How to Get Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada

Read on to know the eligibility criteria and application process to get PR in Canada.
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3 mins
12 February 2024

Canada is an attractive destination for many Indian immigrants as it offers ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Acquiring permanent residency (PR) can be an excellent way to access these benefits. However, the application process can be a bit complex. In this article, get an overview of the various aspects of getting permanent residency in Canada.

Canada permanent residency: Overview

Acquiring permanent residency in Canada offers numerous advantages. It offers access to free healthcare, top-notch education, and a stable environment. Under PR, you will have the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely, which can lead to citizenship and a Canadian passport. Adding to this, PR holders can also sponsor their family members to come to Canada.

Eligibility criteria for PR in Canada

The eligibility criteria for acquiring PR in Canada are as follows:

Age: Applicants should be between 18 to 44 years of age.

Language proficiency: Applicants must score a minimum of 6 in each of the skills sets (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) in either English or French language proficiency test, IELTS for English and TEF for French.

Educational qualification: Applicants should have a post-secondary level of education.

Work experience: Applicants should have a minimum of one year of skilled work experience.

Admissibility: Applicants should not have any criminal record or medical condition that may pose a threat to public health or safety.

Application process for Canada PR

The application process for Canada PR is explained below:

  • Determine the eligibility by assessing the points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator.
  • On meeting the eligibility criteria, create an online account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and submit the Express Entry Profile.
  • Successful applicants will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within their Express Entry profile.
  • Applicants will then have 60 days to submit all documents and complete their PR application.
  • After submitting the application, the designated authorities will process it, and the applicant will be informed about the status of the same within six months.

Documents required for Canada PR

The following documents are necessary when applying for Canadian PR:

  • Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or CELPIP)
  • Valid passport
  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
  • Medical examination certificate
  • Proof of funds

What is the express entry program for Canada PR?

The express entry program is an online application system that processes the applications of skilled workers who wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The express entry program manages the applications for three economic programs - Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is a point-based system where candidates are selected based on their CRS score.

Understanding the point system CRS score calculation

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by the Express Entry program to evaluate candidates' eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. The CRS assigns points to various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Here's a simplified breakdown of the CRS score calculation:
 

Factors

Maximum points

Core human capital factors

 

Age

110

Education

150

Language proficiency (English or French)

136

Canadian work experience

70

Additional factors

 

Skill transferability

100

Spouse or common-law partner factors

 

Education

10

Language proficiency

20

Canadian work experience

10

Skill transferability

10

Additional points

 

Provincial nomination

600

Job offer

200

Study in Canada

30

Sibling in Canada

15

French language proficiency

30

Total possible points

1,200


Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for PR during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Reasons to choose permanent residency in Canada

Here are a few reasons why you can consider getting a permanent residency in Canada.

Quality of life: Canada is a beautiful country, offering its residents a high quality of life in terms of healthcare, education, and safety.

Job opportunities: Canada has a growing economy and an abundant job market, making it a perfect place for a skilled immigrant looking to grow and expand their horizons.

Immigration-friendly policies: The Canadian government promotes various immigration programs to attract international talent to Canada.

Multiculturalism: Canada is a diverse and multicultural country.

Citizenship: After qualifying for permanent residency, applicants can have access to Canadian citizenship, which provides numerous other benefits, including unrestricted travel and access to several other countries in the world.

What are the common challenges and solutions to get Canada PR?

The following are some common challenges faced while applying for Canada PR, and their solutions:

Language proficiency: Language proficiency is a vital requirement to qualify for Canada PR. If applicants do not meet the minimum score, they can improve their language skills by taking language courses and practising.

Educational qualifications: If applicants do not have the required educational qualifications, they can obtain further certificates, degrees, or qualifications, or undergo relevant training.

Work experience: If applicants lack work experience, they can opt for internships or volunteering to gain work experience.

Age limit: If applicants are above the age of 45, they can consider applying for other immigration programs like business immigration or PNP.

Conclusion

Canada is undoubtedly a beautiful country to live in and pursue one's career aspirations. Permanent residency in Canada is an excellent way to achieve that goal. This article has provided an overview of the various aspects of applying for permanent residency in Canada. With the right set of skills and preparation, Indian immigrants can gain permanent residency in Canada, leading to a better quality of life and numerous other benefits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the process of applying for Canada PR from India?

The process involves several steps:

  • Create an Express Entry profile online.
  • Obtain a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
  • Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if your CRS score meets the cutoff.
  • Submit a complete PR application within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
  • Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
  • Upon approval, receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and move to Canada.
What is the Express Entry program?

The Express Entry program is an online system used by IRCC to manage applications for PR for skilled workers. It ranks candidates based on their CRS score and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for PR.

How much CRS score do you need to be eligible for Canada PR?

The CRS cut-off score varies for each Express Entry draw conducted by IRCC. Generally, candidates with CRS scores above 470 have a good chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for Canada PR?

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have at least one year of skilled work experience.
  • Meet language proficiency requirements in English or French.
  • Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign qualifications.
  • Score the required CRS points based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

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