Why apply for Canada PR?

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.

• Canada welcomed over 431,645 immigrants through PR programs in just one year (IRCC).
• PR holders can live, work, or study anywhere in Canada without restrictions from employers or provinces.
• You get free public healthcare and education for kids under 18.
• After three years of living here, you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
• Canada is ranked as one of the top three countries in the world for quality of life and safety (U.S. News & World Report).

What is a Canada PR Visa?

A Canada Permanent Resident (PR) Visa grants you permanent resident status, which allows you to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. Permanent residents enjoy many of the same rights as Canadian citizens, including access to most social benefits and health care, while still retaining citizenship of their home country.

Once approved, you receive a PR card, which acts as official proof of your status in Canada. The card is usually valid for five years and is required for re-entry if you travel outside Canada. To maintain your status, you must meet the residency obligation of at least 730 days in Canada within every five-year period.

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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Overview of Canada Permanent Residency

A Permanent Resident (PR) is a non‑Canadian citizen granted the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. PR holders enjoy benefits such as public healthcare, pension programs, and the opportunity to sponsor certain family members. After meeting residency and other criteria, PR status can transition into Canadian citizenship.

Can UK Residents be Permanent Residents of Canada?

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.

Canada PR Process

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).

Key Canada PR Programs to Apply For

Canada offers several immigration pathways for individuals and families seeking Permanent Resident (PR) status. The main programs include:

• Express Entry (Skilled Workers)

The Express Entry system manages applications for three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and those with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for PR.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory operates its own Provincial Nominee Program to meet local labour market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points if linked to Express Entry, almost guaranteeing an ITA. Base (non-Express Entry) PNPs are also available for candidates who meet specific provincial criteria.

• Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members—including spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents—for permanent residency. This pathway supports family reunification and remains one of the most important PR routes.

• Other Programs and Pilots

Canada also runs targeted immigration pathways, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program for employers in Atlantic provinces, the Caregivers Program, and other pilots designed to attract workers in priority sectors or regions. These routes provide additional opportunities for PR outside the main federal and provincial systems.

Complete Overview of Canada Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s points-based system for managing applications through three federal economic programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Prospective immigrants submit a profile to a pool and are ranked via CRS. High-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Eighty percent of Express Entry PR applications are processed within six months.

Canada PR via Provincial Nominee Program

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:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

*Want to apply for Canada PNP? Get in touch with experts at Y-Axis to guide you with the process.

Canada PR Eligibility 

To qualify for Canada Permanent Residency, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set out by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The core requirements include:

• Age: Points are awarded for age under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), with the highest scores given to applicants between 20–29 years.
• Education: A minimum secondary education is required under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Foreign qualifications must be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Work Experience: Skilled work experience must be in occupations classified under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC/TEER system). At least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work is typically required.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove English or French ability through an approved test: IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French. Test results must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for the chosen program.
• Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family, unless they are applying under the Canadian Experience Class or already have a valid job offer. IRCC updates the required amounts annually.

Note: Meeting these criteria ensures that applicants are considered eligible to enter the Express Entry pool or apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

*Check your eligibility to become a Permanent Resident of Canada with the FREE Y-Axis CRS Points Calculator and get an instant score!

Canada PR Requirements

To apply for Canada Permanent Residency (PR), applicants must meet the conditions set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provide supporting documents. Below are the main requirements:

• Age proof – Passport or birth certificate confirming your age. While there is no maximum age limit, Express Entry awards the highest points for applicants aged 20–29.
• Educational credentials – Canadian education qualifications or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report verifying foreign education.
• Skilled work experience – At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in an eligible occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC/TEER) system.
• Language test results – Approved test results from IELTS or CELPIP (English) or TEF or TCF (French) that meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score for your program.
• Proof of settlement funds – Bank statements or financial documents showing enough funds to support yourself and your family, unless exempt (e.g., Canadian Experience Class applicants or those with a valid job offer).
• Medical exam – Conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC. All applicants and accompanying dependants must pass this exam.
• Police certificates – Required for applicants and dependants aged 18 or older from each country where they lived for six months or longer.
• Admissibility checks – Applicants must not be inadmissible for reasons related to security, criminality, or serious medical conditions.

Canada PR Points System (CRS Score)

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to rank Express Entry candidates for Canada Permanent Residency. Points are awarded based on core factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for PR through regular IRCC draws. 

Factor	Details
Age	Maximum points typically awarded from ages 20–29; points decrease gradually after age 30.
Education	More points for higher qualifications; foreign credentials usually need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Work Experience	Points for skilled Canadian and/or foreign work experience; more years = higher points (program rules apply).
Language Skills	Approved tests only: IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French). Higher CLB scores yield more points; French can also earn extra points.
Additional points & adaptability factors	Examples include provincial nomination (+600), Canadian study, having a sibling in Canada, strong French proficiency, and other IRCC-defined bonuses.

How to Apply for a Canada PR Visa?

Applying for Canada Permanent Residency involves several stages managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The process typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Check eligibility

Review the criteria for Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to ensure you qualify.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry profile 

If applying through Express Entry, complete your profile online, providing details of age, education, language scores, and work experience.

Step 3: Enter the pool and receive a CRS score

Once your profile is submitted, you will be placed in the candidate pool and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off in a draw, or if you receive a provincial nomination, you will be invited to apply for PR.

Step 5: Submit a complete PR application

Within the ITA deadline (usually 60 days), submit your full application with supporting documents, fees, and forms through the IRCC portal.

Step 6: Provide biometrics and medical exams

Applicants must attend a biometrics appointment and undergo a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician.

Step 7: Get a decision and receive your PR card

IRCC reviews your application, and if approved, you will become a permanent resident. After arriving in Canada, your PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address as proof of status.

 

Canada PR Visa Fees

Applying for a Canada Permanent Resident (PR) Visa involves paying government processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). The total cost depends on the immigration program and the number of applicants included.

Below is an estimated breakdown of the costs for different applicant categories:

Applicant Type	Estimated Total Cost (CAD)	What It Covers
Single Applicant	CAD 2,300 – 3,500	IRCC application fee (CAD 1,365), biometrics, IELTS (~CAD 300), ECA (~CAD 200–300), medical exam (~CAD 100–200), police certificate (~CAD 50).
Couple (No Kids)	CAD 4,500 – 6,000	Application fees for 2 adults (CAD 2,730), biometrics, IELTS/tests, ECAs, medicals, police certificates.
Couple + 1 Child	CAD 5,500 – 7,000	Application fees for 2 adults + 1 child (CAD 2,960), biometrics, IELTS/tests, ECAs, medicals, police certificates.

The table below has an overview of the program, applicant types and the fee structure:

Program	Applicants	New fees (April 2024 – March 2026)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$575
Protected persons	Principal applicant	$635
Protected persons	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Protected persons	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Permit holders	Principal applicant	$375
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Principal applicant	$635
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy	Principal applicant	$635
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)	Principal applicant	$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	$950
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)	Accompanying dependent child	$260
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Sponsorship fee	$85
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Sponsored principal applicant	$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)	$85
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Business (federal and Quebec)	Principal applicant	$1,810
Business (federal and Quebec)	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$950
Business (federal and Quebec)	Accompanying dependent child	$260

Canada PR Visa Processing Time

The time it takes to process a Canada Permanent Resident (PR) application depends on the program and the number of applications in the system. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets service standards for most programs, but actual timelines may vary depending on completeness of the application, background checks, and country of residence.

Application Type	Average Processing Time
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, Federal Skilled Trades, some PNPs)	~6 months
Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry)	12–18 months
Family Sponsorship – Spouse/Partner	~12 months
Family Sponsorship – Parents & Grandparents	24–36 months
Caregiver Programs (Home Child Care Provider / Home Support Worker)	~12 months (work permit + PR eligibility assessment)
PR Card (new, renewal, replacement)	~2 months

Note: Processing times are averages published by IRCC and may vary depending on the number of applications received, completeness of documents, and individual circumstances.

ECA – Educational Credential Assessment

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:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):  if you are claiming education points
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC):  if you are claiming education points
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) : usually, in most cases
• If your spouse is claiming extra points for education

Here are the organizations you can get an ECA from:

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• Comparative Education Service (CES):  University of Toronto
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
• International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
• Medical Council of Canada (MCC):  for doctors
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC):  for pharmacists

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.

ECA fees

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

Benefits of Canada PR Visa

Becoming a Canadian permanent resident gives you a wide range of rights and advantages. According to IRCC, permanent residents enjoy many of the same benefits as Canadian citizens, with the exception of voting and holding a Canadian passport. Key benefits include:

• Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada – PR holders have the right to reside in any province or territory without restrictions.
• Access to publicly funded healthcare – Permanent residents can benefit from provincial and territorial health care services.
• Apply for Canadian citizenship – After meeting physical presence requirements (1,095 days in the last 5 years), permanent residents can apply for citizenship.
• Access to social benefits – PRs are entitled to most social benefits available to Canadians, including certain pensions and child benefits, provided they meet eligibility rules.
• Protection under Canadian law – Permanent residents are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and all Canadian laws.

Proof of Funds for Canada PR            

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	Proof of funds
1	$15,263
2	$19,001
3	$23,360
4	$28,362
5	$32,168
6	$36,280
7	$40,392
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member	$4,112

Canadian Permanent Resident vs. Canada Citizenship

Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship both allow you to live in Canada, but they come with different rights, obligations, and long-term benefits. Understanding the distinction between Canada PR vs Citizenship is essential for immigrants deciding whether to remain as a permanent resident or take the next step towards becoming a Canadian citizen. PR status gives you the ability to live, work, and study in Canada with access to most social benefits, while citizenship provides additional rights such as voting, running for office, and holding a Canadian passport.

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 PR Card and Renewal

A Canada PR card is the official proof of your permanent resident status and is typically valid for five years. You need a valid PR card to re-enter Canada when travelling by commercial transport such as an airplane, bus, train, or boat.

To renew your PR card, you must:

• Apply before your card expires (though you keep your PR status even if the card is expired).
• Provide proof that you have met the residency obligation of at least 730 days in Canada within the last five years.
• Submit supporting documents such as a valid passport, photos, and travel history records.
• Pay the government processing fee (currently CAD $50).

If you are outside Canada and your PR card has expired, you cannot renew it from abroad. Instead, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada.

Maintaining your PR card ensures you can travel in and out of Canada smoothly while continuing to enjoy your rights as a permanent resident.

Jobs in Canada for UK Residents

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

IT Jobs in Canada

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

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

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• Job search services to find related jobs in Canada