Canada is a popular destination for immigrants who want to enjoy a high quality of life, a diverse and multicultural society, and a stable and prosperous economy. If you are one of them, you may be wondering how to apply for permanent residency in Canada, which will allow you to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.
Permanent residency is not the same as citizenship, which grants you additional rights and responsibilities, such as voting and holding a Canadian passport. However, permanent residents can apply for citizenship after living in Canada for at least three years.
There are different ways to apply for permanent residency in Canada, depending on your situation and eligibility. Some of the most common programs are:
– Express Entry: This is an online system that manages applications for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. You need to create an online profile and submit information about your skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. You will then receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks you against other candidates in the pool. If you meet the minimum requirements and have a high enough score, you may receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. You will then have 60 days to submit your complete application online¹.
– Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): This is a program that allows provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who have the skills and experience that meet their specific needs. You need to apply to the province or territory where you want to live and be nominated by them. Then, you need to apply to IRCC for permanent residency. Depending on the program, you may apply through Express Entry or through a paper-based process³.
– Family Sponsorship: This is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, or other eligible relative to immigrate to Canada. You need to prove that you can support your family member financially and that your relationship is genuine. You also need to fill out several forms and submit them online or by mail².
– Other Programs: There are also other programs that target specific groups of immigrants, such as caregivers, refugees, self-employed people, entrepreneurs, investors, agri-food workers, rural and northern immigrants, etc. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and application process².
The steps to apply for permanent residency in Canada vary depending on the program you choose. However, some general steps are:
– Check your eligibility: Before you apply, make sure you meet the requirements of the program you are interested in. You can use online tools such as [Come to Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html) or [Find out if you are eligible](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html) to check your eligibility.
– Gather your documents: Depending on the program, you may need to provide various documents to support your application, such as identity documents, education certificates, work experience letters, language test results, police certificates, medical exams, etc. Make sure you have all the required documents ready before you apply. Some documents may take time to obtain or expire quickly, so plan ahead.
– Fill out your application: Depending on the program, you may need to fill out online forms or paper forms. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and provide complete and accurate information. You may also need to pay some fees for your application.
-Submit your application: Depending on the program, you may need to submit your application online or by mail. Make sure you submit your application before the deadline and keep a copy of your confirmation number or receipt.
– Wait for processing: After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by IRCC officers who will assess it based on Canadian immigration rules. The processing time varies depending on the program and other factors. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting IRCC.
– Prepare for arrival: If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable). You will then need to prepare for your arrival in Canada by booking your travel tickets, finding accommodation, packing your belongings, etc. You will also need to complete some pre-arrival services online or by phone.
