Canada PR Pathways
Canada offers several pathways for Permanent Residency (PR) through various immigration programs. These programs cater to different types of applicants such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, students, and family members. Below are the primary pathways for Canada PR
1. Express Entry Program
The Express Entry system is the primary pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It is a point-based system that evaluates candidates based on various factors, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Eligibility Criteria
– Age: 18 to 47 years old.
– Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in English or French (e.g., IELTS/TEF).
– Education: A minimum of a high school diploma. Higher education will fetch more points.
– Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous full-time skilled work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, or B job.
– Criminal & Medical Check: Must clear security and medical checks.
– Proof of Funds: Show you have sufficient funds to settle in Canada unless you have a job offer or are already working in Canada.
End-to-End Process
1. Eligibility Assessment: Check if you meet the criteria for one of the three programs under Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class).
2. Language Test: Take a language test (IELTS for English or TEF for French) to prove proficiency.
3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education is from outside Canada, you must have your credentials assessed.
4. Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit an online profile on the Express Entry system. You will be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on your skills, work experience, language abilities, etc.
5. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the cutoff CRS score, you will receive an ITA to apply for PR.
6. Submit PR Application: Submit documents like proof of work experience, language proficiency, police certificates, medical results, and proof of funds.
7. Permanent Residency Decision: If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of permanent residence.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province. This pathway is typically for those who have a job offer or skills needed in a specific province.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Choose a Province: Identify the province you are interested in. Each province has its own specific requirements.
2. Apply for a Provincial Nomination: Apply to the provincial immigration program (either online or through the province’s immigration portal).
3. Receive Provincial Nomination: If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate.
4. Express Entry System: If nominated, you can apply through the Express Entry system to get extra CRS points.
5. PR Application: Submit the full PR application with supporting documents.
6. Wait for Approval: After your documents are reviewed, you will either get approval or a request for further information.
End-to-End Process
1. Choose a Province: Identify the province you are interested in. Each province has its own specific requirements.
2. Apply for a Provincial Nomination: Apply to the provincial immigration program (either online or through the province’s immigration portal).
3. Receive Provincial Nomination: If your application is successful, you will receive a provincial nomination certificate.
4. Express Entry System: If nominated, you can apply through the Express Entry system to get extra CRS points.
5. PR Application: Submit the full PR application with supporting documents.
6. Wait for Approval: After your documents are reviewed, you will either get approval or a request for further information.
3. Family Sponsorship
Under the Family Sponsorship program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
– Sponsorship Eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident at least 18 years old.
– Relationship Requirement: You must demonstrate a genuine relationship with the person you want to sponsor.
– Financial Support: You must have sufficient income to support the person you are sponsoring.
End-to-End Process
1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the sponsorship eligibility criteria.
2. Application Submission: Submit both the sponsor and the applicant’s application forms and supporting documents.
3. Processing: IRCC processes the application, and you may need to attend an interview or submit further documents.
4. Approval: If approved, the applicant will receive their PR status.
4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)
This program helps skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island.
Eligibility Criteria
– Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
– Work Experience: At least 1 year of work experience in a skilled occupation.
– Education: Minimum high school education (requirements may vary).
– Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB score of 4 or higher is required.
End-to-End Process
1. Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from an employer in one of the four Atlantic provinces.
2. Apply to the Province: Submit your application to the provincial immigration office.
3. Apply for Permanent Residency: Once the provincial government nominates you, apply for PR through IRCC.
4. Permanent Residency Approval: If all goes well, you will receive permanent residency status.
5. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a special immigration pathway for people who wish to settle in Quebec.
Eligibility Criteria
– Intent to Live in Quebec: You must plan to live in Quebec, not another province.
– Work Experience: Experience in a skilled occupation that matches Quebec’s needs.
– Language: Proficiency in French is important; candidates may need to prove language skills through the TEF exam.
– Education: A degree or diploma that is recognized in Quebec.
End-to-End Process
1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI to Quebec’s immigration system.
2. Receive Invitation: If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
3. Submit PR Application: Once you receive the CSQ, apply for federal PR status through IRCC.
4. Permanent Residency Approval: Wait for final approval from IRCC.
6. Start-up Visa Program
The *Start-up Visa Program* targets entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who wish to establish their business in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
– Business Idea: A qualifying business idea or project that can create jobs and is innovative.
– Support from Designated Organizations: You must secure funding from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor, or business incubator.
– Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in English or French.
– Education: High school education is the minimum required.
End-to-End Process
1. Secure Support: Get support from a designated organization.
2. Submit Application: Apply to the Start-up Visa program and submit your application for PR.
3. Permanent Residency: Once approved, you will receive PR status.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Application Fee | $1,325 (~€915) | Standard fee for a single applicant. |
| Express Entry Spouse Fee | $1,325 (~€915) | Fee for including a spouse in your application. |
| Dependent Child Fee | $225 (~€150) | Fee for each dependent child included in the application. |
| Provincial Nominee Program Fee | $250–$1,500 (~€170–€1,020) | Varies by province and program stream. |
| Family Sponsorship Application Fee | $1,050 (~€710) | Fee for sponsoring a spouse or dependent child. |
| Quebec Selection Certificate Fee | $781 (~€530) | Required fee for applying through Quebec immigration. |
| Language Test (IELTS/TEF) | $300 (~€200) | Standard fee for a language proficiency test. |
| Educational Credential Assessment | $200–$300 (~€135–€205) | Fee for credential evaluation of foreign education. |
| Medical Examination | $100–$500 (~€68–€340) | Required for PR applicants. |
| Police Clearance Certificates | Varies (~€20–€100) | Cost of obtaining police certificates from each country you’ve lived in. |
Estimated Total Cost for PR Pathways
– For a single applicant: $2,500 to $4,500 CAD (~€1,700 – €3,100) (depending on the pathway, additional dependents, and required services like ECA, medical, and language tests).
This breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of the costs involved in applying for permanent residency in Canada through different pathways, along with the eligibility and process details for each. The cost may vary depending on the specific circumstances and services you opt for.