Canada PR Process - How to Apply, Eligibility & Documents Required

Considered one of the best countries in the world for immigration, Canada is known for offering equal opportunities to all. This is why knowledge of the Canada PR process or Canada permanent resident process is essential for those looking to settle here. 

From excellent educational opportunities for people looking to study abroad at reputed institutions and immense employment opportunities to top-notch infrastructure and quality lifestyles, Canada provides everything for a better quality of life. Immigration-friendly policies are also one of the reasons why the country invites a massive number of immigrants every year from all around the globe. 

Here’s a detailed insight into why millions of people worldwide are moving to Canada, striving to be permanent residents (PR), and how to get a Canada PR visa from India. 

What is Canadian Permanent Resident Visa

A Canadian PR visa is issued to people who are fundamentally citizens of other countries but want to become permanent residents of Canada. Canadian PR allows one to reap most of the social and healthcare benefits Canadian citizens are entitled to. 

The PR visa also allows the residents to work or study anywhere in the country and protects them under Canadian Law. After completing a specified period in Canada, a PR visa holder is allowed to apply for Canadian citizenship. 

Permanent Residence Programs in Canada

After getting a degree in Canada, many students decidto stay back in the country and work, thereby opting for a Permanent Residence in the country. Many student pathways help in this transition from being a student visa holder to a Canada PR visa holder. 

Students with a Canadian educational credential, work experience, and ties with a specific province get an advantage while applying under a permanent residency immigration program. Listed below are the PR programs that help international students in Canada to become permanent residents.

Post-Graduation Work Permits

International students mainly choose this work permit after completing their studies in Canada. Though this is not a direct residence program, it allows most international graduates to remain in Canada after completing their education at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and work with a Canadian employer. 

After gaining the relevant experience, students can apply for a Canadian PR visa under the following PR programs: 

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

It is one of the fastest ways international students can obtain Canadian permanent residence. A specific requirement for this program is the applicants must possess at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada or equivalent part-time experience. Though this becomes one of the most feasible options for students with the required level of work experience, it comes with one constraint. 

The work experience gathered during a period of full-time study is not considered under the 12-month requirement. However, after completing their degrees in Canada, international students are eligible to receive a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain the work experience required to qualify for the CEC. 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

This program is designed to meet the requirements of students belonging to a specific territory or province. Students with a degree or work experience in a particular province get preference under the PNP. Therefore, international students can apply for a PNP from a province where they have completed their studies.

How to Apply for PR in Canada

To be able to apply for a Canadian PR from India, a candidate must understand the different Immigration Programs the country has to offer. Every year, many Indians immigrate to Canada in search of a better career and life. Here are a few of the Immigration Programs Canada is currently running:

1. Federal Economic Class.
2. Family Class Sponsorship.
3. Quebec Immigration.
4. Business Immigration, including the Start-Up Visa Program.
5. Provincial Economic Class.
6. Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence transition

Once the aspirant has figured out which option suits them the best, they can apply through the country’s government website for PR.  

Otherwise, they can connect with any immigration agencies offering excellent services to people wishing to apply for Canada PR from India. A point to consider here is that the duration of the application process may differ depending on the type of immigration.

Read More: NOC Code in Canada

How to Apply for PR in Canada After Graduation

There are two ways by which international students in Canada can get PR after graduation – Express Entry and Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). While AIP is an employer-driven immigration program, Express Entry is a federal program for international students after completing their secondary educational credentials. 

Express Entry

Completing an Express Entry profile in Canada is one of the first steps of the Canada PR process. Upon completion of the profile, a score is assigned, ranking a candidate amid other candidates in the Express Entry pool. Express Entry draws take place every two weeks and candidates scoring the high ranks are invited to apply for a PR. 

An international student with a Canadian education can score an additional 30 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). On receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), students must complete the process within 60 days. The timeframe for processing the completed applications is six months. 

The Canadian Experience Class program is operated through Canada’s Express Entry system to enable candidates to become permanent residents after graduation. 

Processing Time And Fees Under The Express Entry System

To receive a PR in Canada under the Express Entry system, students need to pay an application fee of CAD 1,325 and a biometric fee of CAD 85 (Source: www.cic.gc.ca). Six months is the standard processing time under the Express Entry system for students to receive a PR after completing their studies in Canada. 

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is one of the pathways for international students seeking permanent residency in Canada. It allows candidates to become permanent residents in Canadian Atlantic provinces – Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

How to Get a PR in Canada Under the Express Entry System

The Express Entry program in Canada is an online portal that acts as the pathway for skilled workers to secure permanent residency (PR) in Canada. 

To apply for PR in Canada under the Express Entry system, an applicant has to follow the below steps:

• The candidate has to secure an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which would help assess the degrees earned outside Canada. Along with it, the IELTS test results are mandatory, which would prove their language proficiency. 
• They should find their eligibility for PR in Canada through Express Entry by answering a few questions and reading the program’s detailed requirements under which they are applying. 
• A candidate has to apply for permanent residence under any of these three federal economic immigration programs – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trade Programs (FSTP), and Canadian Express Class. The minimum score that has to be scored under FSW is 67, which would assess you based on your language proficiency, education, age, and work experience. 
• Then, a profile has to be created in the Express Entry system. The candidate must furnish the details of their work experience, education, age, etc., and fetch  their CRS score. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a self-assessment tool that can check how  the profile will rank in the Express Entry pool.
• After submitting the profile, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts an Express Entry draw every two weeks. IRCC invites candidates with top CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. 
• Once candidates receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA), they must submit the complete Canada PR application within 60 days, along with the necessary documents. 
• On successful application submission, all the documents will be verified. Once they are found valid, the Canadian PR visa is approved by IRCC.

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How to Get PR in Canada Under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNP is for people who want to be permanent residents of Canada and possess the required education and work experience. 

As a part of the process to apply under PNP, the candidate needs to undergo a medical test and get the background verified by the police. Firstly, they need someone from the province willing to nominate them to apply for a residentship in the country. If they meet all the criteria required for a PNP, they can apply to IRCC for permanent residence. 

How to Get PR in Canada Under the Business Immigration Program

The federal and provincial/territorial governments in Canada welcome business people who are willing to immigrate to the country under the Business Immigration Program. The program is designed to facilitate immigrants to open up a business and settle in Canada. 

Business people and their families can gain Canadian citizenship through an investment by either buying an existing business or starting one on their own in Canada under the Business Immigration Program. 

Following are the criteria that they need to fulfill:

Here’s an overview of the process and eligibility for PR in Canada under the Business Immigration Program. 

• A person with the assets to invest in or start a targeted business in Canada, coupled with a verifiable management experience is eligible to immigrate to Canada. Also, sufficient language proficiency skills in either English, French, or both are required. 
• After deciding which business to purchase, an immigrant must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and a business plan. 
• Once the LMIA is approved, the investor can apply for a 12-24 month temporary work permit. The LMIA application process takes 2-3 months. It takes almost three months to secure a work permit.

Know more about: Statement of Purpose Format | SOP for Canada

How to Get PR in Canada Under the Family Class Immigration

The Family Class Immigration program intends to unite citizens and permanent residents with close family members. The program allows the country’s residents to sponsor their spouses or conjugal partners and children for specified time duration and provides for their basic needs so that they don’t have to rely on someone else after coming to the new country. 

A citizen or permanent resident of Canada can sponsor any of their relatives under the following undertakings of the Family Class Immigration:  

• Sponsors who reside outside Quebec need to submit a federal undertaking to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Sponsors who reside or intend to reside in Quebec must submit a provincial undertaking to the Quebec Ministry of Diversity and Inclusion (MIDI). 

How to Get PR in Canada Under Express Class Immigration

The Canadian Express Class immigration is one of the three federal programs managed by the Express Entry system. It aims at granting PR to skilled workers who have gathered at least one year of work experience in Canada while being temporary residents with the authorization to work. 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provided by various provinces/territories:

Province/Territory	Stream or category of the PNP program
British Columbia	Express Entry BC – Healthcare professional Express Entry BC – Skilled Worker Express Entry BC – International Graduate Express Entry BC – International Post-Graduate
Alberta	Alberta Express Entry Stream
Manitoba	Skilled Workers Overseas – Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
Nova Scotia	Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
New Brunswick	New Brunswick Express Entry Labour Market Stream
Newfoundland and Labrador	Express Entry Skilled Worker
Ontario	Skilled Trades Stream [Express Entry] Human Capital Priorities Stream [Express Entry] French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream [Express Entry]
Northwest Territories	Employer-Driven: Express Entry
Prince Edward Island	Express Entry stream
Saskatchewan	International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry
Yukon	Express Entry

How to Apply for Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Students graduating from Canada have 180 days to apply for a PGWP. They need to confirm the program attended with its name and the length while applying. They can confirm it by submitting their degree or diploma, a transcript, or an official letter from their school. 

If a student’s study permit expires before they get their education scores, they have up to 90 days to apply for the PGWP and restore their status as a student. 

Processing Time and Fees For PGWP

To receive a PGWP, the processing time is 133 days online and 228 days on paper. Students need to pay an application fee of CAD 255 for PGWP and the fee to restore their status as a student which is CAD 350.

Read More: Guide on Provincial Nominee Program Canada

Documents Required for Canadian Permanent Residency

For candidates, it is advisable to have all the official documents in place as it helps save a lot of time. We have listed an estimate of all the documents you will require to apply for a Permanent Visa.

1. A Valid Passport
2. Proof of Funds in Candidate’s Name
3. Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
4. Language Test Scores
5. Provincial Nomination Certificate or Territorial Certificate Of Nomination
6. Offer Letter from a Company in Canada
7. Marriage Certificate/Divorce Certificate (If Applicable)
8. Job Seeker Validation Code
9. All Medical Reports
10. Birth Certificate
11. Current Photographs
12. Letter of Recommendation from Previous Employers
13. Your Personal Reference Code
14. Police Verification Report

Costs Involving Canada PR Visa

Although the costs pertaining to the immigration process are predefined by the Canadian government, the values still differ due to the fluctuation in the currency rates. 

Below is the compact break-up of the expenses to be borne along with the application for Canada PR from India:

1. Application Fee for PR visa – 825 CAD 
2. Application Fee for Secondary Applicant (spouse/parent) – 825 CAD 
3. Application Fee for each dependent child (Below age 22)- 225 CAD 
4. Right of Permanent Residence Fee -500 CAD 
5. Language Proficiency Test Fee (IELTS) – 15, 500 INR appx. 
6. Medical Examination Fee- 5,500 INR appx
7. Police verification Charges – 1000 INR appx

So, a candidate has to spend a total expenditure of about INR 1 lakh if they are migrating solo to Canada, and INR 2 lakh if they plan to bring their spouse. 

Besides these expenses, the candidate has to show proof of funds to the Canadian Government depending on the number of family members who will be accompanying them. Here is a rough estimate amount of funds to be presented:

Family Size	Proof of Fund (value in CAD)
1	13,213
2	16,449
3	20,222
4	24,553
5	27,847

Apart from these, the candidate should also take into account the charges they need to pay the immigration agencies if they wish to seek their guidance.

Processing Time for Canadian PR Application

It usually takes about six months for the Canadian PR visa to be processed from India once the candidate receives the Invitation To Apply (ITA). 

However, there is no certainty as to when they will receive the ITA or how much time it takes to get PR in Canada from India, considering the quantum of applications the Canadian government receives every year. The candidates must ensure they submit a complete and absolutely accurate application to avoid delays. 

While the Express Entry Program processes the application within six months, there are other complex categories that may take up to a year to process. 

Important Resources for Canada to Read:

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SOP for Canada	Best City in Canada for International Students

Benefits of Having Canada Permanent Residency

The Canadian permanent residency status is one of the most sought-after immigration statuses as it gives a lot of legal rights and a host of other abilities to the resident. 

Here are the benefits of a Canada PR:

• On securing a PR, an individual gets the liberty to live and work in any territory of Canada. Not only that, if they find a job in any other province of Canada, they have the right to move out, and there is no mandate to stick to a single employer. 
• A Canadian PR can get them access to medical and health care treatment for free. Not just that, if their family accompanies them, they will also get access to Canada’s state-of-the-art healthcare services. Not just that, senior citizens in the country are liable to receive pension and retirement benefits. 
• If a permanent resident wants their spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children to join them in Canada, they can sponsor them. Suppose the applicant is moving to Canada through the Express Entry system. In that case, they can include their family in the initial application itself and that would remove the hassle of sponsoring them later.
• The Canadian Education system allows permanent resident children to attain free education until their 12th grade. Not just that, the University education fee for such students is much less than international students. 
• Securing a PR in Canada is the first step toward becoming a Canadian citizen. A Canadian PR is valid for five years and it can be renewed after that. If they have stayed in the country for three out of five years, they can apply for Canadian citizenship. On receiving citizenship, they will get a passport which is one of the most respected travel documents throughout the world.

Points Required for Canadian Permanent Resident Card

The points required to apply for a Permanent Resident Card in Canada are 67 points out of 100. A minimum of 67 points has to be scored under various eligibility criteria to apply for a PR visa. 

Besides, the Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS score will assess the candidate based on factors such as education, work experience, age, adaptability, etc. If the candidate meets the required CRS score, they will be eligible for the Express Entry draw, one of Canada’s most popular and fastest immigration programs. 

An aggregate of 1200 points is assigned to the candidates in the Express Entry pool, and in the bi-weekly draw, the one with the highest score is invited to apply for PR in Canada.

Factors	With Spouse/Common-law Partner	Without Spouse/Common-law Partner
Age	Max 100 points	Max 110 points
Education	Max 140 points	Max 150 points
Language Proficiency	Max 150 points	Max 160 points
Canadian Work Experience	Max 70 points	Max 80 points
Spouse's Education	Max 10 points	N/A
Spouse's Language Proficiency	Max 20 points	N/A
Spouse's Canadian Work Experience	Max 10 points	N/A
Skill Transferability Factors	Max 100 points	Max 100 points
Additional Points (Job offer, Provincial Nomination, etc.)	Max 600 points	Max 600 points

How to Calculate Canada PR Visa Point

To calculate Canada PR visa points, the candidate needs to use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) tool on IRCC’s website. 

After answering a few questions on the basis of their education, language ability, work experience, other skills, and adaptability, they will be able to get their CRS scores. This score will help them to get a rank in the Express Entry pool on that basis they will be getting an invitation to apply for PR in Canada. 

Who Can Accompany You on a Company-sponsored Move to Canada

Individuals can bring their parents, grandparents, spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child(ren) to accompany them. Not just that, they can even apply for Canada PR for parents or other family members. 

Canada PR Visa Renewal Process

A Canadian PR visa is valid for five years. A permanent resident can apply for the renewal of his visa if it has expired or is about to expire in less than nine months. 

To renew the PR visa, the candidate needs to send their application to the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, along with the required documents, which are as follows:

• Copy of current Permanent Resident (PR) card.
• Two clear photographs for the application should abide by the size specifications (50mm*70mm)  attached in an envelope along with the application. 
• For identity verification, the candidate must submit a copy of their current driving license. 
• Necessary documents to prove that you have fulfilled two years of residence in Canada in the last five years. 

Job Opportunities in Canada

Occupation	Average Salary in CAD
Software Engineer	$82,696
Registered Nurse	$72,377
Marketing Manager	$69,552
Financial Analyst	$62,738
Project Manager	$79,511

How to Prepare Financially for Life in Canada

Canada is one of the most well-developed and multicultural countries in the world. While starting a new life in the country is an exciting prospect, it is equally important to ensure that the transition to a new country is smooth. 

However, the living cost in Canada is very high, and to prepare for that, one has to manage their expenses. Here are a few insights on the key areas of expenses in Canada and how one can manage the finances. 

Planning accommodation costs

Since accommodation costs comprise a major part of the expenses in Canada, planning the finances for household management is important. The rent in different cities of Canada varies accordingly. One must fix a budget and stick to it. Shared accommodation is one of the best ways to avoid the excessive burden of rent. 

Also, don’t forget to take into consideration the money that one would have to spend on furniture and household items for the first time. Expenses incurred in utility bills like TV, AC, internet, parking costs, and transit passes should also be kept in mind. 

Comparing food and grocery prices

To attain maximum savings, it is better to browse online local grocery stores. Thereby, even while staying in the home country, one can have an estimate of the budget they need to set for groceries and food. 

Planning the travel-related expenses

To reach the office or shopping malls, one needs to avail some means of transport. Most of the people in Canada prefer public transport since it is cheaper. In Toronto, the Presto card provides an easy way of conveyance for public transportation and some benefits if money is topped up online. 

However, those planning to buy or rent a car, must consider the cost of its gas, insurance, monthly installments to be paid for loans, etc. 

Always keep some emergency money in hand

When moving to Canada, the candidate must make sure that they keep some extra cash with themselves, which can be used in times of emergency.

What Can You Do and Not Do with a Canadian PR Visa

Here’s what you can do and can’t do with a Canadian PR Visa.

Can Do	Can’t  Do
Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada	Vote in federal or provincial elections
Access most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive	Run for political office
Apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements and get health care coverage	Hold some jobs requiring high-level security clearances

Difference Between PR and Citizenship in Canada

The major difference between a permanent resident and a Canadian citizen is that an immigrant cannot become a citizen in the first place. They need to be a permanent resident first and then apply for Canadian citizenship. 

While a Canadian citizen can actively participate in the politics of the country and apply for a Canadian passport, a permanent resident cannot. Another difference between the two is that while a permanent resident visa needs to be maintained or renewed, a Canadian citizen does not need to maintain citizenship. 

Eligibility for PR in Canada

Permanent residency (PR) is one of the fastest legal ways to become a resident of Canada. It comes with a host of benefits like free healthcare and education for children. Here are the Canada PR requirements that a candidate needs to fulfill to immigrate to the country.

Age factor

An applicant should have attained 18 years of age to apply for PR in Canada. Till the age of 46, points are allotted for the age factor and it keeps on decreasing with the age. Maximum points are granted to the people of age groups 18-35.

Language Proficiency Test

To immigrate to Canada, a candidate has to prove their proficiency in either English or French as they are the country’s official languages. Therefore, they have to produce the results of their language proficiency test through an approved agency like IELTS for English proficiency.

Educational Credential Assessment

A student or a skilled worker from an overseas country who wants to migrate to Canada, needs to provide an ECA. It will help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to verify their educational qualifications.

Work experience

One of the most important eligibility for PR in Canada is that the applicant must have at least one year of work experience. However, to get an invitation from IRCC to apply for PR in Canada, a candidate needs to score high on their score-based immigration system. A work experience of 3 years can help them get good scores. 

Requirements for Canada PR

The Canadian PR visa is a multiple entry visa for skilled workers so that they can settle in the country and is valid for five years. However, to qualify for Canada PR, they need to fulfil the following two conditions:

• The candidate must score a minimum of 67 immigration points out of 100 to be eligible for Canada PR. 
• A candidate can qualify for Canada PR if they attain the cutoff CRS score for that year.

Why Choose Canada 

Canada is a preferred choice among most Indians to immigrate and get a PR. It is one of the sought-after choices among people seeking quality life.  

Key factors why millions are choosing to move to Canada each year include:

1. Large Nation – It is the world’s second-largest country with a comparatively low population density.
2. Brilliant healthcare system — Rated one of the best in the world, healthcare is offered  free of cost to Permanent Residents.
3. Diverse Population — The extensive immigration programs and inclusive culture ensure the diversity in the population.
4. Attractive job market — The consistent stability in the economy provides for a huge scope of employment.
5. Low crime and violence rate — Canada is one of the safest countries in the world with a low crime rate in the country. 
6. Peaceful and friendly people – Most people find it easy to mingle with the warm and welcoming natives. 
7. Breathtaking landscape

Read More: What is Visitor Visa in Canada?

Conclusion

If you want to get a Canadian PR visa successfully, one of the first steps is to understand its point-based system and the various job opportunities in Canada. At the same time, it's also necessary for you to become aware of what being a permanent resident allows you to do and not do in Canada. 

Careful planning and a systematic approach are key to applying for a Canadian PR Visa. So, plan and go through the guidelines of immigration thoroughly before applying.