
How to Get Permanent Residency in Canada
Securing permanent residency can open up new opportunities for work, study, and life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. However, navigating the process of obtaining permanent residency can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the main pathways and essential steps, helping you understand how to make Canada your new home.
Main pathways to permanent residency in Canada
Canada offers various immigration pathways to help people from around the world become permanent residents. The right route for you will depend on your background, skills, family ties, and future plans. Below are the main options to consider when applying for permanent residency.
Express entry
Express Entry is one of the most popular and efficient routes to Canadian permanent residency, particularly if you’re a skilled worker. It’s an online system that manages applications for three key immigration programmes: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency (in English or French), and work experience. Those with the highest scores will then be invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws.
To get started, you’ll need to create an online Express Entry profile and submit your details. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll enter the pool of candidates. Improving your CRS score through additional qualifications, language tests, or a valid job offer can boost your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs) allow individual provinces and territories in Canada to nominate people who want to settle in a specific region and have the skills and experience that are needed locally. This route is ideal if you have ties to a particular province or a job offer from an employer in that area.
Each province will have its own set of eligibility criteria and streams targeting different types of applicants, such as skilled workers, graduates, or entrepreneurs. You can apply either through the Express Entry system (if the province has an Express Entry-linked stream) or directly to the province under a non-Express Entry stream.
A provincial nomination can significantly increase your chances of permanent residency. If you’re applying through Express Entry, it adds 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, making it much more likely you’ll receive an invitation to apply.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration pathway designed for individuals who already have recent work experience in Canada. It’s ideal for temporary foreign workers or international graduates who’ve gained skilled work experience and want to transition to permanent residency.
To be eligible, you must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. The job must fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. You’ll also need to meet minimum language requirements in English or French, depending on the job type.
CEC applications are submitted through the Express Entry system. Since applicants are already familiar with Canadian work culture and life, this route is often processed faster and doesn’t require proof of settlement funds, making it a practical choice for many already living and working in Canada.
Family sponsorship
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to come and live in Canada as permanent residents.
Eligible relatives include spouses or partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. In some cases, you might also be able to sponsor orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. The sponsor must be over 18, live in Canada (or plan to return once the relative arrives), and commit to supporting the sponsored person financially for a set period.
The process involves submitting sponsorship and permanent residence applications together. Whilst processing times can vary, this route is generally more straightforward than points-based systems, especially when family relationships are well-documented.
Start-up visa and self-employed person programmes
The Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programmes are designed for entrepreneurs and individuals with relevant experience in cultural or athletic fields who can contribute to Canada’s economy and society. These routes are more niche but offer a path to permanent residency for those with the right background and entrepreneurial drive.
The Start-up Visa targets innovative entrepreneurs who have the potential to build businesses in Canada that are competitive on a global scale. To be eligible, you must have a qualifying business idea, secure support from a designated Canadian organisation (such as a venture capital fund or business incubator), meet language requirements, and have enough funds to settle in Canada.
The Self-Employed Persons Programme is aimed at individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intend and are able to make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or sporting life. You must demonstrate your experience, show that you can be self-employed in Canada, and meet medical, security, and financial requirements.
How to apply for permanent residency in Canada
The process for applying for Canadian permanent residency will vary depending on which pathway you choose. However, generally, you’ll need to first check your eligibility for the pathway, then gather the required documents, and submit your application online or through a provincial or federal immigration programme.
You’ll typically need to provide personal information, proof of work experience or education, language test results, and financial documents. Some routes, such as Express Entry, will require you to enter a pool of candidates and wait for an invitation to apply. Others might involve applying directly to a province or being sponsored by a family member.
Whichever path you take, it’s important to follow the official guidance, stay up to date with any changes to immigration policy, and ensure your documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Canada?
The processing time for permanent residency applications varies depending on the immigration pathway and your individual circumstances. For example, applications through Express Entry typically take around six months from the date you submit a complete application after receiving an invitation to apply.
Other routes, such as Provincial Nominee Programs or family sponsorship, can take longer, often between 12 to 18 months or more. Factors such as the complexity of your case, the volume of applications, and how quickly you provide the requested documents can also affect the timeline.
It’s advisable to check the latest processing times on the official Canadian immigration website, as they can change based on demand and policy updates.
Can I apply for permanent residency outside of Canada?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency from outside Canada. Many immigration programmes, including Express Entry and family sponsorship, allow applicants to submit their applications whilst living abroad. Applying from outside Canada means you’ll usually need to demonstrate your intention to settle in the country once your application is approved.
However, some pathways might require you to attend interviews, provide biometrics, or complete medical exams in your home country or a designated location. It’s important to carefully follow the instructions for your chosen programme and stay in regular contact with immigration authorities throughout the process.
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