PERMANENT RESIDENCE
What is Canada's Permanent Residency (PR)?
Canada's Permanent Residency (PR) grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the country. As a PR holder, you are entitled to various social benefits and protections under Canadian law. Ultimately, PR status can also lead to eligibility for Canadian citizenship.
Pathways to Canada's Permanent Residence
There are several ways to apply for PR, depending on your skills, experience, and goals. The most common PR programs include:
- Express Entry: A fast-track system for skilled workers.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For individuals nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
- Family Sponsorship: Canadian citizens or PR holders can sponsor family members.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with work experience in Canada.
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): For those intending to live in Quebec.
Each program has its own eligibility criteria, process, and timeline.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying for Permanent Residency (PR)
Step 1: Choose the Right PR Program
Your PR journey begins by selecting the immigration pathway that best fits your profile. Factors such as work experience, language proficiency, education level, and family connections can affect the program you’re eligible for. Common pathways include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Family Sponsorship, and others.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
For programs like Express Entry or PNP, ensure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. This may involve calculating your points through systems such as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry or the scoring systems used by specific provinces for PNP.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
Prepare all required documents, which may include:
- Passport and travel history
- Educational credentials and assessments (ECA)
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)
- Proof of work experience (letters from employers, contracts)
- Proof of funds (if applicable)
- Medical exams and police clearance certificates
- Some programs, like Express Entry, require you to upload these documents after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 4: Create a Profile or Submit Your Application
Depending on the program, you may need to create an online profile or submit an application:
- Express Entry: Create an online profile and enter the candidate pool.
- PNP: Submit an application directly to the province or territory of your choice.
- Family Sponsorship: Submit sponsorship forms and supporting documents through the IRCC website.
Once your profile or application is complete, you’ll be assigned a score based on your criteria, and you’ll wait for an ITA or provincial nomination.
Step 5: Submit Your PR Application
After receiving an ITA or nomination, you can submit your complete PR application. Ensure all documents are accurate and complete before submission. Missing documents or errors can delay processing.
Step 6: Pay Fees and Wait for Processing
You’ll need to pay application fees, which vary depending on the program. Processing times also differ; for Express Entry it typically takes around 6 months. Be sure to check the latest processing times on the official website.
Step 7: Receive Decision and Complete Landing Process
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). To finalize your PR status, you need to “land” in Canada, which involves presenting your COPR and completing the PR procedures at the Canadian border or at a local immigration office.
FEE AND PROCESSING TIME
*As of April 30, 2024, all permanent residence application fees have increased. If you paid the fees before April 30 but haven’t submitted a complete application, you will need to pay the difference.
Processing fee ($825) + Right of Permanent Residence fee ($500): $1,325
Including a spouse or common-law partner: $1,325
Including a dependent child: $225
Biometrics (per person): $85
Biometrics (per family of 2 or more): $170
Processing time: 15 to 19 months
Why Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada?
- Live and Work Anywhere in Canada: Enjoy the freedom to live and work across all provinces and territories without restrictions.
- Access to Social Benefits: Benefit from Canada’s healthcare services and other social programs.
- Family Sponsorship: Once you become a PR, you can sponsor eligible family members to reunite with you in Canada.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After living in Canada for a set number of years, PR holders become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Protection Under Canadian Law: As a permanent resident, you are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Important Considerations
- Maintain Residency Requirements: To keep your PR status, you must reside in Canada for at least 730 days within a 5-year period.
- Check Application Deadlines: Some programs have specific deadlines for submitting documents, so be sure to stay informed.
- Prepare for Language Tests: Most immigration programs require language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for French. Be prepared to meet the required scores.
Contact TTN Immigration for Consultation
If you wish to use our legal services, please fill out the details in the Client Intake Form. Our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at TTN Immigration will be more than happy to assist you throughout the application process until you receive your results.
