The Canada PR Visa Program is an official document that allows you to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis. It is a highly popular state that provides you huge benefits, including the right to apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling certain residency requirements. The Canada PR visa is granted to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria and successfully navigate the application process. This visa is a gateway to a new life in Canada, offering stability, security, and the opportunity to become a part of a vibrant and diverse society.
Determine your eligibility Before starting the PR process, you must determine which immigration program you qualify for. The most common immigration programs for PR in Canada include the:
Express Entry system
Determine eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the three federal economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) ,
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) , or
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) . The eligibility requirements include factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
The eligibility criteria for Canada Permanent Residence (PR) vary depending on the immigration program you are applying under. However, some common factors that are considered for eligibility assessment include:
- Education
- Work Experience
- Language Proficiency
- Age
- Adaptability
- Arranged Employment
Canada PR Application Fees and Timeline
Below are the application fees and processing times for Canada PR applications :
| Category |
Details |
| Application Fees |
Principal Applicant: CAD 1,365 (CAD 850 + CAD 515 Right of PR Fee)
Spouse/Partner: CAD 1,365
Dependent Child: CAD 230 per child
|
| Other Related Expenses |
Language Tests: CAD 300 for IELTS (General Training)
Education Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD 200–300
Biometrics: CAD 85 per applicant
Medical Examination: CAD 200–300 (approximate depending on the clinic)
|
| Processing Times (2024) |
Express Entry: 6–8 months (priority given to high-demand occupations)
PNPs: 12–18 months, depending on the province
Family Sponsorship: 12 months
|
Top High-Demand Profiles & Sectors in Canada
These sectors have vast prospects open for skilled immigrants due to the economic growth and labour shortages in the country:
| Sector |
High Occupation In Demand Profiles |
| Health Industry |
Registered Nurses (NOC 31301)
Physicians and Surgeons (NOC 31102)
Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
Prospects: Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are the major recruiters of healthcare employees
|
| Information Technology (IT) and Tech |
Software Engineers/Developers (NOC 21231)
Cybersecurity Analysts (NOC 21220)
Data Analysts/Scientists (NOC 21223)
Opportunities: BC Tech Pilot and Ontario Tech Draws are exclusive to IT professionals.
|
| Skilled Trades and Construction |
Electricians (NOC 72200)
Carpenters (NOC 72310)
Plumbers (NOC 72300)
Opportunities: Skilled tradesmen are needed in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to spur economic growth.
|
| Engineering and STEM Fields |
Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
Industrial Engineers (NOC 21412)
Opportunities: Infrastructure growth in British Columbia and Ontario is fueling the demand for engineers.
|
| Finance and Accounting |
Accountants (NOC 11100)
Financial Auditors (NOC 11101)
Investment Analysts (NOC 11103)
Opportunities: Ontario and Toronto offer exceptional prospects for finance professionals.
|
Express Entry & Targeted Draw Insights
Recent trends and insights on CRS scores for Express Entry and targeted draws:
| Category |
Details |
| Express Entry (General Draws) |
Recent CRS scores are trending between 480-500.
|
| Targeted Draws for High-Demand Profiles |
Healthcare and STEM Profiles: CRS around 470-490.
PNP Nominations: CRS scores drop to 600-700 due to provincial nomination bonuses.
|
| Job Offers and LMIA |
Applicants with valid job offers receive 50–200 CRS bonus points, thereby enhancing their likelihood of acquiring ITAs.
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP's) offers another pathway to Canada PR. Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, designed to meet its specific economic and demographic needs. Applicants must first be nominated by a province or territory, which involves meeting specific criteria and demonstrating a commitment to living and working in that region. Once nominated, candidates can apply for PR through the federal immigration system , Provincial Nominee Program is an attractive option for individuals who may not score high enough in the Express Entry system
Provinces invite applicants according to their economic needs. The main PNP programs are -
Canada PR Visa & Canada PNP Program
PNP is considered the second-best pathway to obtaining a Permanent Residency. For all the candidates who are not able to qualify for the criteria of Express Entry , they can still apply to immigrate to Canada via PNP
Every province and territory participating in this program has its own requirements for each individual applying for PR. You must first fulfill the prerequisites of the province or area you are interested in. After being nominated, you can submit a PR application . The nomination requirements vary by province and territory.
Important FAQ's
PR status can be revoked for failure to meet residency requirements (730 days in 5 years) or in case of crimes
You can apply for a PNP either directly through the province’s nomination process or through the Express Entry system if the province has an Express Entry stream. If nominated, you receive extra points towards your CRS score, improving your chances of permanent residency.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and in some cases, other relatives to become permanent residents of Canada.
The validity of a Canada visa depends on the type of visa issued. Visitor visas are typically valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires, while work permits and study permits are valid for the duration of the job or study program.
Yes, if you have a valid work permit or meet the criteria for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), you can continue working in Canada while your PR application is being processed.
