Every year, millions of people navigate the Canada immigration process, moving to new provinces or countries in search of better opportunities and prospects. Maybe, that’s why you are here too, looking for how to migrate to Canada? It’s not that you do not know about the Canada immigration process, it’s that you only have a partial idea of what’s happening at the other end and how prepared you should be. This could have made you feel completely baffled, leading you to type “How to Apply for Canada PR?” or “Canada PR Requirements” in the google search bar!
Now we’ve completely understood what your intentions are, buckle yourself up and scroll down because there’s a whole lot for you to read!
A little brush up with the basics could do more good than you think.
Table of Content
1What is a Canada PR2Immigration Programs for Canada PR3Documentation required for Canada PR4Canada PR Requirements5Canada PR Points Requirements6Key CRS Point Categories7Canada PR: Proof of Funds Requirements8Who Needs to Provide Proof of Funds?9Amount of Funds Required10Conclusion11Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canada PR
Canada PR (Permanent Residency) is an immigration status that allows someone to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis without being a Canadian citizen. A person with PR status is known as a permanent resident. PR holders have the right to access most of the social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including healthcare, and they can live, study, and work anywhere in the country. However, they do not have the right to vote or run for political office.
Canada offers various immigration pathways for obtaining PR, including programs like Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and family sponsorship.
Canada PR Pathways
If you’re wondering how people can move to Canada and become permanent residents (PR), there are different pathways that make this possible. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Express Entry Program
- This is the main system for skilled workers who want to live and work in Canada.
- It includes three sub-programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- To qualify, applicants need work experience in specific job types and are given a score based on factors like age, education, and experience. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting an invitation to apply for PR.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Canada’s provinces each have their own program for choosing newcomers who match their job market needs.
- If you get selected by a province, you earn 600 extra points, which makes it very likely you’ll be invited to apply for PR through the Express Entry system.
Family Sponsorship
- People already living in Canada as permanent residents or citizens can help their family members get PR too.
- Family members who can be sponsored include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and even orphaned siblings or relatives.
These programs are all designed to help different types of people move to Canada and become part of its community.
List of Required Documents for Canada PR
The specific documentation required for Canada PR can vary depending on the immigration program you’re applying through (e.g., Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Sponsorship). However, here are some common documents you may need:
Passport: A valid passport is essential for travel and immigration purposes.
Language Test Results: Proof of your English or French language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CELPIP, TEF).
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): A report assessing the equivalency of your foreign education to Canadian standards.
Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): A document from your home country certifying your good conduct.
Medical Examination: A medical exam to assess your health.
Always check the official IRCC website for the most accurate and updated details.
Canada PR Requirements
The specific Canada Permanent Residency Requirements can vary depending on the immigration program you’re applying through (e.g., Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Sponsorship). However, here are some common factors that are considered:
Core Canada PR Requirements are:
Age: Generally, you should be between 18 and 40 years old.
Education: You need a minimum educational qualification, often a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Work Experience: Relevant work experience is often required.
Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French through language tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CELPIP, or TEF.
Adaptability: Factors like Canadian education or work experience, or having a job offer in Canada, can boost your adaptability score.
Program-Specific Requirements:
Express Entry: This program uses a points-based system to assess applicants based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each province has its own specific requirements, often focused on skills in demand in that particular province.
Family Sponsorship: If you’re being sponsored by a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria.
Additional Canada Permanent Residency Requirements:
Medical Exam: You may need to undergo a medical exam to ensure you meet health standards.
Police Clearance Certificate: You may need a police clearance certificate from your home country.
Proof of Funds: You’ll need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.
Canada PR Points Requirements: CRS System Overview
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to score and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool for obtaining Canada PR. To be competitive, candidates must meet or exceed certain points thresholds, which vary for each draw.
Key CRS Point Categories:
1. Main Human Capital Factors:
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- Age: Maximum points awarded between 20-29 years; declines after 30.
- Education: Points for higher education levels; having a Canadian degree or diploma boosts scores.
- Language Proficiency: Points for English and/or French language proficiency, measured by tests such as IELTS (English) or TEF (French).
- Work Experience: More points for more years of skilled work experience, especially in Canada.
2. Spouse/Common-law Partner Factors (if applicable):
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- Additional points are given for the spouse’s language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience.
3. Skill Transferability Factors:
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- Combinations of skills, like foreign work experience with Canadian qualifications or high language proficiency, can earn additional points.
4. Additional Points:
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- Provincial Nomination: Grants 600 points, guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Siblings in Canada, second language proficiency, and Canadian education can add points.
The required CRS score changes with each Express Entry draw. In recent years, scores have typically ranged between 450-500 points. A score above 470 has been a common target to secure an ITA in general draws, although specific draws, like those for French speakers or PNP, may vary.
Proof of Funds for Canada PR
Applicants must show they have sufficient settlement funds. The applicant must provide these funds and make sure they cover their own and their accompanying family members’ living expenses. The required amount varies by family size.
To qualify for Canada’s Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient settlement funds. This ensures that they can support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada. The fund requirements are updated annually, typically reflecting 50% of the low-income cut-off (LICO) totals.
Who Needs to Provide Proof of Funds
1. Required for applicants applying under:
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- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
2. Not Required for:
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- Applicants under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Applicants with a valid job offer are authorized to work in Canada, even if applying under FSWP or FSTP.
Amount of Funds Required
The minimum funds needed vary according to family size. Here is the updated table as of June 3, 2024:
| Family Members | Funds Required (CAD) |
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| Each additional member | $3,958 |
Remember: Because Canada immigration rules and requirements can vary, always consult the government website for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
To apply for Canada PR you have to be eligible and produce relevant documentation. However, with an understanding of the points systems, required documents and the whole process you’ll understand the path to becoming a permanent resident.
If you have read this far about Canada Permanent Residency Requirements, then it is clearly obvious that you are considering Canada immigration quite seriously.
Maybe we can help you from here until you finally move to the province you wish to! Our team of Immigration experts could help you out and put a stop to your search. By getting in touch with us, you are already half way on obtaining a Canada PR!
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
Yes, you can travel outside of Canada as a PR. However, you must meet certain residency obligations to maintain your PR status.
