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With the highest immigration targets set over the next three years, people wonder: what does it take to become a permanent resident of Canada? To answer that, you must first find an immigration program right for you. And with over 80 to choose from, navigating through the different eligibility requirements, documents, and application processes that differ widely from one program to another can get tricky.
To help you get a headstart, we narrowed down the top three popular ways people move to Canada yearly and explored how you and your family can be next. Below are three ways to get Canadian permanent residency!
Top 3 Ways to Get Permanent Residency in Canada
The following three immigration programs are top-rated among those pursuing new lives in the Great North. The programs admit the most immigrants in Canada and boast the fastest permanent residency (PR) application processing times. So if you're serious about moving to Canada and living in one of the world's wealthiest countries, these are the paths to get you there!
1. The Express Entry Immigration System
You can't mention Canadian permanent residency without the Express Entry system. After all, it is the pathway that most of Canada's economic immigrants use to move to the country.
Quick Overview
| Canada's Express Entry Immigration System | |
|---|---|
| Category | Description |
| Type of program | An online points-based system that fast-tracks Canadian permanent residency for skilled foreign workers |
| Eligible work experience | TEER 0 - Managers TEER 1 - Professionals TEER 2 & 3 - Technical and Trade Workers |
| Application processing time | Six to seven months |
| Associated programs | The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) The Federal Trades Worker Program (FSTP) |
| Unique feature | Invitations to Apply for PR in Canada are sent to the highest-scoring candidates during bi-weekly draws. See the latest Express Entry draw results here. |
Steps to Apply For Express Entry Canada
The first step is to check if you meet the minimum requirements of one of three Express Entry programs: the CEC, FSWP, or the FSTP. These typically include your years of work experience, level of education, and language skills. If you meet the requirements of an Express Entry program, you can then create an online Express Entry profile.
In the second step, your profile will be given a score out of a possible 1,200 points according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS considers additional criteria like your age if you have a job lined up in Canada, if you are a provincial nominee and if you have family members living in the country. The best part is that you can get more points for your level of education, language skills, and years of work experience under the CRS.
Lastly, your profile will be entered into a draw pool every two weeks, and the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency. The secret to success is to ensure that your profile is competitive and to try and achieve a provincial nomination that can boost your overall CRS score by 600 points!
2. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
Suppose views of colourful harbours, never-ending coastlines, and breathtaking nature sound enticing to you. In that case, you may want to start a new life in one of four beautiful seaside provinces along Canada's East Coast. The AIP is designed to fill skills and labour shortages, with the help of immigrants, in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Designated employers in these provinces can endorse your permanent residency application by offering you a full-time position.
Quick Overview
| The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) | |
|---|---|
| Quick Facts | Description |
| Type of program | An employer-driven program designed for skilled and intermediate skilled foreign workers with valid job offers to earn Canadian permanent residency and settle in Canada's Atlantic region. |
| Eligible work experience | TEER 0,1,2,3 Professionals Managers Technical and Trade Workers Intermediate Skilled Workers |
| Application processing time | Six months |
| Associated programs | Atlantic International Graduate Program Atlantic High-Skilled Program Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program |
| Unique feature | You can apply for jobs from designated employers in one of the maritime provinces. If you get a job offer, you can start working in Canada with a work permit while processing your PR application. |
How to Apply for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot?
The first step is to check if you meet all of the requirements of one of the three programs under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. The significant differences between the programs are candidates' skills level. For example, if you have at least one year of work experience as a teacher, you may qualify for the Atlantic High-Skilled Program.
On the other hand, if you have at least one year of work experience as a truck driver, you may qualify for the Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program.
The third program is designed for international graduates who studied at a designated institution on the East Coast.
In the next step, you must secure a full-time job offer from an employer in one of the participating provinces. The job offer must be from an employer who is designated. Otherwise, you can always ask your employer to become designated. You need a job offer letter and a copy of your employer's Confirmation of Designation to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Consult the list of designated employers below:
| Designated Employers of the AIP |
|---|
| Prince Edward Island |
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Nova Scotia |
| New Brunswick |
Lastly, if you meet the requirements for an AIP program and have a job offer letter, you can submit your application for permanent residency. The option is to start working in Canada immediately while your PR application is processed.
3. The Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
The PNP is responsible for Canada's second-largest intake of immigrants every year. There are 11 provinces and territories with more than 80 combined PNPs that nominate foreign workers based on the job market needs of their respective jurisdictions. Most PNPs favour candidates with valid job offers or work experience in the province where they wish to live, sometimes both.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada?
The first step is to achieve a provincial nomination. In which Canadian province or territory do you wish to live? Then, check if your occupation is in demand in that province and for which PNP category you may qualify based on the eligibility criteria. Even better, if an Express Entry-linked PNP suits you, you can apply by creating an Express Entry profile and sending the province an Expression of Interest (EOI). If you're lucky, you may receive a nomination!
You can apply for a nomination when you meet all of the requirements of a Provincial Nomination Program. If your application is successful, you can use your nomination certificate; to submit a final application to the federal government.
Canada Permanent Resident Requirements
Discovering which one of more than 100 Canadian immigration programs you qualify for to get a permanent residency visa in Canada is only the first step in your journey. The next step is to collect all supporting documents that must be submitted with your PR application. More often than not, most applicants require the following documents:
| Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) | |
|---|---|
| Category | Description |
| Type of program | The job market needs a driven program that allows one of the 11 Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled, intermediate, and unskilled foreign workers for Canadian permanent residency. |
| Eligible work experience | Professionals Managers Technical and Trade Workers Intermediate Skilled Workers Labourers |
| Application processing time | There is a two-part application process. You must first apply for a nomination from a province you're interested in, and if you receive a nomination, you need to apply to the federal government. Your final application could take 15-19 months if you did not apply through an Express Entry PNP. |
| Associated programs | There are more than 80 provincial nomination programs! Check which province your occupation is in-demand and what program requirements you must satisfy to earn permanent residency in Canada. |
| Unique feature | Some PNPs are linked to the Express Entry system. This means you can create an Express Entry profile and still receive a provincial nomination which will grant you an additional 600 CRS points! Even better, your PR application will only take six months to process. |
| Canadian Immigration Document Checklist | |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Description |
| Test results that prove your English or French language abilities | There are designated tests for immigration purposes. |
| A valid passport/travel document | Your passport must be valid during the immigration application process. |
| Police certification | Proof that you do not have a criminal record. |
| Medical examination | Proof that you are in good health and, more recently, you must include a negative COVID-19 test for travel purposes. |
| Proof of funds | You must have settlement funds for immigration purposes. |
| Proof of work experience | You need an up-to-date resume with contactable references. |
| Proof that your foreign qualifications are equal to Canadian standards | You need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). |
How We Can Help You
With three incredible ways to live in Canada, narrowing down which route is suitable for achieving your goals can be difficult. Luckily, you don't have to go at it alone. Instead, put your Canadian permanent residency application in our certified consultants' professional and trusted hands.
Immigrating to Canada is an exciting prospect, and there are several paths. An experienced Canadian visa consultant and Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can help you navigate the process, making sure you choose the option that best fits your circumstances and goals.
CanadianVisa and our RCIC partners provide tailored advice and expertise, helping you understand the options and requirements you must meet to be eligible. They also guide the documentation you must provide as part of the application and can even manage the process on your behalf.
Using an RCIC ensures that your application fully complies with all the requirements for a successful outcome. This can save you valuable time and money, making migrating to Canada much smoother and less stressful.
Why Choose Canada?
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for migration and study abroad. It is known for its high quality of life, diverse culture, excellent educational system, and welcoming immigration policies. With its beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and friendly people, Canada is an attractive destination for those looking to start a new life.
Canada offers many opportunities for new immigrants, including professional job opportunities, affordable housing, and a robust healthcare system. The Canadian government also provides various programs and services to help newcomers settle in, such as language classes and job training. In addition, Canada's excellent education system provides world-class universities and colleges that are a great choice for those looking to continue their studies or embark on a rewarding career.
Canada is an attractive destination for people looking to start a new life abroad. With its strong economy, diverse culture, welcoming immigration policies, and excellent educational system, Canada offers many opportunities for those seeking a better life. By choosing to migrate or study in Canada, you can reap the benefits of high quality of life and access to exciting opportunities.
FAQs
What are the Top Three Permanent Residency Routes to Canada?
The top three permanent residency routes to Canada are Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Family Sponsorship.
What is the Express Entry program?
The Express Entry program is Canada's immigration system for skilled and experienced workers. It is an online system where eligible candidates can express their interest in immigrating to Canada and be considered for permanent residency.
What is a Provincial Nominee Program?
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are programs offered by individual provinces that allow them to nominate immigrants who wish to settle and work in the province. Each province has its program and has different eligibility criteria and selection processes.
