!!!!!

No they will offer to someone on a WP, I am until I land in a couple of months.

Yep, mortgage broker reckons it's more on the deposit, the house and your credit record and income doesn't seem to be as important as the UK if you have a large deposit...

35% is considered as the usual minimum deposit for non-residents.