Canada is a popular destination for people looking to immigrate and start a new life. One of the ways to become a permanent resident of Canada is through the Permanent Resident (PR) application process.
The PR application process allows individuals to live and work in Canada permanently, with access to healthcare, education, and other benefits.
The Canadian PR application process can be complex and time-consuming, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a smooth and successful process.
Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including language skills, education, work experience, and health and security checks.
There are different programs available to apply for permanent residency, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Family Sponsorship. Each program has its own set of requirements and application process.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Canadian permanent residency, an applicant must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the following immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
To be eligible for FSWP, an applicant must:
- Have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.
- Meet the minimum language requirements in English or French.
- Have a Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
- Score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP point grid.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
To be eligible for CEC, an applicant must:
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
- Meet the minimum language requirements in English or French.
- Plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
- Score at least 67 out of 100 points on the CEC point grid.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for skilled tradespeople with work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
To be eligible for FSTP, an applicant must:
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- Meet the minimum language requirements in English or French.
- Have an offer of full-time employment in Canada for at least one year, or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for skilled workers who want to immigrate to a specific Canadian province or territory. Each province and territory has its own PNP with specific eligibility criteria.
To apply for a PNP, an applicant must:
- Meet the eligibility criteria of the specific PNP stream.
- Receive a nomination from the province or territory.
- Apply for permanent residency through Express Entry or through the regular immigration process.
Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their family members to come and live in Canada permanently.
To be eligible for family sponsorship, an applicant must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet the income requirements to support the sponsored family member.
- Prove the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored family member.
Application Process
To apply for Canadian Permanent Residence, candidates must follow a step-by-step process. The following subsections outline the process in detail.
Gathering Required Documents
Before submitting an application, candidates must gather all required documents.
These documents include proof of language proficiency, educational credentials, and work experience. Additionally, candidates must provide police certificates and undergo a medical examination.
A complete list of required documents can be found on the Government of Canada website.
Language Proficiency Tests
Candidates must demonstrate their language proficiency by taking an approved language test.
The two accepted language tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) for English, and the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) for French.
Candidates must achieve a minimum score to qualify for the Express Entry pool.
Educational Credential Assessment
Candidates who completed their education outside of Canada must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
This report verifies that their education is equivalent to a completed Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate.
The ECA report must be submitted with the Express Entry profile.
Creating Express Entry Profile
Candidates must create an Express Entry profile on the Government of Canada website.
The profile includes information about the candidate’s education, language proficiency, work experience, and other personal details.
Candidates are then ranked in the Express Entry pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Receiving Invitation to Apply
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence. Candidates have 90 days to submit a complete application after receiving an ITA.
Submitting the Application
Candidates must submit their complete application for Permanent Residence within the 90-day period.
The application includes all required documents and fees. Candidates must also undergo a background check and submit biometric data.
Biometrics and Background Checks
Candidates must provide biometric data, which includes fingerprints and a photograph, at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC).
The data is used to conduct a background check.
Permanent Resident Visa Issuance
If the application is approved, candidates will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident (PR) visa. The PR visa allows candidates to enter Canada as a Permanent Resident.