How to Become a Permanent Resident in Canada: Practical Steps

People looking to settle abroad choose a country with growth and opportunities. One such country is Canada. It also offers the added benefit of being extremely immigrant-friendly because it embraces multiculturalism. Now that you have decided to move out and settle in The Great White North, let us help you in looking for the best options that you have according to your background. The Canadian government has devised various programs that will help you to become a permanent resident in Canada. However, you have to note that becoming a permanent resident is different from being a Canadian citizen. To be a Canadian citizen, you need to take a citizenship test.

Become a permanent resident in Canada Through the Express Entry System

In 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) launched the Express Entry system that allows relocation into Canada by analyzing the eligibility of the applicant. You can earn points out of 1200 based on your details, education, and job. 

How are the points allotted in the Express Entry System?

Points in the Express Entry System are allotted according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). To become a permanent resident in Canada, you need a CRS score of 500 or higher. 

The Canadian government prefers candidates who can make the maximum contribution to their economy. Therefore, the factors like age, education, job, etc matter a lot. 

• You are more at an advantage if you are aged between 20-29, have language proficiency, have a master’s or doctorate, and have some Canadian work experience. You can score a maximum of 500 points if you are without a spouse and 460 if you are with a spouse. 
• But if your spouse or common-law partner is equally accomplished, you gain 40 extra points. 
• Canada has two official languages- English and French. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 10 or higher in one language can give you maximum points in this category. It will be more beneficial if you know both of them. 
• You can gain 100 points if you have transferrable skills.
• If you have a provincial nomination, you gain a whopping 600 points in one go. 

Now, there are three programs under the Express Entry System through which you can become a permanent resident in Canada.

#1. Federal Skilled Workers Program(FSWP)

Under the Federal Skilled Workers Program, you can stay and work anywhere in Canada if you score 67 out of 100 in the assessment grid. The assessment is based on your education, work experience, and various other factors. 

The factors are listed as follows:

• Work Experience: The candidate should have at least continuous one-year or equivalent paid work experience in an occupation listed under National Occupational Classification skill lever 0, A, or B.
• Education: The candidate’s education should be equal to Canadian norms. Therefore, you have to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an organization approved by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC).
• Language Proficiency: The candidate should score a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher in a language test such as IELTS. 

#2. Federal Skilled Trades Program

If you are qualified in a skilled trade, you can be a permanent resident of Canada under this program. The conditions of this program are as follows:

1. You must have two years of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the desired trade.
2. You must meet the job requirements set out by the NOC for the trade.
3. You must have an employment letter of one year or trade qualification certification from a Canadian Provincial or Territorial authority.
4. Education: There are no educational barriers to the Federal Skilled Trades Program. However a candidate can gain extra points if they have a Canadian post-secondary certificate or ECA approved by the CIC.
5. Language Proficiency: The candidate should have a CLB score of 5 or higher to be eligible. 

#3. Canadian Express Class

If you have gained Canadian full-time or part-time work experience for one year as a temporary resident, you can become a permanent resident in Canada.

The conditions for CEC are as follows:

• You are not a refugee.
• You are authorized to work.
• You are a temporary resident of Canada.
• You have work experience in NOC O, A, and B.

 

Once your application is accepted, you will get an Invitation to Apply. You have to respond within 60 days to qualify for permanent residence. This whole process may take up to 6 months. 

Through a Provincial Nomination Program

The second way to become a permanent resident in Canada is through the Provincial Nomination Program. Canadian provinces are allowed to nominate immigrants who meet their labor requirements. 

In case you are not eligible for the Express Entry Program, you can apply for a provincial nomination. Each province has unique eligibility criteria. You can apply directly or gain 600 points here for the Express Entry System.

The provincial programs are listed as follows:

• Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP)
• Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program(SINP)
• Nova Scotia PNP
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program(AINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program(MPNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program(PEIPN)

Through a Business Investor Program

If you are a businessman looking for new opportunities in Canada, you can avail of permanent residence through the business investor program. This program encourages entrepreneurs to settle in Canada after they have an adequate investment in their businesses.

The conditions for the business investor program are as follows:

• An investment of $75,000 from one or more angel investor groups. 
• An investment of $200,000 from one or more venture capital funds. 
• A confirmation from a designated incubator. 
• Letter of support from your investor.
• Language proficiency in either English or French.
• Settlement funds that are free of debts.

Through the Atlantic Immigration Program

You can become a permanent resident in Canada if you fulfill the eligibility requirements of this program. This program allows employers to hire temporary residents if local talent cannot fill a position.

This program works only in the four Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador.

1. If you are a Canadian employer, you have to be first designated by the provincial government. You and your employee need to complete all requirements for this program. 
2. If you are a temporary resident or overseas candidate, you must have a job offer from a designated employer. You must be a recent graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada or a skilled worker. 

 

These are the various paths that you can take to become a permanent resident of Canada. We at Apex Visas suggest the best possible route to apply for Canadian immigration. We help you in making the most acceptable application to get your PR card as soon as possible.