Canada Permanent Residence Program
Canada offers a variety of pathways for individuals to obtain Permanent Residence (PR) in the country. Permanent residence allows individuals to live, work, and study in Canada on a permanent basis. Permanent residents are entitled to most of the benefits of Canadian citizens, such as access to healthcare and social services, but they do not have the right to vote in federal elections.
There are several immigration programs available for obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada, each designed for different types of applicants, including skilled workers, family members, business owners, and refugees. Below is an overview of the most common Canada Permanent Residence Programs.
Express Entry Program
The Express Entry system is one of the most popular and fastest ways to obtain permanent residence in Canada. It is a points-based system that manages applications for three economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with skilled work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespersons.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with Canadian work experience.
How Express Entry Works:
- Create an Online Profile: Applicants submit an online profile to the Express Entry pool, providing information about work experience, education, language skills, etc.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Applicants are ranked based on a point system. The higher the points, the better the chances of being invited.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence during regular Express Entry draws.
- Application for PR: After receiving an ITA, applicants submit their permanent residence applications.
- Permanent Residence Approval: If approved, applicants become permanent residents of Canada.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Skilled work experience.
- Adequate language proficiency in English or French.
- Education and work experience that meet the eligibility criteria for one of the programs.
Family Sponsorship Program
The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members to come to Canada and obtain permanent residence. Eligible family members include:
- Spouses or common-law partners.
- Dependent children.
- Parents and grandparents (subject to specific quotas).
How Family Sponsorship Works:
- Sponsorship Application: The Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors their family member.
- PR Application: The sponsored individual applies for permanent residence under the family sponsorship program.
- Approval: If the application is approved, the sponsored individual becomes a permanent resident.