A Canadian permanent resident is someone who is allowed to live in Canada permanently, but is not a Canadian citizen. They still have citizenship in another country. A person who is in Canada temporarily, such as a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.
Obtaining permanent residence in Canada offers a multitude of advantages, including access to high-quality healthcare, education, and social services. Permanent residents are entitled to the same level of healthcare as Canadian citizens, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage and peace of mind.
However, they must follow certain rules to keep their status, such as spending a certain amount of time in Canada each year. You can learn more about the benefits of becoming a Canadian permanent resident here.
Becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident
The specific requirements and steps involved in becoming a Canadian permanent residence vary depending on the immigration program you choose. Therefore, it is important to learn more about the different options available and to consider speaking with an immigration professional for guidance. Once you have been accepted or invited to become a Canadian permanent resident, you will be issued a permanent resident (PR) card.
Canadian permanent residency (PR) process
The Canadian permanent residence (PR) process is a step-by-step procedure for individuals who want to live and work in Canada permanently. The specific steps involved in the PR process will vary depending on your chosen immigration pathway, but there are some general steps that all applicants must follow.
Step 1: Check your eligibility.
The first step is to check if you meet the eligibility requirements for the PR process. You can do this by using the Government of Canada’s online eligibility checker tool. If you are eligible, you can then proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Create an Express Entry profile.
If you are eligible for the Express Entry system, you will need to create a profile. Express Entry is a points-based system that manages applications for PR from skilled workers and their families.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
If your Express Entry profile meets the minimum requirements, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your full PR application.
Step 4: Gather your supporting documents.
To submit your full PR application, you will need to gather a number of supporting documents, such as your passport, educational transcripts, and work experience letters. You may also need to provide a medical exam and police clearance certificate.
Step 5: Submit your PR application.
Once you have gathered all of your supporting documents, you can submit your full PR application. You can do this online or by mail.
Step 6: Wait for processing.
Once you have submitted your PR application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. This can take several months.
Step 7: Complete your landing requirements.
Once your PR application has been approved, you will need to complete your landing requirements. This involves traveling to Canada and presenting your PR card to a border services officer.
Immigration Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residence
Express Entry
Express Entry is a system that manages permanent residence applications for skilled workers who can fill jobs in Canada where there is a shortage of qualified workers. To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum level of work experience and language skills.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence who have the skills, education, and work experience to fill labor shortages in their region. Each province and territory has its own PNP program, with its own eligibility requirements and streams.
Business Immigration
Business Immigration offers opportunities for foreigners who want to start or invest in a business in Canada. There are a number of different business immigration programs available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and qualifications.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program that allows temporary foreign workers and foreign students who are already in Canada to apply for permanent residency. To be eligible for the CEC, you must have at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation in Canada.
Family Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship is a way for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to immigrate to Canada. There are a number of different sponsorship programs available, depending on the relationship between you and the person you are sponsoring.
Canadian Permanent Residence Requirements
The following is a checklist of the Canadian permanent residence (PR) requirements that you need to review before applying for PR status in Canada:
- Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 45. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 35 receive the most points, while those over the age of 35 receive fewer points.
- Education: Applicants must have educational qualifications that are equivalent to at least a high school diploma under Canadian standards.
- Work experience: Applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience in an occupation that is listed as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). More years of work experience and/or a job offer from a Canadian employer can earn applicants additional points.
- Language ability: Applicants must have a minimum IELTS score of 6, and the score must be less than two years old. Applicants who are proficient in French can earn additional points.
- Adaptability: Applicants who are married or have a common-law partner who is willing to immigrate to Canada with them are entitled to 10 additional points for
- adaptability.
Canada PR Eligibility
To be eligible for Canadian permanent residency (PR), applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Score at least 67 points on the Canada Points Grid.
- Be under the age of 40.
- Have an IELTS or PTE score of at least CLB 7.
- Have their educational credentials assessed by a designated organization.
Proof of funds and a job offer in Canada are not required, but they can improve an applicant’s chances of success.
Canada Points Grid
The Canada Points Grid is a system used to assess and rank PR applicants. Applicants are awarded points for their age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Applicants who score at least 67 points are eligible to apply for PR.
IELTS and PTE Tests
The IELTS and PTE tests are English language proficiency tests. Applicants must have an IELTS or PTE score of at least CLB 7 to be eligible for PR.
Educational Credential Assessment
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a report that compares an applicant’s foreign educational credentials to Canadian educational standards. Applicants must have their educational credentials assessed by a designated organization in order to apply for PR.
Proof of Funds
Proof of funds is required to demonstrate that an applicant has the financial resources to support themselves and their family members (if applicable) once they arrive in Canada. The amount of proof of funds required varies depending on the size of the family.
Job Offer
A job offer in Canada can improve an applicant’s chances of success in the PR process. Applicants who have a job offer receive additional points on the Canada Points Grid.
Canada PR Visa
A Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) visa is a visa that allows the holder to live and work in Canada permanently. It is valid for five years, and holders of a Canadian PR card can enjoy most of the same benefits as Canadian citizens, including healthcare coverage. Once they have met the eligibility requirements, PRs can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Canada PR via Express Entry
The Express Entry program is a points-based system for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It consists of three subcategories:
- Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP): For overseas skilled workers
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled workers with Canadian work experience
To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must create a profile and submit their skills, education, and language proficiency. They are then ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Canada PR via PNP
Canada PR via PNP refers to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which is a Canadian immigration program that allows provinces and territories to nominate eligible individuals for permanent residency. The PNP is a popular option for applicants who want to immigrate to Canada because it offers a number of advantages over other immigration programs, such as:
- Lower eligibility requirements: The PNP typically has lower eligibility requirements than other immigration programs, such as Express Entry.
- Faster processing times: PNP applications are typically processed faster than Express Entry applications.
- Provincial support: PNP nominees receive support from the province or territory that nominated them, which can help them to settle and integrate into Canada
Proof of Funds for Canada PR
Proof of funds is required for all Canadian permanent residency (PR) applicants, regardless of the immigration pathway they are applying through. The purpose of proof of funds is to show that you have the financial resources to support yourself and your family members (if applicable) once you arrive in Canada.
The amount of proof of funds you need will vary depending on the size of your family. The following table shows the minimum proof of funds requirements for 2023:
|
Number of family members
|
Funds required
|
| 1 | CAD 13,757 |
| 2 | CAD 17,127 |
| 3 | CAD 21,055 |
| 4 | CAD 25,564 |
| 5 | CAD 28,994 |
| 6 | CAD 32,700 |
| 7 | CAD 36,407 |
|
If more than 7, for each additional member
|
CAD 3,706 |
Benefits of Canadian PR status
The ability to live and work anywhere in Canada. Permanent residents have the right to live and work in any province or territory in Canada. They are also free to move within Canada as needed, without having to obtain a new work permit or visa.
Access to universal healthcare and social services. Permanent residents are entitled to the same universal healthcare and social services as Canadian citizens. This includes access to free or low-cost healthcare, education, and social programs.
Family sponsorship. Permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children to immigrate to Canada. This allows permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones and build a life in Canada together.
Free education for children. Children of permanent residents are eligible for free public education up to grade 12. This can save families thousands of dollars in tuition costs.
A path to Canadian citizenship. After living in Canada for three out of five years, permanent residents are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. Once they become citizens, they will have the same rights and responsibilities as any other Canadian citizen.
