A Canada PR Visa grants permanent resident status to non-Canadians. It permits them to stay, study or work for an indefinite period in the country. They can access benefits like healthcare, education and protection as per the Canadian law. A Canada PR paves the way for obtaining citizenship in the country.
A Canadian PR Visa is a pathway towards permanent resident status in the country. Canada PR is valid for a period of 5 years. One can remain in the country and either work or study without any limitations. The Canada PR can also lead to Canadian Citizenship upon satisfying the required eligibility.
The dos and don’ts of a Canada PR are listed in the following table:
Dos | Don’ts |
Access social benefits like healthcare just like Canadian citizens | Are not eligible to vote or run for office |
Can remain, study or work in any province in Canada |
Cannot hold government positions that require a high-level of security clearance |
Can apply for Canadian Citizenship upon eligibility | |
Are legally protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian law |
The Canadian government offers many benefits for eligible candidates applying for a Canada PR. The Canada PR has two different types of benefits as follows:
The standard benefits that a Canada PR offers to eligible candidates are listed below:
The emotional and personal benefits eligible candidates can avail are mentioned below:
Eligible candidates from the UK interested in applying for a Canada PR must satisfy all the mandatory eligibility criteria and requirements. Then, you have to make and apply an application for a Canada PR Visa as per the following steps:
Step 1: Appear for the approved English Language exams like IELTS or CELPIP and the required scores before initiating the application process. If applicable, you must appear for the French language test too.
Step 2: Select a suitable immigration program and submit an application meeting all the requirements.
Step 3: Attach the essential documents that are original and authentic. This can include transcripts of educational qualifications and proof of professional experience. The documents must be authenticated before submission.
Step 4: You are also required to provide evidence of sufficient funding for your stay in the country, as well as medical reports and character certificates from the official authorities.
Step 5: The documents will undergo a mandatory examination and also be verified by an immigration officer. You must be prepared to submit any additional information if necessary.
Step 6: After your Canada PR status is confirmed, you will receive a COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) card.
Step 7: Get the Canada PR card and migrate to Canada.
In order to apply for a Canada PR, the candidates must satisfy certain eligibility criteria and score minimum points in the Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Grid. You must score at least 67 points in the following factors to be eligible for a Canada PR:
The in-detailed analysis of each factor is given below:
Factor 1: Age (Earn a maximum of 12 points)
You must be below 18 to 35 years old to earn a maximum of 12 points. If you are above 35, your points will tend to decrease, and the maximum age limit is 45 years of age.
Age of the Applicant | Points |
18 – 35 | 12 |
36 | 11 |
37 | 10 |
38 | 9 |
39 | 8 |
40 | 7 |
41 | 6 |
42 | 5 |
43 | 4 |
44 | 3 |
45 | 2 |
46 | 1 |
47+ | 0 |
Factor 2: Educational Qualification (Earn a maximum of 25 points)
You must satisfy the educational qualification by having a relevant secondary education certification that is on par with Canadian standards. This will help you score maximum points.
Level of Education | Points |
A PhD level certification | 25 |
Master’s level certification or a professional degree | 23 |
At least have 2 post-secondary credentials, one must be having a minimum 3 year period | 22 |
A 3-year duration or more post-secondary certification | 21 |
A minimum 2-year post-secondary certification | 19 |
A 1-year of post-secondary certification | 15 |
Secondary school education | 5 |
Factor 3: Professional Work Experience (Earn a maximum of 15 points)
You can score up to 10 points for having relevant work experience. The points can be earned based on the number of years you worked in a full-time paid role. The work role must be for a minimum of 30 hours per week. You are eligible if you have worked an equal amount in a part-time role.
If your legal spouse is also applying for a PR and has satisfied the professional work requirements, you, as the primary applicant, can earn 5 additional points.
Work Experience | Points |
1 year (Min. threshold) | 9 |
2-3 years | 11 |
4-5 years | 13 |
6+ | 15 |
Factor 4: Language Proficiency (Earn a maximum of 28 points)
You must prove your language proficiency in English and French by appearing for approved language exams to gain more points. The exams will assess your language skills in the following 4 sections:
By qualifying for the exams, you can earn up to 28 points and have more chances to receive an ITA for a Canada PR.
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Proficiency | Level | Points |
Official Language 1 | ||
Speaking/Listening/ Reading/Writing |
Intermediate IELTS 6.0/6.0/6.0/6.0 |
4 |
Speaking/Listening/ Reading/Writing |
High intermediate IELTS 6.5/7.5/6.5/6.5 |
5 |
Speaking/Listening/ Reading/Writing |
Advanced IELTS 7.0/8.0/7.0/7.0 |
6 |
Speaking/Listening/ Reading/Writing |
Spouse/partner’s official language (CLB4) IELTS 4.0/4.5/3.5/4.0 |
5 |
Maximum | 24 | |
Official Language 2 | ||
Speaking/Listening/ Reading/ Writing |
CLB/NCLC 5 in all abilities IELTS 5.0/5.0/4.0/5.0 |
4 |
Maximum | 4 |
Factor 5: Arranged Employment in Canada (Earn a maximum of 10 points)
If you secure an employment offer in Canada for a duration of one year, then you can earn up to 10 points. You must receive an offer for a federal skilled worker visa before submitting an application.
The Applicant | Conditions | Points |
Presently working in the country on an LMIA-based work permit, and does skilled work (TEER 0, 1, or 2 and 3 levels) |
· The work permit becomes valid after a Canada PR application is made* · The Canadian employer has offered a permanent full- time skilled employment position to the applicant. |
10 |
Presently working in the country on a LMIA-exempt work permit or on a work permit that is issued under a provincial/territorial agreement |
· The work permit becomes valid after making and submitting an application for permanent residence* · The employer in Canada has offered a permanent full-time skilled position to the applicant. |
10 |
Does not have a valid work permit and has no authorisation to work in Canada | · A Canadian employer has offered a full-time permanent position to the applicant; · The employment offer has received a positive LMIA. |
10 |
Has a valid work permit and is authorized to work in the country but is not under any of the above mentioned scenarios. | · The authorization or the work permit becomes valid after submitting a PR application; · A Canadian employer has offered a full-time permanent skilled role to the applicant; · The employment offer has gotten a positive LMIA. |
10 |
*The applicant is expected to have a valid work permit, during the issuance of a Canada PR Visa. |
Factor 6: Adaptability (Earn a maximum of 25 points)
You can earn maximum points based on the following:
Adaptability | Points |
Have worked previously in Canada (for at least 1 year TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3) | 10 |
Have studied previously in Canada | 5 |
Previously studied in Canada accompanied by a legal spouse/partner | 5 |
Previously worked in Canada accompanied by a legal spouse/partner | 5 |
Received an employment offer in Canada | 5 |
Have a family member or a relative in Canada who is at least 18 years or older | 5 |
Have language ability of CLB 4 or above and accompanied by a legal spouse/partner with an IELTS score of 3.5/4.0/4.5 | 5 |
The requirements to apply for a Canada PR are mentioned below:
Factors | Points |
Age | Maximum 12 points |
Education | Maximum 25 points |
Language Proficiency | Maximum 28 points (English or French) |
Work Experience | Maximum 15 points |
Adaptability | Maximum of 10 points |
Arranged employment | Additional 10 points (not mandatory) |
A Canada PR holder is required to satisfy residency requirements as set by the IRCC to maintain their Canada PR status. You must remain in the country for a period of 730 days over the last 5 years. Your stay in the country for around 730 days does not need to be consecutive. If you have a valid PR Card, then you have the freedom to enter and exit Canada at any time. However, there are three exceptions in relation to the mandatory residency requirement as follows:
If you come under any of the following exceptions, then your time stayed out of the country will be calculated as time spent in Canada. This will help to maintain your permanent residence status in the country.
A Canada PR holder is eligible to travel out of Canada for a period of 3 years out of a 5-year period. But, you have to prove to the immigration officers that you will satisfy the residency obligations without fail.
After migrating to Canada on a PR visa, you have to apply for a Canada PR Card that acts as an identity document. The permanent residence card is a mandatory document to present while leaving and entering the country.
A Canada PR Card is a document of identification that is issued by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), recognizing the permanent resident status of the candidate. The card includes the candidate's photograph and evidence of their PR status. A candidate can obtain a Canada PR Card after they have been issued a PR Visa and have arrived in Canada.
You can use the Canada PR Card as a travel document, and it must be presented to re-enter or exit the country by any means of transport (plane, bus, train, or boat).
The Canada PR Card has a validity of 5 years; for certain exceptional cases, the PR Card may have a validity of a year. Canada PR holders can apply to extend or renew their PR Cards 6 to 9 months before the expiration date.
The following table lists the differences between a Canada PR and Citizenship:
Feature | Canada PR | Canada Citizenship |
Status | Recognized as a permanent resident | Recognized as a citizen of Canada |
Passport | Must have a valid passport from your home country | Will receive a Canadian passport |
Obligation of Residency | Have to reside in Canada for a period of 730 days in 5 years | There is no requirement of satisfying any residency obligation |
Right to Vote | No right to vote in any municipal, federal or provincial elections | Eligible to vote in municipal, federal and any provincial elections |
Political Office | Not eligible to run or hold a political office | Eligible to hold political office |
Job Restrictions | Cannot work for jobs that have a high-level security clearance | Eligible to work in all jobs even those that have a high security clearance |
Jury Duty | Cannot serve a jury duty | Can serve a jury duty |
Deportation | If one commits any serious crime or violates PR rules, there is a risk of deportation | As citizenship is for life, one cannot be deported. Except in cases of obtaining citizenship by fraud |
Travel Rights | Have the freedom to travel in and out of Canada, but may require travel visas for other countries | Allowed to travel to many countries without the requirement of a visa due to a Canadian passport |
Family Sponsorship | Upon meeting eligibility, can sponsor family members to come to Canada | Eligible to sponsor family members but also can pass the right citizenship to children born out of Canada |
International Mobility | Your travel may be restricted based on the valid home country passport | Have more freedom to travel to other countries |
Access to Social Benefits | Can access many social benefits like healthcare, free education and others | Can access all social benefits like healthcare, tax rebates and more similar to citizens |
Eligibility for Citizenship | Satisfy certain residency obligation and other criteria to be eligible for citizenship | No additional application is necessary as you are already a citizen |
Status Renewal | It is mandatory to renew your PR card every 5 years | There is no requirement to renew as citizenship is for life |
A Permanent Residence Card is a mandatory document for identity proof and travel. You must update, extend, or renew a card before its expiration.
You can renew your Canada PR if:
The candidate must meet the following requirements to renew a Canada PR Card:
The process to renew a Canada PR Card is mentioned below:
Step 1: Make a new application on the official site
Step 2: Fill in the forms with the necessary information
Step 3: Pay the application fees online
Step 4: Submit your application online
Candidates without a valid PR card must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to enter Canada. The candidate can use the PRTD for only a single entry and must apply for or renew their PR Card after migrating to Canada.
The purpose of a PRTD, or Permanent Residence Travel Document, is to allow Canadian permanent residents without a valid PR Card to enter the country. The PRTD is a temporary official document recognizing permanent status and proving their identity.
The steps to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) are mentioned below:
Step 1: Make an application through the official website
Step 2: Prepare the essential documents
Step 3: Pay the fees required for the application
Step 4: Submit the application and await status
A Canada PR holder cannot lose their permanent resident status if their PR Card expires. They can lose their status if:
Canada PR holders can renounce their PR in the below-mentioned situations:
The PR holders are required to submit an official application to voluntarily renounce their status as permanent residents in the country. The process to apply for voluntarily renouncing their permanent resident status is as follows:
Step 1: Make an application on the official site
Step 2: Gather the essential documentation
Step 3: Fill in the necessary details
Step 4: Pay the mentioned fees
Step 5: Submit an application
What are the implications after renouncing a Canada PR?
Canada PR holders can voluntarily choose to renounce their PR status. There are certain implications to renouncing a PR status, and it is as follows:
You can become a Canadian Permanent Resident by selecting a pathway that fits your requirements. The lists of popular pathways that guide you in applying for a Canada PR are as follows:
Economic Immigration is the ability to contribute to the economy of Canada either as skilled workers, business owners, investors, or entrepreneurs. Canada has popular Economic Immigration Programs at the federal and provincial levels. These programs are classified into the following categories:
The federal pathways are managed by the IRCC. The IRCC uses an application management system called the Express Entry via which they process and manage the applications submitted via the federal pathways, and they are as follows:
The provinces, regions, and territories of Canada have similar pathways. This is administered through the following:
Express Entry
Express Entry is a popular immigration pathway that allows interested skilled workers from all over the world to migrate to Canada. The Express Entry is a points-based system that assesses candidates on the following factors:
The candidates with the highest score are selected and issued an invitation to apply to apply for a PR.
The skilled immigrant workers must satisfy the mentioned points to be eligible for the Express Entry program:
The family members like legal spouses, children, parents or grandparents of the skilled workers can accompany to Canada upon meeting eligibility. Family members who do not satisfy the eligibility requirements must apply for a dependents visa after the skilled worker has migrated to Canada.
A foreign skilled worker can apply for permanent residency via any of the 4 immigration programs under Express Entry:
The Federal Skilled Workers Program is for foreigners having 2 years of full-time work experience or professional experience in a skilled role that is listed in the country’s NOC (National Occupational Classification) list. You are required to satisfy the eligibility criteria to apply:
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is open to international citizens with 2 years of full-time work experience or professional work experience as a skilled tradesperson with a relevant occupation listed in Canada’s NOC (National Occupational Classification) list. You must meet the following eligibility criteria to receive an ITA:
The Canadian Experience Class is sponsored by the government of Canada and is open to skilled immigrants who have worked for a period of 1 year in the country. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
The Provincial Nominee Program is a prominent pathway that allows eligible candidates to migrate and live in their preferred provinces in Canada. The aim of the program is to retain skilled immigrants with relevant experience who can contribute to the economy of the province. The territories and provinces of Canada, like Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, and others, nominate eligible candidates and issue an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Eligible candidates will be assessed on their:
The candidates that receive an ITA can apply through two pathways:
You can select the Business Immigration Program if you are an experienced business person interested in establishing a business or investing in any existing business in Canada. It is mandatory to meet the eligibility regarding personal and stake of business ownership and have to invest a certain amount.
Eligible candidates will be assessed on the following:
The federal government of Canada provides the following immigration programs under the Business Immigration Program to cater to the needs of individuals:
You can apply via the Business Start-Up category if you are interested in establishing a new business in the country. The eligibility criteria for this category are as follows:
You can apply via the Business Investor category if you are willing to invest in any Canadian business. The eligibility criteria to qualify are as follows:
You can apply via the Self-Employed category if you are self-employed and interested to migrate to Canada. To qualify, you must have the following:
Canada believes in the sense of family reunification and provides a pathway for already existing PR holders to sponsor family members to migrate to the country. There are various sponsorship programs that you can choose based on the requirement.
The Sponsorship program allows you to apply if you have existing family members who are residents or citizens in Canada and are eligible to sponsor you for a PR. They must satisfy the following eligibility criteria to sponsor:
Who can be sponsored for a Canada PR via the Family Immigration program?
You must belong to one of the following categories to be sponsored for a Canada PR via the Family Immigration program:
What are the popular Sponsorship Programs in Canada?
The popular sponsorship programs are as follows:
Spousal Sponsorship Canada
The Spousal Sponsorship Program in the country allows Canadian permanent residents and citizens to sponsor their legal conjugal/common-law partners and spouses for permanent residency in the country. The aim of the program is to allow Canadian PR holders or citizens to reunite with their families and bring them to the country. One must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible to sponsor:
What are the two main classes of the Spousal Sponsorship program?
The Spousal Sponsorship program consists of 2 main classes, and they are as follows:
Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship
The Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship program allows Canadian PR holders or citizens to sponsor their child, who is less than 18 years of age, biological or adopted, to come to Canada. Children over 22 years will be considered dependent if they suffer from a mental or physical condition and cannot support themselves. The parents or guardians wishing to sponsor must qualify the following eligibility criteria:
Parents' and Grandparents Sponsorship
The Parents and Grandparents (PGT) program allows sponsors to put forth intake-to-sponsor forms during certain intake periods. A random draw is conducted in which potential sponsors are chosen and invited to put forth an application for sponsorship. The sponsors must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
The Permanent Residence for Caregivers is a program via which qualified internationals can migrate to Canada indefinitely. The eligibility criteria for this program are as follows:
You can be a domestic or a foreign caregiver to apply for the PR for Caregivers program. The program permits one to bring members of family to the Canada via this program.
You can apply for a Canada PR on Humanitarian and compassionate grounds if you can provide sufficient proof to the Canadian government that removing you from the country would create distress for you and your family due to certain situations beyond your influence.
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