Canada's Permanent Residency (PR) lets people settle down, work, and live in one of the friendliest countries out there. With solid support for newcomers, a great quality of life, and a steady economy, it’s no wonder many folks want to move here.
A Canada Permanent Resident (PR) Visa lets foreign nationals live, work, and settle in Canada for the long haul. With this visa, you get many of the same rights as Canadian citizens, like healthcare, education, and social benefits, but you can’t vote. To stay eligible for citizenship later, PR holders need to meet residency requirements.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for a Canada PR Visa:
Do’s |
Don’ts |
Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada |
Leave Canada for extended periods (over 730 days in 5 years) without meeting residency requirements |
Apply for Canadian citizenship after eligibility |
Vote in Canadian federal or provincial elections |
Access healthcare and social services |
Engage in criminal activity (can lead to loss of PR status) |
Sponsor eligible family members for PR |
Misrepresent information during application |
File taxes annually if residing in Canada |
Assume PR equals citizenship |
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Yes, people from the UK can become Permanent Residents (PR) in Canada if they meet the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They can choose different immigration routes, like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or family sponsorship. Usually, you will need a language test score (like IELTS), proof of education, and work experience. After getting approved, UK residents can live, work, and settle in Canada as PR holders, and later they can apply for citizenship.
Canadian Permanent Residency and Citizenship both let you live in Canada, but they come with different rights and benefits. It is important for immigrants to know what sets them apart when choosing whether to stay as a PR or go for citizenship.
Here is a complete overview of the major differences between Canada PR and Canadian citizenship:
Factor |
Permanent Resident (PR) |
Canadian Citizen |
Legal Status |
You can live in Canada indefinitely |
Full membership in the Canadian state |
Right to Vote |
You can't vote |
Full voting rights in federal, provincial, and municipal elections |
Passport |
No Canadian passport |
Eligible for a Canadian passport |
Residency Obligation |
Need to live in Canada for 730 days in 5 years |
No minimum residency requirement |
Social Benefits |
You can access most benefits like healthcare and education |
Access to all social benefits |
Eligibility for Government Jobs |
Restricted from certain government jobs (security clearance) |
Eligible for all government jobs |
Deportation Risk |
You could be deported for legal issues or not meeting residency rules |
Cannot be deported unless citizenship is revoked under rare cases |
Travel Rights |
Travel with a PR card, but you have to renew it every 5 years |
Travel visa-free to over 185 countries with a Canadian passport |
Citizenship Pathway |
Eligible to apply for citizenship after 3 years of residency (within 5 years) |
Already a citizen |
Dual Citizenship |
Not applicable |
Allowed, Canada permits dual citizenship |
Canada has several ways for foreigners to become permanent residents, making it a welcoming spot for immigrants. The process is meant to bring in skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members through clear and point-based immigration pathways. Applicants need to meet certain requirements, provide necessary documents, and pass medical and background checks before they can get their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Here are the main pathways to get PR in Canada:
Express Entry is Canada's main immigration system for skilled workers looking to get permanent residency. It's based on a points system, called the CRS, which ranks candidates on things like age, education, work experience, and language skills. If you score well, you might get an invitation to apply for permanent residency through one of these three options:
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) lets Canadian provinces and territories nominate skilled workers, business people, and graduates for permanent residency based on what they need in their job market. You can apply through two paths: one connected to Express Entry and one that’s not. The PNP is great for those looking to settle in a specific province where their skills are in demand. Each province has its own rules, job focuses, and nomination steps. Getting a provincial nomination can really help your chances by adding 600 points to your CRS score, making it easier to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Here are some of the main PNP programs in Canada:
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To be eligible for Canada PR, you will need to score points based on things like your age, education, work experience, and language skills. If you meet these requirements, you are more likely to get an invitation to apply for permanent residency through different immigration options.
*Check your eligibility to become a Permanent Resident of Canada with the FREE Y-Axis CRS Points Calculator and get an instant score!
If you are looking to apply for Canada Permanent Residency (PR), you will need to hit certain requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These requirements cover things like education, work experience, language skills, and some other factors. Getting your documents and meeting eligibility is really important for your PR application to go smoothly.
Here's a complete list of requirements for Canada PR:
Getting a Canada Permanent Residency (PR) Visa involves a clear process that focuses on your eligibility, paperwork, and the immigration option you choose.
Step 1: Check if you are eligible
Pick the right PR program (like Express Entry or PNP) based on your age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Step 2: Take a language test
You need to take the IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French) and score at least at the minimum level.
Step 3: Get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
You will need to have your international education checked by an approved organization (like WES) to make sure it meets Canadian standards.
Step 4: Create your Express Entry profile
Fill out an online profile and join the candidate pool. Your CRS score will decide where you stand.
Step 5: Wait for your Invitation to Apply (ITA)
You will either get an ITA through Express Entry draws or a nomination from a PNP.
Step 6: Submit your PR application
Once you receive the ITA, you have 60 days to apply online and upload all necessary documents.
Step 7: Complete medical and police checks
You will need to pass an IRCC-approved medical exam and provide police clearance certificates.
Step 8: Get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If all goes well, you will receive your COPR and can move to Canada as a PR.
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a must for anyone applying for Canada PR. It helps to check that your foreign education matches up with Canadian standards. This is especially important for those going through the Express Entry system, like the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The ECA makes sure that your qualifications from outside Canada are recognized by employers and immigration officials here. It lasts for 5 years and needs to come from an organization that’s approved by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Here are the PR categories that need an ECA:
Here are the organizations you can get an ECA from:
Note: Each of these organizations might have different processing times and fees. Most people applying through Express Entry tend to go with WES since they are quicker and easier to deal with.
Services |
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) |
Electronic ECA report provided to you |
C$248 |
An official paper report (delivery fees apply) |
|
ECA report access by IRCC |
|
Electronic storage of your report and verified transcripts for future use |
|
Additional Fees |
|
Delivery Options |
Fees |
Standard delivery (tracking not included) |
C$12 |
Courier delivery (tracking included) |
|
U.S. and international courier services (per address) |
C$92 |
Next-day courier delivery (per address, Canada only) |
C$27 |
Add a new credential |
C$108 |
Convert ECA to a Document-by-Document evaluation |
C$54 |
Convert ECA to a Course-by-Course evaluation |
C$108 |
First report (WES Basic) |
C$54 |
First report (WES ICAP) |
C$33 |
Each additional report |
C$33 |
Getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada gives you and your family the chance to live, work, and settle in a welcoming and developed country. Here are some of the main benefits of applying for Canada PR:
Canada is drawing in skilled workers from the UK, with more than 800,000 job openings in areas like healthcare, IT, finance, engineering, and trades. There is a real need for talent, and the immigration process is pretty straightforward, giving UK residents a good chance at finding jobs and settling down in Canada.
Occupation |
Average Salary in CAD |
Sales Representative |
52,000 - 64,000 |
Accountant |
63,000 - 75,000 |
Engineering Project Manager |
74,000 - 92,000 |
Business Analyst |
73,000 - 87,000 |
IT Project Manager |
92,000 - 114,000 |
Account Manager |
75,000 - 92,000 |
Software Engineer |
83,000 - 99,000 |
Human Resources |
59,000 - 71,000 |
Customer Service Representative |
37,000 - 43,000 |
Administrative Assistant |
37,000 - 46,000 |
Canada's tech scene is growing fast, and there are expected to be over 250,000 tech jobs open in the next few years. Jobs in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing are particularly sought after, making it a great place for IT pros looking for well-paying and stable careers.
List of IT jobs |
NOC codes |
Developer/Programmer |
NOC 21232 |
Business System Analyst/Administrator |
NOC 21221 |
Data Analyst /Scientist |
NOC 21223 |
Quality Assurance Analyst |
NOC 21222 |
Security Analyst/Architect |
NOC 21220 |
Cloud Architect |
NOC 20012 |
IT Project Manager |
NOC 21311 |
Network Engineer |
NOC 22220 |
Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada involves several mandatory expenses, including application fees, biometric charges, language tests, medical exams, and proof of funds. Costs can vary based on the number of family members included in the application.
Below is an estimated breakdown of the costs for different applicant categories:
Applicant Type |
Estimated Total Cost (CAD) |
Breakdown Includes |
Single Applicant |
CAD 2,300 – 3,500 |
Application fee, biometrics, IELTS, medical exam, ECA, proof of funds (≈$13,757) |
Couple (No Kids) |
CAD 4,500 – 6,000 |
Application fees for two, biometrics, tests, ECAs, medicals, proof of funds (≈$17,127) |
Couple + 1 Child |
CAD 5,500 – 7,000 |
Application fees for three, biometrics, tests, ECAs, medicals, proof of funds (≈$20,371) |
The table below has an overview of the program, applicant types and the fee structure:
Program |
Applicants |
Current fees (April 2022 – March 2024) |
New fees (April 2024 – March 2026) |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee |
Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$515 |
$575 |
Protected persons |
Principal applicant |
$570 |
$635 |
Protected persons |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$570 |
$635 |
Protected persons |
Accompanying dependent child |
$155 |
$175 |
Permit holders |
Principal applicant |
$335 |
$375 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) |
Principal applicant |
$570 |
$635 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$570 |
$635 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$155 |
$175 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy |
Principal applicant |
$570 |
$635 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$570 |
$635 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy |
Accompanying dependent child |
$155 |
$175 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) |
Principal applicant |
$850 |
$950 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$850 |
$950 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$230 |
$260 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Sponsorship fee |
$75 |
$85 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Sponsored principal applicant |
$490 |
$545 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Sponsored child (principal applicant under 22 years old and not a spouse/partner) |
$75 |
$85 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$570 |
$635 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$155 |
$175 |
Business (federal and Quebec) |
Principal applicant |
$1,625 |
$1,810 |
Business (federal and Quebec) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$850 |
$950 |
Business (federal and Quebec) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$230 |
$260 |
If you are planning to move to Canada as a permanent resident, you will need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family upon arrival. This requirement ensures that newcomers can comfortably settle without immediate financial strain. The Canadian government sets a minimum amount based on your family size, and you must provide official proof, such as recent bank statements to confirm access to these funds.
The table below has complete details of the proof of funds required for Canada PR:
Number of family members |
Current Funds Required |
Funds required (in Canadian dollars) Coming into effect May 28, 2024 |
|
1 |
CAD 13,757 |
CAD 14,690 |
|
2 |
CAD 17,127 |
CAD 18,288 |
|
3 |
CAD 21,055 |
CAD 22,483 |
|
4 |
CAD 25,564 |
CAD 27,297 |
|
5 |
CAD 28,994 |
CAD 30,690 |
|
6 |
CAD 32,700 |
CAD 34,917 |
|
7 |
CAD 36,407 |
CAD 38,875 |
|
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member |
CAD 3,706 |
CAD 3,958 |
The processing time for a Canada Permanent Residency (PR) visa varies depending on the pathway chosen. For Express Entry programs, the standard processing time is approximately 6- 8 months after submitting a complete application. However, for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other pathways like family sponsorship or Quebec-selected skilled workers, processing times can range from 12 to 18 months.
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