Permanent Residency in Canada

Who Is a Canadian Permanent Resident?

A permanent resident (PR) of Canada is a foreign national who has been granted the legal right to live, work, and study in Canada permanently, while still being a citizen of another country. PRs have access to social benefits but must meet residency obligations to maintain their status.

What is a Permanent Resident (PR) Card?

The Canadian PR card is an official document issued by the Canadian government and is a type of identification showing you hold Canada PR status. If you leave Canada, you will need to show your PR card when re-entering the country.

Canadian PR Card Sample

What is a Confirmation of PR?

The Confirmation of Permanent Residence Canada (COPR) is a document issued to individuals who have recently become permanent residents of Canada and whose Canada PR application has been approved. These individuals must use this document until they receive their PR card.

While waiting to receive your PR card, you can use the COPR to access services and benefits you are eligible for (such as obtaining a SIN number).

Difference Between Canada PR, TR, and Citizenship

What Are the Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada?

What Canada Permanent Residents Cannot Do?

• Vote in Canadian Federal elections.
• Run for political office.
• Hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.

How to Get Permanent Residency in Canada?

Direct Pathways for Permanent Residency in Canada

There are over 100 ways to obtain a Canada PR visa directly.

If you want to become a Canada permanent resident directly, you can pursue the following pathways:

1..Express Entry

The Express Entry system is the main pathway to Canadaian PR, with three programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

In this system, applicants are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and those with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. It has 2 types of draws to provide ITAs, including:

• General Draws: Candidates are selected based solely on CRS scores.
• Targeted Draws: Focus on specific groups, such as those with in-demand occupations or French proficiency.

2..Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs are also pathways that directly lead to Canada’s permanent residency. Canadian provinces nominate individuals through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This program is to address provinces labor market needs and has been designed for individuals who are interested in immigrating to a specific province or territory. PNP pathways include two main categories:

i..Express Entry-Linked Programs

These programs are aligned with the federal Express Entry system. To apply:

1. Create an Express Entry profile and express your interest in a specific province.
2. If the province nominates you, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through Express Entry.

ii..Standalone Provincial Programs

These programs operate independently of the Express Entry system. While their processing times are generally longer, you can apply directly through the portal of the province for a specific program.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and receive a provincial nomination, you can submit your permanent residency application to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)

3..Investment in Canada

Investment pathways offer a secure and low-risk way to obtain permanent residency in Canada, especially if chosen wisely. Here are the main options:

Provincial Entrepreneur Programs

Provincial entrepreneur programs allow individuals to start or invest in a business in a specific province and obtain permanent residency. Many of these programs offer a direct or expedited route to Canada permanent residence.

Eligibility Requirements

..Meet specific net worth and relevant work experience criteria.

..Each province has unique requirements but aims to attarct individuals who can contribute to the local economy.

Startup Visa

The Startup Visa program offers permanent residency Canada to entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. It is ideal for those seeking to expand their business globally in Canada’s supportive environment.

You should show that your business is original, able to compete on a global scale, and can create job opportunities for Canadians.

If your idea is accepted, you receive direct permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

• ..Have an innovative Business idea.
• ..Have a letter of support from a designated organization
• ..Demonstrate English or French proficiency (minimum CLB 5)
• Show financial sufficiency to support yourself and your family

4..Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

The QSWP is designed for skilled workers intending to live and work in Quebec. Managed by the province, it has a points-based system (Arrima) similar to Express Entry.

Canada Permanent Residency Process Through QSWP:

• If selected by Quebec, you receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
• Submit the CSQ to the federal government to apply for Canada permanent residency.

5..Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP) supports skilled workers and entrepreneurs by offering them the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The goal of this program is to address labor shortages and increase population growth in rural and less-populated areas.

Requirement:

To migrate through this pathway, you must have a job offer from one of the designated communities.

6..Agri-Food Pilot

The Agri-Food Pilot addresses labor shortages in the agriculture and food industries. It offers a pathway to Canada PR for agricultural workers. If you want a permanent visa for Canada and have skills in this industry, this is the right pathway for you.

Requirement:

• 1 year of full-time Canadian work experience in eligible occupations
• Have a valid job offer
• Have enough language proficiency (minimum CLB 4) in English or French
• Have at least a high school diploma.

6..Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP targets skilled workers and international graduates for provinces in Atlantic Canada, aiming to address labor shortages and support regional economic growth. If you want to obtain permanent residency in Canada, this pathway offers an easy way.

Benefits and Requirements:

• No LMIA is required.
• Lower language requirements (CLB 4 or 5).
• Must have a valid job offer in one of the Atlantic provinces.

7..Enhanced Caregiver Program

The new Enhanced Caregiver Program allows you to receive Canada permanent residency from the moment you enter Canada, and you can also work in organizations that provide temporary or part-time care-giving services. This program is designed in response to Canada’s high demand for child and senior care services. To be eligible, you must have a related job offer.

Requirement:

• Secure a relevant, full-time job offer.
• Enough language proficiency (minimum CLB 4)
• Have at least a high school diploma.
• Demonstrate care-giving experience in recent years

8..Permanent Residency for French Speakers

French speakers have special opportunities to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Programs like the French-Speaking IMP (job offers without LMIA) or Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program focus on individuals with French language skills. Express Entry also awards additional points for French proficiency.

9..Permanent Residency via Sponsorship

If your spouse or parents are permanent residents or citizens of Canada, they can sponsor you to move to Canada and apply for Canada permanent residency.

Requirements for Sponsorship:

The sponsor should meet the requirements below:

• Demonstrate enough financial resources to support you.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be at least 18 years old.

Indirect Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada

Many people choose indirect pathways to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency. This means they enter Canada on a temporary visa and then fulfill the necessary conditions to eventually acquire Canadian permanent residency (PR). Below are some of the most common indirect pathways to obtaining PR in Canada.

• Work Permit

You can enter Canada with temporary residency through a work permit and later convert it to permanent residency. Below are some common methods to obtain a Canadian work permit:

Purchasing a Business

One indirect method of obtaining permanent residency is by purchasing a business in Canada, such as a company or store. By receiving a work visa and developing the business, you can become eligible for permanent residency.

Job Offer and Work Permit

A job offer is a method that can, in certain circumstances, increase your Express Entry score and lead to permanent residency in Canada. With a job offer from a Canadian employer, working in Canada can ultimately lead to permanent residency through Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Permanent Residency via C11 Visa

The C11 pathway is excellent for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to invest in or start a new business in Canada and receive permanent residency in Canada.

========Key Details=========

• The C11 visa provides temporary work authorization to manage your business in Canada.
• After managing your business in Canada for one year, you can become eligible for permanent residency.
• No LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is required.

Permanent Residency via ICT Visa

The C12 or ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) visa allows individuals to transfer within their company or establish a branch of their business in Canada.

=======Key Details========

Suitable for expanding an existing business into Canada.Initially, you receive a temporary work permit, and after one year of employment in Canada, you can apply for permanent residency through Express Entry

• Study Permit

By getting accepted into a Canadian university or college and obtaining a Canadian study visa, you can initially enter Canada as a temporary resident. Then, through the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker program (via Express Entry), you can apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Read more: Study in Canada

• Tourist Visa

The process of converting a tourist visa to permanent residency is done in two stages: first, by changing the tourist visa to a study or work visa, and then applying for permanent residency.

How to convert a tourist visa to obtain a PR

Converting Tourist Visa to Work Permit

1. Get a job offer from a Canadian employer to increase your CRS score.
2. Create a profile in the Express Entry system and apply through the Federal Skilled Worker program.
3. Wait for the draw to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
4. Submit your permanent residency application.

Converting Tourist Visa to Study Permit

1. Enroll in an institution with a DLI number.
2. Complete a program that lasts more than 8 months.
3. After the program, obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
4. After working for at least one year, apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class program.

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How Many People Received Canada PR in 2024?

• Total: 451,600

Costs of Applying for Permanent Residency in Canada

• The cost of getting a PR card: 50 CAD
• Right of Permanent Residence fee: 575 CAD
• Government fees: 1,000 - 3,000 CAD
• Biometric: 85 CAD

Investment-related costs may also apply in some pathways, depending on the type of business, and they vary.

Canada PR Eligibility

Individuals searching for Canada permanent residency requirements and eligibility must meet the criteria below:

• You must be eligible under the program you’re applying through.
• You must not have a criminal record.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have enough funds and show proof of funds.
• If applying through the Express Entry and claiming education points, you must have your educational credentials assessed.
• For most pathways, you need to have proof of language proficiency (English or French)
• You may need to meet certain educational and professional qualifications, such as having a diploma.
• Relevant work experience in a skilled occupation may be required, especially for skilled worker categories.

Remember that among Canada permanent resident eligibility requirements, there’s a rule that you should be physically present inside Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period.

Required Documents for obtaining Canada PR

• Medical report
• Proof of financial means
• Documents related to criminal record check
• Birth certificate and passport
• Photos
• Educational documents
• Language certificate (if required)
• Employment documents (proof of work experience)
• Marriage or divorce certificate
• Other documents

How to apply for a Canada PR Card?

If you have recently obtained permanent residency, your first PR card will be automatically mailed to your address in Canada. There is no need to apply for your first PR card.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PR Card in Canada?

• Issuance of the first PR card: 22 days
• Renewal or replacement of a PR card: 28 days

The times are approximate and subject to change.

How to Convert Canada PR to Citizenship?

• Be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days within 5 years.
• Pay your taxes.
• Achieve the required language score (minimum CELPIP 4)
• Take and pass the Canadian citizenship test.
• Attend the citizenship oath ceremony.
• Obtain Canadian citizenship.
• Apply for a Canadian passport.

Get Your Permanent Residency in Canada with Baron Visa Solutions

The journey to obtain permanent residency in Canada can be complex, and missing even one detail could delay your application. Don’t risk your future! Our expert consultants are here to ensure you meet all the requirements and avoid costly mistakes. Time is crucial, and the sooner you start, the better your chances of success.