How to apply for PR.

[Graham298]

Hi There,

I would like some help please.

I am currently here on a work permit. I have an LMO which is valid till sept 2010 It is a skilled permit, Retail trade manager.

I would like to apply for PR.

How do i go about it?
Where do i get the forms?
What papers do i need to apply?
Can i do this myself , or do i need to get a lawyer. (i had one ,but the company now gone bust, and yes, paid in full, big mistake and costly)
How long will process take?

Many thanks for your help

Graham

Ps, im in Alberta , Edmonton. My work permit is tied to my employer.

[PankajK]

You can read the instructions here

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/faq-t13225.0.html

Good Luck

[jes_ON]

Graham, start here -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp

You may qualify under the Federal Skilled Workers program, if you have been working in Canada for at least one year and/or have an offer for a "permanent" job if you get PR.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp

If you have been working here for 2 years, you may qualify under the Canadian Experience Class -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp


Finally, there is the Provincial Nominee Class, tho these seem to take the longest -
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/index.asp

Alberta -
http://www.albertacanada.com/immigration/immigrate/ainp.html

No, you usually do not need a lawyer, but it can be a time-consuming process...

[marychris]

Also take help from Canada Immigration blogs

[Graham298]

Thanks Jes-on

Yes i have been with my employer for over 12mths, and they have provided me with a letter stating that i have a full time permanent job, when i receive My PR.

If i have to get someone to do the papers for me, Does anyone know, someone who will do it cheap.

Thanks for your help so far

[jes_ON]

Congrats, looks like you may qualify under Category 2 of the Skilled Worker program.

Seriously, the hardest part of the application is collecting the required documents (if you don't already have them - birth certificates, diplomas, etc., police clearance certificates), and in most cases you have to do that yourself.   As well, for me, since I've moved so much -coming up with all the addresses I've lived at since I was 18.  (Being a packrat finally came in handy).  A lawyer can't do those things for you, and there's no such thing as one who'll do it "cheap" (my special discounted offer was $5,000 - quite out of the question for me).