Applying for permanent residence in Canada is not difficult. Although it might take some time, the end result would be worth the wait.
Canada is a land full of so many opportunities and it’s no wonder why she has continued to receive a great number of immigrants from all over the world seeking permanent residence year after year.
A Canadian Permanent Resident is a person who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada but is not a native citizen of Canada.
People who migrate to Canada temporarily like international students or foreign workers are not permanent residents.Temporal immigrants do not enjoy the same benefits that permanent residents enjoy.
In order for you to have the status of permanent residency, you would have to meet some requirements.
Requirements For Permanent Residence In Canada
Even though the doors of Canada are open to receive people from all over, there are certain criteria you are required to meet in order to qualify for Permanent Residency in the country. You would be examined based on age, language proficiency, education and work experience.
Some document you need for your application include;
- Age Proof such as birth certificate
- Proof of funds
- Educational degrees or certificates
- Medical and police clearance certificate
- Your passport or travel document
- Proof of language proficiency e.g IELTS (International English Learning Testing System)
- Original copies and originally translated documents supporting the application
- Employment documents like job offer, reference letter, payslips
- Educational Credential Assessment(ECA) – when you apply through the Federal Skilled Workers Program
Steps On How To Apply For Permanent Residence In Canada
As an immigrant needing permanent residence in Canada, you are required to file an application to Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Before applying make sure you have all the necessary documents required. The steps to apply include;
- Get all the necessary documents ready
- Fill out the online form
- Scan and upload your documents
- Pay your fees
- Submit your complete application
- Check your application status after you’ve applied
Canada Immigration Programs
There are different immigration programs under which you can apply for permanent residence in Canada. Each program has its own criteria and requirements.
Express Entry
The express entry, also called the Skilled Immigrants Program, is an online application system used by the Canadian government to manage permanent residence applications.
This system was introduced in 2015 and has since then become an immensely popular immigration stream due to its easy migration process. It’s popularly known as the easiest way to migrate and get Permanent Residence in Canada.
Under this category, a Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) which is a point based evaluation process, is used to calculate the score of an applicant based on factors like age, language skill, education and work experience.
The most recent express entry draw score announced on the 11th of May, 2022 is 753. Applicants who meet the desired score are considered eligible to obtain a Canadian Permanent Residence Visa and are then issued the ITA (Invitation To Apply).
The express entry system has three sub categories;
- Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This program is a type of immigration program operated by the government of Canada in partnership with individual provinces. The government grants the provinces the right to invite and nominate skilled people for immigration into the country.
PNP is a reliable way of getting Canada PR(Permanent Residence) and it’s ideal for individuals who are unable to meet the requirements of Express Entry.
You can obtain provincial nomination in two ways; either you use the Canada Express Entry linked models or you can apply directly to the province for selection. However, it’s important to know that different provinces in Canada have different eligibility models.
Some popular means of immigration through the Provincial Nomination Program(PNP) include:
- Nova Scotia PNP
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
- Ontario Immigration Nominee Program
- Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) among many others.
Business Investor Program
The business investor program is designed and structured for business owners from foreign countries who are looking to set up a business in Canada. Business people contribute to Canada’s economic growth through their investments.
You can apply for the business investor program either through Start – up visa or provincial business immigration programs.
Quebec Immigration
The Quebec immigration system is quite different from that of other provinces. It has its own selection criteria separate from IRCC ( Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and PNP(Provincial Nominee Program).
Selected applicants are given a Quebec Selection Certificate issued by the Immigration Ministry. You can apply for Permanent Residence through one of the Sub categories;
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program( QSWP)
This program is designed for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Quebec and become permanent residents.
- Quebec Experience Program
This program is commonly used by international students who have completed their education and foreign skilled workers in Quebec.
- Quebec also has Business Immigration Programs for entrepreneurs and self employed individuals who desire to run a business in Quebec and its also an effective tool to obtain permanent residence in the province.
Some other immigration programs in Canada that can help you obtain permanent residency are Atlantic Immigration Pilot, Permanent Residence for Caregivers and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
Processing Times For Canadian Permanent Residency Visa
The time for processing your Canada PR varies depending on the immigration program you apply under. Also, the selection and approval of your visa application is based on your Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) score. After you’ve received an invitation to apply, it takes about 4-6 months to complete the processing.
Benefits of Becoming A Permanent Resident In Canada
There are so many benefits you receive as a Canadian resident. Some of them are;
- A resident permit grants you a study and work permit. This means that you’d be able to study and apply for high paying jobs in the country.
- Access to healthcare services
- You get access to social and security services
- You receive protection under the Canadian law
- Free education for children
- Dual citizenship.
- Easy accessibility to the US
The advantages that come with being a permanent resident in Canada are numerous. However, it comes with its cons as well. Below are some things that a Canadian Permanent Resident is not allowed to do;
- You are not allowed to vote or run for a political office
- You are not allowed to get any job that needs a high level security clearance.