For many temporary residents, foreign workers, and international students living in Canada, obtaining permanent residence (PR) is the ultimate goal.
Two immigration pathways that often come up in discussions are Express Entry and the potential Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway expected in 2026.
Understanding the differences between these programs can help temporary residents determine which pathway may offer the best opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
If you are currently living in Canada on a work permit, study permit, or other temporary status, this guide will help you understand how these immigration pathways compare.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration system for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents.
It manages applications for several federal immigration programs, including:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Applicants create an Express Entry profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language test results
- Canadian work experience
Candidates with the highest scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
What Is the TR to PR Pathway?
The Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway is an immigration program designed to allow individuals who are already living and working in Canada to apply for permanent residence.
This type of program recognizes that many temporary residents have already:
- Built careers in Canada
- Gained valuable Canadian work experience
- Contributed to the Canadian economy
- Established strong community ties
Canada introduced a similar TR to PR program in 2021, and immigration experts expect that new versions of this pathway could be introduced again in the future.
You can read our full guide explaining how the TR to PR Canada 2026 pathway may work here:
👉 TR to PR Pathway Canada 2026: How Temporary Residents Can Become Permanent Residents
Key Differences Between TR to PR and Express Entry
While both pathways may lead to permanent residence in Canada, they operate in different ways.
Express Entry
- Competitive points-based system
- Candidates ranked using CRS score
- Invitations issued through immigration draws
- Requires strong language scores and qualifications
- Often competitive due to high CRS score requirements
TR to PR Pathways
- Designed specifically for temporary residents already in Canada
- May not rely on CRS scoring systems
- Often focuses on workers in essential or in-demand occupations
- May include streams for international graduates or foreign workers
Programs like TR to PR can sometimes offer opportunities for applicants who may not have competitive Express Entry CRS scores.
Which Pathway Is Easier?
The answer depends on the individual applicant.
For highly skilled candidates with strong language scores and education, Express Entry may be a faster pathway.
However, for some temporary residents already working in Canada, TR to PR pathways may provide an alternative route to permanent residence, especially if the program prioritizes applicants already contributing to the Canadian labour market.
Because immigration programs change frequently, many applicants explore multiple pathways simultaneously.
Why Temporary Residents Should Prepare Early
Immigration programs with limited spaces can fill extremely quickly.
For example, when Canada introduced a previous TR to PR program, some streams reached their application caps within hours of opening.
Temporary residents who were already prepared with documents and eligibility assessments had the best chance of successfully applying.
If you want to learn how to prepare for upcoming immigration opportunities, read our guide:
👉 5 Ways Temporary Residents in Canada Can Prepare for Permanent Residency in 2026
How Transway Global Immigration Can Help
At Transway Global Immigration, we help temporary residents across Canada explore their options for permanent residency.
Our immigration professionals assist with:
- Express Entry profiles and applications
- Permanent residence applications
- Work permit extensions
- LMIA-supported work permits
- Provincial Nominee Program applications
- Preparing for future TR to PR pathways
Our goal is to help clients choose the immigration pathway that best fits their situation.
Immigration Policies Continue to Change
Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve as the government responds to labour shortages and economic needs. As a result, new programs and immigration pathways may be introduced to support temporary residents already living in Canada.
Understanding these upcoming policy changes can help applicants prepare early and improve their chances of successfully obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
To learn more about the latest immigration policy updates and what may change in 2026, read our guide:
👉 Canada Immigration Changes Coming in 2026: What Temporary Residents Should Know
Free Canada Immigration Assessment
If you are currently living in Canada as a temporary resident, foreign worker, or international student, you may qualify for multiple immigration pathways to permanent residence in Canada.
Our team at Transway Global Immigration can help you:
✔ Assess your eligibility
✔ Compare immigration pathways
✔ Prepare your documents
✔ Develop a long-term immigration strategy
Book a consultation today and begin planning your future in Canada.
👉 https://transwayglobalimmigration.ca/contact/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TR to PR easier than Express Entry?
It depends on the applicant’s situation. Express Entry is a points-based system, while TR to PR pathways may focus on individuals already living and working in Canada.
Can foreign workers apply for Express Entry?
Yes. Many foreign workers in Canada apply through the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Can temporary residents become permanent residents in Canada?
Yes. Many temporary residents transition to permanent residency in Canada through programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or potential TR to PR pathways.
