Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada is granted to international individuals authorized to live and work in Canada without any time limit on their stay. A permanent resident in Canada has the same rights as a Canadian citizen. Regardless, unlike Canadian citizens, they are required to maintain their PR status.
Table of contents
- Eligibility for PR in Canada
- How to Apply for PR in Canada?
- Canada PR Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility for PR in Canada
To be eligible for PR in Canada, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
Express Entry System
- Canadian Experience Class: Skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience. 3 years of work experience before applying.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: Skilled workers with eligible Foreign or Canadian work experience. Eligibility factors include age, education, work experience, valid job offer, English or French language skills, and adaptability.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: Skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade. Must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.
- Provincial Nominee Program: Allows Canadian provinces and territories to recommend PR, based on their job & skills. Each province and territory has its eligibility criteria.
Family Sponsorship
- Canadian citizens can sponsor their spouse, partner, dependent children, adopted child, relatives, parents, or grandparents to become permanent residents.
- If you’re sponsoring, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must be a permanent resident of Canada OR a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- You should have enough funds to support the people you wish to sponsor
Atlantic Immigration Program
- This is a pathway for skilled foreign workers and international students (from a Canadian institution) who wish to work and live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Applicants must receive a job offer from a designated employer to be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Start-up Visa & Agri-Food Pilot
- Start-up Visa Program: For entrepreneurs with skills & potential to build businesses in Canada.
- Agri-Food Pilot:
- Have an eligible job offer or pass the educational requirements.
- 1 year (1,560 hours) of full-time work experience.
- Must know English or French language.
- Proof of Funds to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.
How to Apply for PR in Canada?
The application process for PR in Canada depends on the program you are applying. The steps to follow for applying to PR in Canada are as follows:
- Online Form: Fill out the online application and ensure you have submitted the necessary documents.
- Scan & Upload the Documents: Upload the required documents. If any of your documents is not in English or French, you must upload a translation document (stamped by a certified translator). The list of documents required for Canada PR from India are:
- Passport or travel document
- Language test results (English or French)
- Proof of Canadian education or equivalent
- Provincial nomination (if you have one)
- Written job offer letter from an employer in Canada (if you have)
- Proof of work experience
- Trade qualification certificate issued by Canadian authorities (if you have one)
- Proof of funds
- Application Fees: The system will show you a list of fees you must pay. Processing fees, permanent residence fees, and biometrics fees should be paid. Ensure that you have your debit or credit card for the payment.
- Submit Application: Before you finish your application, check that you have filled out the important information along with clear scans of your documents.
Canada PR Benefits
Numerous benefits come with your Canadian PR status, some of which are:
- You can travel, work & live anywhere in Canada.
- Get access to most social benefits like Canadian citizens, such as social insurance numbers & health care coverage.
- You can get protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- You can sponsor your family to become a PR.
- Your children can study for free (up to 18 years old).
- You can apply for a Canadian citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Canada to maintain my Canada PR status?
You must stay at least 730 days to maintain your Canada PR status during the last five years.
Can I lose my Canada PR status?
Yes, you can lose your Canada PR status if an officer determines it following an inquiry or a PRTD appeal, you voluntarily renounce your PR status, a removal order is enforced against you, or you become a Canadian citizen.
Do I need a PR job offer for Canada?
No, but having a job offer increases your chances of obtaining a Canada PR.
What is the language requirement for Canada PR?
Applicants must show their language proficiency skills in either English or French for a Canada PR.
When can I apply for Canadian citizenship after my Canada PR?
You can apply for Canadian citizenship when you have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of 5 years (1,095 days), passed your citizenship test, and proved your language skills (English or French).
What is the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR?
The minimum IELTS score for Canada PR is overall band 6.
Is PTE accepted in Canada for PR?
Yes, PTE is accepted in Canada for PR.
