Canada PR

With a sophisticated immigration system, immigrant-friendly policies, a multi-cultural environment and high quality of living, Canada attracts immigrants from all over the world, as one of the most desired destinations for immigration. Those who wish to live and work in Canada can apply for Canada PR, which comes with several benefits such as free healthcare and public education. Canada, being a country with low population growth and scarcity of skilled workers, is keen about welcoming more immigrants. In 2023 alone, Canada will be welcoming more than 400,000 new immigrants to the country.

Difference between Permanent resident and citizen

A Canadian permanent resident is not a citizen of the country. One can remain as the citizen of another country, even while being a permanent resident in Canada. A permanent resident in Canada enjoys almost all the privileges of a Canadian citizen, except for voting rights and the right to contest elections. But once you become a Canadian citizen, you may have to renounce the citizenship of your home country, based on whether your country allows dual citizenship.

Eligibility for becoming a permanent resident in Canada

The eligibility for becoming a permanent resident in Canada is determined on the basis of various human capital factors such as:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language proficiency

How to obtain Canada PR

Following are the five major pathways for obtaining Canada PR. They are:

1. Express Entry

Express Entry is one of the easiest and fastest pathways for obtaining permanent residence and it primarily targets foreign skilled workers. It is an online platform for managing applications to the three federal economic immigration programs of Canada, which are Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class. In order to apply under these three immigration programs, a candidate must first create an Express Entry profile. Each Express Entry will then be assessed on the basis of various human capital factors such as age, education, work experience etc. and awarded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Those with the highest scores will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the Express Entry draws that are conducted regularly. The standard processing time of Express Entry application is six months.

2. Business Immigration

The business immigration programs of Canada target foreigners who are interested in doing business in Canada. These programs give priority to candidates who have experience in owning, managing or investing in businesses. The main categories under business immigration to Canada are:

• Programs for investors
• Programs for entrepreneurs
• Programs for self-employed persons
• PNP business Programs
• Programs for corporate immigration

3. Family sponsorship

Canada is a country that gives highest priority to family re-unification in its immigration policies. So, the country has several family class immigration programs which allow the immigrants to bring their family members to Canada. The family members who can be sponsored through these programs include:

• Spouse
• Common-law or conjugal partner
• Dependent child
• Adopted child
• Parents
• Grandparents

4. Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs allow immigration candidates to settle in the province or territory they prefer, by obtaining a provincial nomination for permanent residence in Canada. All provinces and territories in Canada, except Quebec and Nunavut, have their own Provincial Nominee Programs. Through these programs, the provinces and territories select eligible candidates based on their labour market, demographic and economic needs. Each Provincial Nominee Program has its own selection criteria, eligibility requirements, immigration streams and categories. Now Provincial Nominee Program is one of the most prominent immigration pathways and by choosing the right Provincial Nominee Program, you have a better chance of obtaining Canada PR.

5. Quebec Immigration Programs

Compared to other provinces and territories of Canada, Quebec has more autonomy when it comes to immigration. Quebec has its own immigration programs and the province selects candidates based on their unique labour market and demographic needs. The selected candidates are issued a Certificat de sélection du Québec or Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), with which they can apply for permanent residence in Canada.

6. Canada PR for temporary residents

Obtaining temporary residence status in Canada is often seen as a first step towards permanent residence. A temporary worker or an international graduate with a work permit may apply for permanent residence in Canada if they meet the eligibility requirements. They are several pathways for the temporary residents of Canada to become permanent residents in the country. These include:

• Canadian Experience Class(CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program(FSWP)
• Provincial Nominee Program(PNP)
• Quebec Experience Class(QEC)

Canada PR card

Once a person becomes a Canadian permanent resident, he/she will be awarded with a Canada PR card. This card is necessary if you plan to travel outside Canada. The validity of this card will be five years and it has to be renewed within six months before of the expiry of this card. For retaining the permanent residence status, the candidate must have stayed in Canada for at least 730 days during the five-year period.

If you have obtained Canada PR from outside Canada, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to travel to Canada.

Advantages of becoming a Permanent resident of Canada

Permanent residents of Canada enjoy several benefits.

These include:

Live and work in Canada

Permanent residents of Canada can live and work anywhere in the country. They can also travel outside the country with their permanent resident card.

Free healthcare and education

Permanent residents of Canada have access to free healthcare. Their children can also enjoy high quality school education, which is absolutely free.

Family immigration

Permanent residents of Canada can sponsor their immediate family members for permanent residence in Canada.

Obtain Canadian citizenship

After living in Canada for three out of five years, the permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship. If they meet all the eligibility requirements, they will be awarded Canadian citizenship, which comes with the right to vote, right to contest elections and also the Canadian passport, which is one of the strongest in the world.

Are you interested to know more about becoming a permanent resident in Canada? Connect with CanApprove now!