Canada PR Options for Security Guards – How to Make It Possible
Many international students in Canada work as security guards during their studies. Some even continue full-time as security guards after graduation. But when it comes to Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada, they often face challenges because security guard jobs (TEER 4 level) are generally not eligible under federal or most provincial immigration programs.
So, does this mean there’s no hope?
Not at all. With the right career upgrade and planning, security guards can create multiple pathways to PR in Canada. At Globexa Immigration, we regularly guide clients who are stuck in low-skilled jobs to redesign their career profile and successfully achieve Canadian PR.
1. Why Security Guard Jobs Don’t Lead to PR
Security guard positions are classified under TEER 4 (NOC 64410).
TEER 4 jobs are not prioritized in federal programs like Express Entry.
Most provinces, including Ontario, do not consider security guard roles as eligible for PNP unless they fall into a special demand stream.
Bottom line: If you remain a security guard, you may exhaust your work permit without a clear PR pathway.
2. Upgrade to Security Supervisor – The Smart Move
The first and most effective option is to move up from security guard to security supervisor.
NOC for Security Supervisor: 62029
TEER Level: 2
TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 jobs qualify for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Benefits of Becoming a Security Supervisor
Makes you eligible for Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) with just 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in the last 3 years.
Opens the door to Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) streams, especially if you studied in Ontario.
At Globexa Immigration, we advise our clients to actively seek promotions or switch to employers who can offer supervisor-level positions.
3. Option 1: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Requires 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
Both part-time and full-time experience count (must add up to 1560 hours).
Security Supervisor jobs fall under this eligible category.
With strong education, age, and IELTS scores, candidates can achieve a competitive CRS score.
4. Option 2: Ontario International Student Stream
If you studied in Canada, especially in Ontario, you may qualify under the OINP Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream.
Key Highlights:
You only need a full-time job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 role (like Security Supervisor).
No prior work experience is required.
Must have graduated from a recognized public college or university in Canada.
At Globexa Immigration, we call this one of the fastest PR pathways for international students.
5. Option 3: OINP Foreign Worker Stream
For those on a spousal open work permit or not applying as students:
You need 2 years of work experience with an eligible employer in Ontario.
Must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
Security Supervisor roles qualify.
6. Option 4: OINP In-Demand Skills Stream
If you cannot upgrade to a supervisor role and remain in TEER 4/5, Ontario has an In-Demand Skills Stream.
Specific NOC codes are eligible (some TEER 4 jobs).
Requires just 9 months of experience in Ontario.
Security guard jobs are generally excluded, so targeting other in-demand occupations is smarter.
7. Option 5: Other Alternatives
If you want to explore beyond the supervisor role:
Skilled Trades Pathways – Switch to trades like painter, roofer, floor installer, machinist etc. Many are eligible under federal/provincial PR programs.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – If you work in a rural community, 1 year of experience may make you eligible for a nomination.
French Language Pathways – Learning French (B2 level) can open PR opportunities in Ontario and other provinces. At Globexa Immigration, we even guide clients on French training for PR purposes.
8. Employer Eligibility – An Important Step
To qualify under OINP employer job offer streams, your employer must:
Have been in business for at least 3 years.
Meet minimum annual revenue requirements ($1M inside GTA, $500K outside GTA).
Have at least 5 full-time Canadian citizens/PR employees inside GTA (or 3 outside GTA).
👉 Employers outside the GTA often have lower requirements and more frequent nomination draws. At Globexa Immigration, we help clients check whether their employer is eligible to support their PR application.
9. Key Takeaways for Security Guards
Do not stay as a security guard if PR is your goal.
Upgrade to Security Supervisor – this single step opens multiple PR pathways.
Choose the right program based on your status:
Students → Ontario International Student Stream
Spouses → OINP Foreign Worker Stream
Skilled Workers → Canadian Experience Class
Explore alternatives like trades, RNIP, or French-speaking streams for added options.
Final Words
Getting PR in Canada as a security guard alone is almost impossible. But with the right strategy, job upgrade, and employer support, you can unlock opportunities like the Canadian Experience Class and Ontario PNP.
At Globexa Immigration, we specialize in helping students, workers, and families in Haryana—especially in Panipat—find the best PR pathway for their profile. If you are currently working as a security guard or want to explore your PR options, our expert counsellors are here to guide you every step of the way.
