Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants who want to live and work in a developed country with a high quality of life. Canada offers many opportunities for skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, investors, and family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, to become a permanent resident of Canada, you need to apply for a PR (permanent residence) visa and meet certain eligibility criteria.
A PR visa allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada for an indefinite period, as long as you maintain your PR status. You also get access to various social benefits, such as health care, education, and pension. You can also apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for a certain period of time.
There are different ways to apply for a PR visa, depending on your situation and goals. Some of the most common immigration programs are:
• Express Entry: This is an online system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. You need to create an online profile and submit an expression of interest to enter the Express Entry pool. You will be given a score based on your age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. You will then be ranked against other candidates in the pool and invited to apply for PR if you meet the cut-off score of the periodic draws.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): This is a program that allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific labour market needs and economic development goals. You need to apply to the province or territory of your choice and get a nomination certificate. You can then apply for PR to the federal government. Some provinces and territories have streams that are aligned with Express Entry, which means you can get extra points and faster processing if you have a provincial nomination.
• Family Sponsorship: This is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their eligible relatives to come to Canada as permanent residents. You can sponsor your spouse, partner, children, parents, grandparents, and other relatives, depending on the program. You need to prove your relationship, your financial ability, and your intention to live together in Canada.
• Business Immigration: This is a program that targets entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed people who want to start or invest in a business in Canada and contribute to its economic growth. You need to meet the eligibility criteria of the program you choose, such as having a minimum net worth, making a minimum investment, creating or maintaining jobs, having relevant business experience, or having a qualifying business.
• Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: This is a program that allows people who are already in Canada and who would face unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship if they had to leave Canada to apply for PR. You need to demonstrate your establishment in Canada, your ties to the community, your best interests, and the hardship you would face if you had to return to your home country.
To apply for PR, you need to fill out the application forms, pay the fees, and submit the required documents. You also need to undergo a medical exam, a police check, and a biometric collection. The processing time and the outcome of your application depend on the program you choose, the completeness of your application, and the demand for the program.
If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if you are from a visa-required country). You need to present these documents when you arrive in Canada to become a permanent resident. You will also receive a PR card in the mail, which is the official proof of your PR status and which you need to show when you travel to or from Canada.
Applying for PR in Canada can be a complex and lengthy process, but it can also be a rewarding and life-changing experience. If you are interested in immigrating to Canada, you should do your research, choose the best program for you, and prepare your application carefully. You can also seek professional help from a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer if you need assistance or guidance.
