Canada Permanent Residency (PR) – Complete Guide

Ready to start fresh in Canada? Canada welcomes over 400,000 permanent residents every year, and is actively looking to increase that number. With its strong economy, free health care, good education, and safe environment, Canada is a popular and preferred destination for people and families looking to settle abroad. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about getting your Canada PR—pathways, benefits, costs, who is eligible, and the documents you need to provide.

What is a Canada PR Visa?


 
A Permanent Resident (PR) Visa allows foreign citizens the right to live, work, and settle in Canada indefinitely. PR holders have many of the same rights as Canadian citizens, except voting (you'll have to become a citizen to vote), and can apply for citizenship in several years' time.

Ways To Apply For Your Canada PR

There are multiple immigration programs to apply for Canada PR. Which immigration program works best for you is based on your personal situation, your professional qualifications, and your goals.Some popular PR pathways are:

  • Express Entry (Skilled Workers Program)
  • Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
  • Family Sponsorship
  • Quebec Selected Skilled Workers
  • Business or Investor Immigration
  • International Adoption
 
Most applicants will use the Express Entry system because it is fast, points-based, and focuses on skilled professionals.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Canada PR

  1. Determine Your Eligibility
  2. Use the points-based Canada PR calculator to find your score. You will be assessed on your age, education, language, and work experience.

  3. Determine Which Program to Apply Under
  4. Choose a PR pathway based on your profile. The Express Entry and the PNP are the most typical pathways for skilled workers.

  5. Identify Your NOC Code
  6. Look up your position in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system so you can determine if your job is eligible.

  7. Take a Language Test
  8. Take an IELTS, CELPIP, or other approved language tests. Your language score plays an important role in your overall points total.

  9. Get an Education Assessment
  10. Apply for an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) with WES, IQAS, or ICAS to verify your education qualifications.

  11. Create Your Express Entry Profile
  12. Register on the IRCC official website, submit your information, and upload the requested documents. After you submit your profile, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

  13. Wait for an Invitation
  14. Should your CRS score meet or exceed the cut-off in an Express Entry draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Advantages of Having a Canada PR

Having a PR in Canada comes with many benefits, including:

  • Free health care for you and your family through public health.
  • Free basic education for your children through public schools.
  • A very safe and secure country with low crime levels.
  • Access to family benefits, old age pensions, and other social benefits.
  • Ability to work or start your own business anywhere in Canada.
  • A pathway to Canadian citizenship once you have met the residency requirement.
  • Travel flexibility PR holders can travel in and out of Canada freely.

Documents Required to Apply for Canada PR

Be sure to take steps to prepare the following documents when you apply for your Canada PR:

  • Valid Passport/travel document.
  • Educational certificates and transcripts.
  • Language test results (e.g., IELTS).
  • Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • Work Experience letters/reference letters.
  • Proof of funds (e.g., bank statements).
  • Police clearance certificates.
  • Medical examination results.
  • Photographs in accordance with requirements.
  • Application forms and fee receipts.

Note: All documents need to be in English or French. Documents in other languages require translations.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada PR

Your profile will be evaluated based on a points-based system. You need at least 67 out of 100 points to qualify.

Factors considered:

  • Age/li>
  • Education
  • Language test results (e.g., IELTS).
  • Language proficiency (English/French)
  • Work experience
  • Job offer from a Canadian employer
  • Adaptability (e.g., spouse’s education, relatives in Canada, etc.)

Canada PR Fees (Federal Express Entry)

Applicant Type PR Application Fee
Main Applicant CAD 550
Spouse or Partner CAD 550
Child (under 22 years) CAD 150 (each)

Other costs may include medical exams, police checks, and document translations.

Need Guidance for Your PR Application?

At VisaExperts, we offer reliable guidance to help you navigate the Canada PR process smoothly. Our team ensures every step is clear and hassle-free for you.

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