Considered one of the best countries in the world for immigration, Canada is known for offering equal opportunities to all. From excellent education, immense employment opportunities, and personal growth to top-notch infrastructure and quality lifestyle, Canada provides everything for a better quality of life. Immigration-friendly policies are also one of the reasons why the country invites a massive number of immigrants every year from all around the globe.
Here’s a detailed insight into why millions of people worldwide are moving to Canada striving to be permanent residents (PR) and how to get a Canada PR visa from India.
Landscapes and natural beauty – Canada has beautiful landscapes and places of attraction.
What is a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa?
A Canadian PR visa is issued to people who are fundamentally citizens of other countries but want to become permanent residents of Canada. Canadian PR allows one to reap most of the social and healthcare benefits that Canadian citizens are entitled to. The PR visa also allows the residents to work or study anywhere in the country and protects them under Canadian Law. After completing a specified period in Canada, a PR visa holder is allowed to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Permanent Residence Programs in Canada
After getting a degree in Canada, many students decidto stay back in the country and work, thereby opting for a Permanent Residence in the country. Many student pathways help in this transition from being a student visa holder to a Canada PR visa holder. Students with a Canadian educational credential, work experience, and ties with a specific province get an advantage while applying under a permanent residency immigration program. Listed below are the PR programs that help international students in Canada to become permanent residents.
International students mainly choose this work permit after completing their study in Canada. Though this is not a direct residence program, it allows most international graduates to remain in Canada after completing their education at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and work with a Canadian employer.
After gaining the relevant experience, students can apply for a Canadian PR visa under the following PR programs:
It is one of the fastest ways for international students to obtain Canadian permanent residence. A specific requirement for this program is the applicants must possess at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada or equivalent part-time experience. Though this becomes one of the most feasible options for students with the required level of work experience, it comes with one constraint. The work experience gathered during a period of full-time study is not considered under the 12-month requirement. However, after completing their degrees in Canada, international students are eligible to receive a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain the work experience required to qualify for the CEC.
This program is designed to meet the requirements of students belonging to a specific territory or a province. Students with degree or work experience in a particular province get preference under the PNP. Therefore, international students can apply for a PNP from a province where they have completed their studies.
How to Apply for PR in Canada?
To be able to apply for a Canadian PR from India, a candidate must understand the different Immigration Programs the country has to offer. Every year, many Indians immigrate to Canada in search of a better career and life. Here are a few of the Immigration Programs Canada is currently running:
Federal Economic Class.
Family Class Sponsorship.
Quebec Immigration.
Business Immigration, including the Start-Up Visa Program.
Provincial Economic Class.
Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence transition
Once the aspirant has figured out which option suits them the best, they can apply through the country’s government website for PR. Otherwise, they can connect with any immigration agencies offering excellent services to people wishing to apply for Canada PR from India. A point to consider here is that the duration of the application process may differ depending on the type of immigration.
There are two ways by which international students in Canada can get PR after graduation – Express Entry and Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). While AIP is an employer-driven immigration program, Express Entry is a federal program for international students after completing their secondary educational credentials.
Express Entry
Completing an Express Entry profile in Canada is one of the first steps of the Canada PR process. Upon completion of the profile, a score is assigned, ranking a candidate amid other candidates in the Express Entry pool. Express Entry draws take place every two weeks and candidates scoring the high ranks are invited to apply for a PR. An international student with a Canadian education can score an additional 30 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). On receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), students must complete the process within 60 days. The timeframe for processing the completed applications is six months. The Canadian Experience Class program is operated through Canada’s Express Entry system to enable candidates to become permanent residents after graduation.
Processing Time And Fees Under The Express Entry System
To receive a PR in Canada under the Express Entry system, students need to pay an application fee of CAD 1,325 and a biometric fee of CAD 85 (Source: www.cic.gc.ca). Six months is the standard processing time under the Express Entry system for students to receive a PR after completing their studies in Canada.
Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is one of the pathways for international students seeking permanent residency in Canada. It allows candidates to become permanent residents in Canadian Atlantic provinces – Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
How to Get a PR in Canada Under the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry program in Canada is an online portal that acts as the pathway for skilled workers to secure permanent residency (PR) in Canada. To apply for PR in Canada under the Express Entry system, an applicant has to follow the below steps:
The candidate has to secure an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which would help assess the degrees earned outside Canada. Along with it, the IELTS test results are mandatory, which would prove their language proficiency.
They should find their eligibility for PR in Canada through Express entry by answering a few questions and reading the program’s detailed requirements under which they are applying.
A candidate has to apply for permanent residence under any of these three federal economic immigration programs – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trade Programs (FSTP), and Canadian Express Class. The minimum score that has to be scored under FSW is 67, which would assess you based on your language proficiency, education, age, and work experience.
Then, a profile has to be created in the Express Entry system. The candidate must furnish the details of their work experience, education, age, etc., and fetch your CRS score. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a self-assessment tool that can check how your profile will rank in the Express Entry pool.
After submitting the profile, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts an Express Entry draw every two weeks. IRCC invites candidates with top CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
Once candidates receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA), they must submit the complete Canada PR application within 60 days, along with the necessary documents.
On successful application submission, all the documents will be verified. Once they are found valid, the Canadian PR visa is approved by IRCC.
How to Get a PR in Canada Under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
PNP is for the people who want to be permanent residents of Canada and possess the required education and work experience. As a part of the process to apply under PNP the candidate needs to undergo a medical test and get the background verified by the police. Firstly, they need someone from the province willing to nominate them to apply for a residentship in the country. If they meet all the criteria required for PNP, they can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
How to Get a PR in Canada Under the Business Immigration Program?
The federal and provincial/territorial governments in Canada welcome business people who are willing to immigrate to the country under the Business Immigration Program. The program is designed to facilitate immigrants to open up a business and settle in Canada. Business people and their families can gain Canadian citizenship by an investment by either buying an existing business or starting one on their own in Canada under the Business Immigration Program. Following are the criteria that they need to fulfill.
Here’s an overview of the process and eligibility for PR in Canada under the Business Immigration Program.
A person with the assets to invest in or start a targeted business in Canada coupled with a verifiable management experience is eligible to immigrate to Canada. Also, sufficient language proficiency skills in either English, French, or both are required.
After deciding which business to purchase, an immigrant must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and a business plan.
Once the LMIA is approved, the investor can apply for a 12-24 month temporary work permit. The LMIA application process takes 2-3 months. It takes almost three months to secure a work permit.
How to Get a PR in Canada Under the Family Class Immigration?
The Family Class Immigration program intends to unite citizens and permanent residents with their close family members. The program allows the country’s resident to sponsor their spouses or conjugal partners and children for specified time duration and provides for their basic needs so that they don’t have to rely on someone else after coming to the new country.
A citizen or permanent resident of Canada can sponsor any of their relatives under the following undertakings of the Family Class Immigration:
Sponsors who reside outside Quebec need to submit a federal undertaking to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Sponsors who reside or intend to reside in Quebec must submit a provincial undertaking to the Quebec Ministry of Diversity and Inclusion (MIDI).
How to Get a PR in Canada Under Express Class Immigration?
The Canadian Express Class immigration is one of the three federal programs managed by the Express Entry system. It aims at granting PR to skilled workers who have gathered at least one year of work experience in Canada while being temporary residents with the authorization to work.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provided by various provinces/territories
International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry
Yukon
Express Entry
How to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?
Students graduating from Canada have 180 days to apply for a PGWP. They need to confirm the program attended with its name and the length while applying. They can confirm it by submitting their degree or diploma, a transcript, or an official letter from their school. If a student’s study permit expires before they get their education scores, they have up to 90 days to apply for the PGWP and restore their status as a student.
Processing Time And Fees For PGWP
To receive a PGWP, the processing time is 133 days online and 228 days on paper. Students need to pay an application fee of CAD 255 for PGWP and the fee to restore their status as a student which is CAD 350.
Documents Required for Canadian Permanent Residency
For candidates, it is advisable to have all the official documents in place as it helps save a lot of time. We have listed an estimate of all the documents you will require to apply for a Permanent Visa.
A Valid Passport
Proof of Funds in Candidate’s Name
Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
Language Test Scores
Provincial Nomination Certificate or Territorial Certificate Of Nomination
Offer Letter from a Company in Canada
Marriage Certificate/Divorce Certificate (If Applicable)
Job Seeker Validation Code
All Medical Reports
Birth Certificate
Current Photographs
Letter of Recommendation from Previous Employers
Your Personal Reference Code
Police Verification Report
Costs Involving Canada PR Visa
Although the costs pertaining to the immigration process are pre-defined by the Canadian government, the values still differ due to the fluctuation in the currency rates. Below is the compact break-up of the expenses to be borne along with the application for Canada PR from India.
Application Fee for PR visa – 825 CAD
Application Fee for Secondary Applicant (spouse/parent) – 825 CAD
Application Fee for each dependent child (Below age 22)- 225 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee -500 CAD
Language Proficiency Test Fee (IELTS) – 15, 500 INR appx.
Medical Examination Fee- 5,500 INR appx
Police verification Charges – 1000 INR appx
So, a candidate has to spend a total expenditure of about INR 1 lakh is they are migrating solo to Canada, and INR 2 lakh if they plan to bring their spouse.
Besides these expenses, the candidate has to show proof of funds to the Canadian Government depending on the number of family members who will be accompanying them. Here is a rough estimate amount of funds to be presented:
Family Size
Proof of Fund (value in CAD)
1
13,213
2
16,449
3
20,222
4
24,553
5
27,847
Apart from these, the candidate should also take into account the charges they need to pay the immigration agencies if they wish to seek their guidance.
Processing Time for Canadian PR Application
It usually takes about six months for the Canadian PR visa to be processed from India once the candidate receives the Invitation To Apply (ITA). However, there is no certainty as to when they will receive the ITA or how much time it takes to get PR in Canada from India, considering the quantum of applications the Canadian government receives every year. The candidates must ensure they submit a complete and absolutely accurate application to avoid delays. While the Express Entry Program processes the application within six months, there are other complex categories that may take up to a year to process.
The Canadian permanent residency status is one of the most sought-after immigration statuses as it gives a lot of legal rights and a host of other abilities to the resident. Here are the benefits of a Canada PR.
On securing a PR, an individual gets the liberty to live and work in any territory of Canada. Not only that, if they find a job in any other province of Canada, they have the right to move out, and there is no mandate to stick to a single employer.
A Canadian PR can get them access to medical and health care treatment for free. Not just that, if their family accompanies them, they will also get access to Canada’s state-of-the-art healthcare services. Not just that, senior citizens in the country are liable to receive pension and retirement benefits.
If a permanent resident wants their spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children to join them in Canada, they can sponsor them. Suppose the applicant is moving to Canada through the Express Entry system. In that case, they can include their family in the initial application itself and that would remove the hassle of sponsoring them later.
The Canadian Education system allows permanent resident children to attain free education until their 12th grade. Not just that, the University education fee for such students is much less than international students.
Securing a PR in Canada is the first step toward becoming a Canadian citizen. A Canadian PR is valid for five years and it can be renewed after that. If they have stayed in the country for three out of five years, they can apply for Canadian citizenship. On receiving citizenship, they will get a passport which is one of the most respected travel documents throughout the world.
Points Required for Canadian Permanent Resident Card
The points required to apply for a Permanent Resident Card in Canada are 67 points out of 100. A minimum of 67 points has to be scored under various eligibility criteria to apply for a PR visa. Besides, the Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS score will assess the candidate based on factors such as education, work experience, age, adaptability, etc. If the candidate meets the required CRS score, they will be eligible for the Express Entry draw, one of Canada’s most popular and fastest immigration programs. An aggregate of 1200 points is assigned to the candidates in the Express Entry pool, and in the bi-weekly draw, the one with the highest score is invited to apply for PR in Canada.
How to Calculate Canada PR Visa Point
To calculate Canada PR visa points, the candidate needs to use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) tool on IRCC’s website. After answering a few questions on the basis of their education, language ability, work experience, other skills, and adaptability, they will be able to get their CRS scores. This score will help them to get a rank in the Express Entry pool on that basis they will be getting an invitation to apply for PR in Canada.
Who can Accompany you While you Migrate to Canada on Company Scholarship
An individual can bring their parents, grandparents, spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child(ren) to accompany them. Not just that, they can even apply for Canada PR for parents or other family members.
Canada PR Visa Renewal Process
A Canadian PR visa is valid for five years. A permanent resident can apply for the renewal of his visa if it has expired or is about to expire in less than nine months. To renew the PR visa, the candidate needs to send their application to Case Processing Centre (CPC) Sydney, Nova Scotia, along with the required documents, which are as follows:
Copy of current Permanent Resident (PR) card.
Two clear photographs for the application should abide by the size specifications (50mm*70mm) attached in an envelope along with the application.
For identity verification, the candidate must submit a copy of their current driving license.
Necessary documents to prove that you have fulfilled two years of residence in Canada in the last five years.
How to Prepare Financially for a Life in Canada?
Canada is one of the most well-developed and multicultural countries in the world. While starting a new life in the country is an exciting prospect, it is equally important to ensure that the transition to a new country is smooth. However, the living cost in Canada is very high, and to prepare for that, one has to manage their expenses. Here are a few insights on the key areas of expenses in Canada and how one can manage the finances.
Planning accommodation costs
Since accommodation costs comprise a major part of the expenses in Canada, planning the finances for household management is important. The rent in different cities of Canada varies accordingly. One must fix a budget and stick to it. Shared accommodation is one of the best ways to avoid the excessive burden of rent. Also, don’t forget to take into consideration the money that one would have to spend on furniture and household items for the first time. Expenses incurred in utility bills like TV, AC, internet, parking costs, and transit passes should also be kept in mind.
Comparing food and grocery prices
To attain maximum savings, it is better to browse online local grocery stores. Thereby, even while staying in the home country, one can have an estimate of the budget they need to set for groceries and food.
Planning the travel-related expenses
To reach the office or shopping malls, one needs to avail some means of transport. Most of the people in Canada prefer public transport since it is cheaper. In Toronto, the Presto card provides an easy way of conveyance for public transportation and some benefits if money is topped up online. However, those planning to buy or rent a car, must consider the cost of its gas, insurance, monthly installments to be paid for loans, etc.
Always keep some emergency money in hand
When moving to Canada, the candidate must make sure that they keep some extra cash with themselves, which can be used in times of emergency.
What Can You Do and Not Do with a Canadian PR Visa?
A Permanent Resident Card is required by the people who immigrate to Canada. They must show their valid PR visa while traveling, else they won’t be able to board a flight, train, or bus to Canada. The Canadian PR visa provides them with rights, which are as follows:
They are liable to get most social benefits such as health care coverage that most Canadian citizens receive.
They can live, study or work anywhere in Canada.
Having a Canadian PR visa is the first step toward becoming a Canadian citizen. After staying in the country for more than two years, they can apply for Canadian citizenship if they have a Canadian PR visa.
Possessing a permanent resident visa in Canada will protect them under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and Canadian law.
However, a permanent resident does not have the right to take part in the voting process or apply for jobs that require a high-level security clearance.
Difference between PR and Citizenship in Canada
The major difference between a permanent resident and a Canadian citizen is that an immigrant cannot become a citizen in the first place. They need to be a permanent resident first and then apply for Canadian citizenship. While a Canadian citizen can actively participate in the politics of the country and apply for a Canadian passport, a permanent resident cannot. Another difference between the two is that while a permanent resident visa needs to be maintained or renewed, a Canadian citizen does not need to maintain his citizenship.
Eligibility for PR in Canada
Permanent residency (PR) is one of the fastest legal ways to become a resident of Canada. It comes with a host of benefits like free healthcare and education for children. Here are the Canada PR requirements that a candidate needs to fulfill to immigrate to the country.
Age factor
An applicant should have attained 18 years of age to apply for PR in Canada. Till the age of 46, points are allotted for the age factor and it keeps on decreasing with the age. Maximum points are granted to the people of age groups 18-35.
Language Proficiency Test
To immigrate to Canada, a candidate has to prove their proficiency in either English or French as they are the country’s official languages. Therefore, they have to produce the results of their language proficiency test through an approved agency like IELTS for English proficiency.
Educational Credential Assessment
A student or a skilled worker from an overseas country who wants to migrate to Canada, needs to provide an ECA. It will help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to verify their educational qualifications.
Work experience
One of the most important eligibility for PR in Canada is that the applicant must have at least one year of work experience. However, to get an invitation from IRCC to apply for PR in Canada, a candidate needs to score high on their score-based immigration system. A work experience of 3 years can help them get good scores.
Requirements for Canada PR
The Canadian PR visa is a multiple entry visa for skilled workers so that they can settle in the country and is valid for five years. However, to qualify for Canada PR, they need to fulfil the following two conditions:
The candidate must score a minimum of 67 immigration points out of 100 to be eligible for Canada PR.
A candidate can qualify for Canada PR if they attain the cutoff CRS score for that year.
Why Choose Canada?
Canada is a preferred choice among most Indians to immigrate and get a PR. It is one of the sought-after choices among people seeking quality life in the west. Key factors why millions are choosing to move to Canada each year include
Large Nation – It is the world’s second-largest country with a comparatively low population density.
Brilliant healthcare system — Rated one of the best in the world, healthcare is offered free of cost to Permanent Residents.
Diverse Population — The extensive immigration programs and inclusive culture ensure the diversity in the population.
Attractive job market — The consistent stability in the economy provides for a huge scope of employment.
Low crime and violence rate — Canada is one of the safest countries in the world with a low crime rate in the country.
Peaceful and friendly people – Most people find it easy to mingle with the warm and welcoming natives.
Breathtaking landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for Canada PR after completing my studies?
You need to apply for a Canada PR within two years of completing the course. You can opt to apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program after completion of your studies to stay back in the country.
What is the application fee for Canada PR?
The total application fee to apply for Canada PR is 1325 CAD under the Express Entry system and CAD 255 for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.
Which English tests are accepted for permanent residency?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most popular test to demonstrate your English proficiency to the immigration departments and is accepted by Canada too.
What is the duration of a permanent resident visa?
Upon receiving permanent residence in Canada, a candidate will be allowed to live and work in the country indefinitely. However, it expires after five years and needs to be renewed or the resident might choose to apply for citizenship after a stipulated period in the country.
How to become a Canadian citizen?
In order to earn citizenship in Canada, you must meet certain eligibility criteria plus make an application to the government. You must complete being a PR cardholder for 1095 days out of 5 years, file income tax for three years out of a five-year period, and provide proof that you can read and write efficiently in their official language — French or English.
What is the processing time for obtaining a Canada PR visa?
Depending on the type of immigration you choose to opt for, the processing time for a PR visa may take anywhere between 6 months to a year.
Is it possible to apply for Canadian PR without a job offer letter?
Yes, it is possible to apply for Canadian PR without a job offer is possible. The PGWP allows students to stay back in the country and gain work experience after which they can gradually apply for a PR in Canada.
Who can apply for PR in Canada and what does a Canadian PR entitle you to?
You can apply for the PR visa in Canada if you are aged between 18 and 35, have an education equivalent to the Canadian Higher Secondary level, have a minimum work experience of one year, and provide proof of English Proficiency. Besides, it will significantly help if you have secure work arrangements in Canada and show proof of funds in your bank account.
A Canadian PR will grant you permission to live and work indefinitely, let you enjoy social and health benefits, provide free education for your children, and allow your spouse to gain employment anywhere in the country.
How long is the application process for permanent residence in Canada?
It usually takes 6 to 12 months to process an application for a PR visa, but this number may vary now due to the COVID-19 restrictions at the workplace.
Is PR in Canada easy?
Securing a PR in Canada is not very difficult. You have to achieve the various score thresholds set by IRCC and get your language proficiency tested.
Can I get Canada PR from India without IELTS?
While an English language proficiency test like IELTS is necessary to immigrate to Canada, you can move to the country without IELTS through Canada’s visitor or work visa. However, to secure Permanent Residence, you must submit your English language proficiency results through any testing options like IELTS, TCF, TEF or CELPIP.
Does everyone get PR in Canada?
Though everyone above 18 is allowed to apply for PR in Canada, only qualified individuals will be invited to apply for it. A candidate is assessed based on age, educational qualification, language proficiency, adaptability, and previous Canadian work experience to qualify for PR in Canada.
How many points are required to get Canadian PR from India?
Candidates are assessed out of 100 points when applying for PR in Canada. Out of 100, a candidate needs to score a minimum of 67 points to get an invitation from IRCC to apply for permanent residence.
Can Indians get citizenship in Canada?
Yes, Indians get citizenship in Canada, but they have to go through a process. Firstly, you have to stay as a permanent resident of Canada for five years, and after two years, you can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Is IELTS mandatory for Canada PR?
To obtain PR in Canada, PR is not mandatory as it is one of the procedures in economic immigration programs like Express Entry. However, applicants can immigrate to Canada under the Family Class Programs or as refugees even without IELTS. Even candidates applying under the economic immigration programs can appear for the English proficiency test conducted by CELPIP, TEF, and TCF.
How much do I need to invest in Canada for PR?
The total cost for Canada PR is an application fee of 1325 CAD under the Express Entry system. On the other hand, for a Post-Graduate Work Permit, students need to pay an application fee of CAD 255.
Is it worth it to immigrate to Canada?
Canada remains on the top of the list of countries that receive the majority of immigrants yearly. As the immigration rules implemented in the US have become more rigid, more Indians opt to immigrate to Canada. There are plenty of job opportunities in Canada, a fast-growing tech sector, an efficient immigration system, and an inclusive and multicultural society make it worth of moving to the country.
Is PTE accepted in Canada for PR?
The PTE is majorly used to assess candidates who want to immigrate to Australia. Canadian universities accept PTE scores for student visas, but a Canadian PR visa cannot be secured with PTE scores as they are not considered English language proficiency tests.
Can I apply for PR while studying in Canada?
While studying or after completing their studies in Canada, international students can apply for permanent residence. They will be granted the PR if they meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program under which they are applying.
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