Apply for Canada PR Visa 2024 Step by Step guide

If you want to move Canada,

Canada has one of the most smooth and simplified immigration policies in the world. The Canadian Government has the plan targets the admission of 485,000 new permanent residents In 2024, . This target increases to 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. This makes Canada the most ideal country for newcomers to move to Canada and secure Canadian Permanent Residence.

Canada is top choice for Immigrants do you know why?

Canada is a well-known multicultural country, which respects the contributions and individuality of different cultures. Canada never stops seeking skilled and talented newcomers to support the development of the Canadian economy. Canada is home to many immigrants from all over the world.

Today, Canada still attracts many newcomers because of our:

natural beauty, wide-open spaces, mountains, trees, and lakes
free society with fundamental human rights enshrined in a Charter of Rights and Freedoms
political stability with excellent business opportunities and a strong banking system
free trade with United-States and Mexico under NAFTA agreements
education system with an excellent international reputation of Canadian Universities
excellent healthcare system and generous network of social assistance programs
one of the nicest countries in the world with excellent business opportunities

The Canadian government understands the difficulty for newcomers/immigrants to adapt to a new country, to learn new cultures and languages; therefore, the Government of Canada, Provincial Governments, and many public/private community organizations work together to provide assistance in such areas as language training, finding employment, education, finding a place to live and much more.

Canada is a well-developed country with good infrastructure and a robust economy. It has the 16th highest nominal per capita income globally as well as the 12th highest ranking in the Human Development Index (H.D.I). Its advanced economy is the 10th largest economy in the world, relying mainly upon its ample natural resources and well-developed international trade networks.

Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world’s lakes combined which makes it a more beautiful country to live in. It is a dreamland for nature lovers and explorers. Also, Canada is a country that takes care of its residents. There are numerous Social Welfare programs offered by the State. The federal government and the provincial government provide free healthcare programs and education up until grade 12. Also, Canada is the world’s most educated country – over half of its residents hold degrees.

So, considering these valuable characteristics, several aspirants make an application for Permanent Residence to settle in Canada.

Difference between Canada (PR) Permanent Resident and a Citizen

The main differences between being a permanent resident and a citizen in Canada are:

Citizenship Rights: Canadian citizens have additional rights compared to permanent residents. These include the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, the ability to run for political office, and the right to hold a Canadian passport. Permanent residents do not have these rights.
Residency Requirements: Permanent residents must meet residency requirements to maintain their status, which typically involves residing in Canada for at least 730 days within the past five years. Canadian citizens do not have such residency requirements and can live outside of Canada for extended periods without losing their citizenship.
Travel Privileges: Canadian citizens can travel more freely than permanent residents. While permanent residents can travel in and out of Canada, they need to ensure they meet residency requirements to maintain their status. Canadian citizens can travel with a Canadian passport and are not subject to residency requirements.
Access to Government Jobs: Canadian citizens have unrestricted access to jobs in the Canadian government and can hold high-level security clearances. Permanent residents may face restrictions or additional scrutiny for certain government positions.
Citizenship by Descent: Canadian citizenship can be passed down to children born outside of Canada to Canadian citizen parents. Permanent residents cannot pass down their status to their children born outside of Canada.

Benefits of Getting Permanent Residency

Permanent residents enjoy several benefits in the country. Some of these are listed below:

With a resident visa, you get a study permit and work permit. So, with the work permits, you can work anywhere in Canada.
You can apply for Canadian Citizenship (once you become eligible)
Social and family security services
You are protected under the Canadian law
You can get Health care and most of the other benefits which a Canadian Citizen receives
Free education for children and social provisions for the entire family
Accessibility to the USA

Thus, a permanent resident of Canada surely has several advantages. However, immigrating to Canada comes with some cons as well. Mentioned below are the things that a permanent resident is not allowed to do.

Things that a Canada Permanent Resident is not allowed to do:

Right to vote or not allowed to run a political office
They are not allowed to get any job that needs a high-level security clearance.

If permanent residency in Canada is your dream, apply today for the process, become a permanent resident and live your dream!

Who is a Canadian Permanent Resident?

A Canadian Permanent Resident is a person who can live in Canada legally but is not a native citizen of Canada. He is given permanent resident status by the Government of Canada. A person with Canada PR has all the rights which are given to every Canadian citizen. An international student or a foreign worker living in Canada is not a permanent resident. Foreign workers do not have the privileges and rights that a permanent resident enjoys.

There are many Canadian immigration programs through which applicants can apply and get permanent residency. To earn a resident status, an immigrant needs to file an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After completing five years of stay in Canada, the permanent resident card allows the immigrant to apply for Canadian Citizenship.

Before applying for permanent residency in Canada, make sure that you have all the required documents stated by the Government of Canada.

Canada Immigration Programs

If you wish to immigrate to Canada and obtain a permanent resident visa, there are many immigration plans which have their own criteria and requirements for immigration – Express Entry Program, Quebec Skilled worker Program (QSWP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and others. For getting a resident card, your selection depends upon the total points you score based on your profile criteria i.e. age, language skills, education, work experience, and other factors.

What are the different Canada immigration PR programs or Visa Categories?

There are different immigration programs or visa categories available, under which you can apply for the Canada permanent residency visa.

Skilled Immigrants Program (Express Entry)
Federal Skilled Worker ( FSW)
Federal Skilled Trades Program ( FST)
Canadian Experience Class ( CEC)
Start-up visa ( for applicants who have a business idea and need someone to fund it)
Investors Entrepreneurs and Self Employed
Quebec Skilled Workers Program ( QSWP)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

What are the documents required to apply for different PR visas in Canada?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- to provide language test results
ECA( Education Credential Assessment)- If you apply through the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
Sufficient funds to support your application. (Proof of funds)
Educational degrees or certificates, diploma degrees, sponsor certificates.
Original copies and officially translated documents supporting the application.
Age proof- such as birth certificate
Employment documents- a Job offer, reference letter, payslips
Medical and Police Clearance Certificate
Travel document- your passport

Processing times for Canada Permanent Residency Visa:

The processing time to get a Canada Permanent Resident Visa differs on the basis of the immigration program you apply for, that is Express Entry System, QSWP, or any Provincial Nominee Program. The selection and approval of your visa application depend on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Once you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, the further processing time is generally around 4-6 months.

Read More About: Canada PR Visa Application Process and Processing Time

How to calculate Canada Permanent Residence Visa points?

According to the Canada Immigration points system, you get points based on your profile details. Your points are dependent on various factors such as age, education, work experience, Canadian work experience, and language proficiency. The total points you score determines your eligibility for various immigration programs. If your profile qualifies for a particular immigration program, you become eligible to get an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residence and ultimately, become a resident of Canada.

You can calculate your CRS score in advance with the help of the CRS calculator by providing all the required details.