How to become Canadian Permanent Resident?

Canada has one of the most simplified and smooth immigration policies in the world. The Canadian Government plans to welcome over 200,000 new immigrants each year from various parts of the world. This makes Canada the most ideal and secure country for immigrants to move to and get a Canadian Permanent Residence.

A permanent resident is someone who by birth, is a citizen of another country, but has been given a permanent residence by the Government after immigrating to Canada. A person staying in Canada temporarily, like a student or a foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.

To earn a resident status in the country, an applicant needs to apply for the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The permanent resident card allows the immigrant to apply for Canadian citizenship after completing five years of stay.

Before applying, the aspirants need to ensure that they have the necessary documents stated by the government of Canada.

How Permanent Residency Works

A person with a Canadian PR has all the rights which are given to any Canadian citizen. A permanent resident has the right to:

• apply for Canadian citizenship,
• get most social benefits which include health care coverage, work, study and live anywhere in the country,receive protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Along with paying taxes, the resident must respect all Canadian laws at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. The permanent residents are not allowed to:
• hold jobs that require a high-level security clearance,
• vote or run for political office

Why is Canada a top choice for Immigrants?

Canada is a well-developed nation with good infrastructure and a strong economy. It is the 10th largest economy in the world with ample natural resources and thriving international trade networks. The country has the 12th highest ranking in the Human Development Index (H.D.I) as well as the 16th highest nominal per-capita income globally.

Canada is resident-friendly. There are many social welfare programs offered by the state to its citizens. The provincial and federal governments provide free healthcare programs and education up to grade 12. Also, the country is one of the most educated nations in the world, with over half of its citizens holding degrees.

So, taking into consideration these positives, many aspirants apply for a Permanent Residence to settle in Canada.

Canada Immigration Programs

There are various immigration programs through which aspirants can obtain permanent residency. These programs have their criteria and requirements. In order to get a PR card, the selection depends on the total points the applicant scores based on their profile criteria, age, education, work experience, language skills, etc. The higher the score, the higher will be the chance of getting permanent residency.

Skilled Immigrants Program (Express Entry) is for applicants who are skilled workers who can gain permanent residence using their language ability, qualifications, and work experience that meet the Canadian immigration requirements.

Federal Skilled Worker ( FSW) is suitable for those who have a minimum work experience of two years. Freshers with less than a year of experience are not eligible to apply under this stream.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is suitable for those who have a trade license. Trade programs require some form of physical work in industries such as construction,, industrial sector etc.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the most popular category, applicants are eligible to apply if they have a steady occupation and an NOC(National Occupation Class) in addition to having Canadian work experience. So if the prospects have work experience in their home country and get an education here and later gain work experience, there is a good chance that they will eventually get PR.

Start-up visa (for applicants with a business idea and someone to fund it) for those who have all the eligibility and admissibility requirements to enter Canada. Eligibility includes having a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization, meeting the language requirements and having enough money to settle in Canada before making money from the business.

Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self Employed encourage people across the globe to contribute and invest in the Canadian economy, enhancing international exposure and great earning potential for the entrepreneurs and thereby earning a permanent residence.

Quebec Skilled Workers Program ( QSWP) for skilled workers who want to live in Quebec. The province has a special agreement with the Government of Canada on immigration. Quebec has its own rules for selecting immigrants who will adapt well in living there.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) initiated by the Canadian provincial government it provides a pathway for immigrating to Canada. The program allows the different provinces across Canada to choose immigrants based on their education, skills and work experience relevant to their economy and labour market needs. A person can apply to various provincial programs as per their requirements.

Documents required to apply for PR visas in Canada

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - English language test results
2. Educational degrees or certificates, sponsor certificates
3. Adequate funds (proof of funds) to support oneself
4. Proof of age - birth certificate
5. Employment documents - Offer, reference letters, payslips
6. Officially translated documents supporting the application
7. Medical and Police Clearance Certificate
8. Travel document - passport, and
9. ECA (Education Credential Assessment), if made through the FSW Program.

Processing time for Visa

The processing time to get a Canada Permanent Resident Visa differs based on the program selection. The approval depends on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Once the applicant receives an invitation to apply for PR, the additional processing time is usually around 4-6 months.

How to calculate PR Visa points?

According to the Canada Immigration points system, the applicant gets points based on their profile details. The points as mentioned earlier depend on several factors such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and Canadian work experience. The total points determine the eligibility of the programs. If the applicant's profile qualifies for a particular program, he/she gets an invitation for a PR and ultimately, becomes a resident of Canada.

Visa fee application

The visa fee depends on the program. For Express Entry, the processing fee is $550 and the right of permanent residence fee is $490), a total of $CAN 1040.

If PR in Canada is the dream, apply today for the process to become a permanent resident of Canada!