Every immigrant who comes to Canada ultimately wants to settle down in Canada and obtain Canadian permanent residency. The permanent residency allows them to live and work in Canada for as long as they want and are treated just like Canadian citizens except for a few rights like Vote.
There are multiple ways to obtain PR depending on the applicant’s profile, the Canadian labor market, new pathways, and more. This article will discuss some of the best ways to get Canada PR, and you will be able to figure out which program and way is best for you to get Canada PR.
Canada Permanent Resident Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for PR depend on the program you choose, different programs have their own eligibility requirements such as Express Entry Canada’s requirements are:
- You must choose the program under Express Entry Canada: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class.
- Take a language test (IELTS for English, TEF for French) and meet minimum requirements, to be eligible for express entry you need a minimum CLB 7 depending on the program.
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education is from outside Canada.
- Have relevant work experience within the last ten years in NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B, at least one year of work experience.
- Be admissible to Canada (pass medical exams, and security checks)
- Consider obtaining a job offer for additional CRS points
Check out your eligibility through the CRS score calculator.
Best ways to get Canada PR
1. Express Entry Canada
Express Entry Canada is among the best and fastest ways to get Canada PR. It is point point-based system that is used to evaluate applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more.
CRS score is given based on these factors, and candidate that meets the minimum requirement of a CRS score such as 490 will be invited to submit their applications under one of the Express Entry streams. You can calculate your CRS score here to check your eligibility.
Express Entry has total 3 streams mentioned below:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For highly skilled individuals, granting permanent residency is based on factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople with relevant work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with skilled work experience in Canada
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each province and territory has its own nominee program with specific criteria, the eligible candidates will get province nominee and will be given 600 additional points in their express entry profile, which ensures that they will get invited to the next Express Entry draws.
These are some of the best PNP programs to choose from.
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Alberta has various streams, including the Alberta Express Entry Stream and the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which may be more accessible for certain candidates.
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): SINP has the Saskatchewan Express Entry and Occupation In-Demand streams, which are known for being relatively accessible.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Ontario has 9 different streams, which is best for international students who have studied in Ontario and for skilled people who have 1 year of experience in Ontario.
You can learn more about all Canada PNP Program and find out which one is best for you so you can know how to get Canada PR.
3. Quebec Immigration Programs
Quebec has its own immigration program just like other provinces but not called the provincial nominee program. If you live in Quebec and have experience in Quebec then considering Quebec immigration programs would be the best choice for you. You would have to have French language knowledge as well to be eligible for one of these programs to get Canada PR.
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a immigration pathway for skilled workers intending to settle in the province of Quebec.
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) is designed for skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates who want to permanently live in the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island). Atlantic Immigration Pilot will become an official permanent program in 2022 and each year it is planned to immigrate 9,000 new immigrants in this stream covering all four major provinces.
To be eligible for Atlantic Immigration Pilot you will have to have a job offer in NOC category 0, 1, 2 or 3, your employer must be a designated employer, and complete all other eligibilities like language, age, education and more.
Learn more about the Atlantic immigration Program here.
5. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
Aimed at bringing skilled workers to smaller communities in participating provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
Applicant needs to have a job offer and other requirements such as education, language proficiency and more in one of the participating communities. Learn more about Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program to check your eligibility.
Participating communities
| Community | Community website |
|---|---|
| North Bay, ON | https://northbayrnip.ca/ |
| Sudbury, ON | https://investsudbury.ca/why-sudbury/move-to-sudbury/rnip/ |
| Timmins, ON | http://www.timminsedc.com |
| Sault Ste. Marie, ON | http://www.welcometossm.com |
| Thunder Bay, ON | https://gotothunderbay.ca/ |
| Brandon, MB | http://www.economicdevelopmentbrandon.com |
| Altona/Rhineland, MB | http://www.seedrgpa.com |
| Moose Jaw, SK | https://www.moosejawrnip.ca/ |
| Claresholm, AB | http://www.claresholm.ca |
| Vernon, BC | https://rnip-vernon-northok.ca/ |
| West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson), BC | https://wk-rnip.ca/ |
6. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Agre-food Immigration Pilot program is for those who have experience in the agriculture food industry. If you have a job offer from a designated employer in a specific region in Canada, you are eligible for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot program.
Eligibility requirements:
- Job Offer: Need a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in the agri-food sector.
- Work Experience: Must have at least one year of Canadian work experience in the past three years.
- Language Proficiency: Must meet minimum language requirements (CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French).
- Education: Should have completed the equivalent of Canadian high school education or equal level
- Settlement Funds: Demonstrate enough funds to support yourself and family.
7. Caregiver Program
The Caregiver Program in Canada includes two pilots:
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot
- Home Support Worker Pilot
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must have at least 24 months of full-time Canadian work experience in last 3 years
- A valid Job offer in caregiver
- Minimum Language procificen of minimum CLB 4
Learn more about the Canada Caregiver Program and check out the eligibility for this program.
8. Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa Program is a Canadian immigration that is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to come to Canada to set up business in Canada.
Requirements
- Entrepreneurial Qualifications: Must have a qualifying business and obtain a letter of support from a designated organization.
- Ownership Requirements: You must hold at least 50% of the business ownership.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum Language proficiency is required.
- Settlement Funds: Must have enough money to support yourself and your family members during your initial stay in Canada.
- Education: Must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education.
- Business Ownership: Your business must be incorporated and operating in Canada, and you must actively participate in the managing business.
How to apply for Permanent Residence
Following are the steps to apply for permanent residence from outside Canada and also if you are in Canada.
- Check Eligibility: The first step is to check the eligibility criteria for one of the programs under Express Entry Canada: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Language Proficiency Test: Take a Language test and must meet the minium requirements for (IELTS for English or TEF for French) In most cases minimum CLB 7.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education was obtained outside of Canada, obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm the equivalency of your foreign education.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Once you have all your details you must create Express Entry Profile and provide all the information as per your documents, you don’t have to submit documents yet but provide same information.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Once IRCC has your information, you will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and you will be assigned points based on factors like age, work experience, education, language and more. You can calculate your CRS points here.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during a regular Express Entry draw conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Submit a Complete Application: Once you receive an ITA, submit a complete application and all the documents for permanent residence within the specified timeframe. Include all required documents and pay the application fees.
- Medical Examination and Police Clearance: Undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician to ensure you meet health requirements. Provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
- Biometrics: Provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) if required.
- Wait for a Decision: Wait for IRCC to process your application. Processing times may vary.
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) along with a permanent resident visa (if applicable).
- Travel to Canada: Once you receive your COPR, travel to Canada and become a permanent resident.
Benefits of Canadian PR
- Work and Live Anywhere: You can work and live anywhere in Canada without any restrictions.
- Access to Social Services: Eligibility for healthcare, education, and social services.
- Education and Healthcare Coverage: Lower tuition fees for education and access to healthcare services.
- Legal Protection: Protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Social and Economic Opportunities: Opportunities to participate in Canadian society and contribute to the economy.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
- Travel Privileges: Freedom to travel in and out of Canada.
- Retirement Benefits: Eligibility for retirement benefits such as CPP and OAS.
- Access to Job Market: Access to the Canadian job market without a work permit.
- Family Reunification: Facilitates family reunification by sponsoring family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years to get PR in Canada?
The number of years to get Canada PR depends on the program you choose, however, many other factors depend one in how many years you will get PR. It could be less than a year for some people and for some people it could take more than 3 years. Express Entry is the fastest way to get Canada PR with most applications are processed within 1 year.
Is PR easy to get in Canada?
The ease of getting Canada PR depends on the applicant’s profile and which PR pathway they are applying under which includes factors such as education, age, language proficiency and more.
How to apply for Canada PR from India?
The application process for Canada in India is almost the same as in any other country. If you are applying within Canada you may don’t have to go through medical exam and biometrics, however, most steps remain the same no matter which country you are applying from.
Is PR easy to get in Canada?
No province would be able to give you PR in 6 months, however, to become eligible to apply under PNP, SINP is great option for someone who is looking to apply under PNP in 6 months. Check out more about SINP here.
