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Canada is known for its welcoming and diverse society. Its Permanent Residency (PR) program invites people from around the world to become part of the community. This section will explain Canada’s PR program, including how it works, who can apply, and the different ways to become a permanent resident.

Understanding Permanent Residency:

Permanent residency is a legal status in Canada that allows individuals to live, work, and study anywhere. It provides access to Canada’s social benefits, healthcare, and the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

The Pathways to Permanent Residency:

Canada offers several pathways to obtain a Permanent Residency. Here are some of the most common ones:

Express Entry System:

The Express Entry system is a fast and efficient way for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada. It manages applications for three main immigration programs:

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is designed for individuals with professional work experience and education.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is designed For people with experience in skilled trades.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed for those who have already worked in Canada.

How Express Entry Works:

  1. Create an Online Profile: Applicants create an online profile where they provide details about their skills, work experience, education, language ability, and other factors.
  2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The Comprehensive Ranking System scores each profile. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
  3. Invitation to Apply (ITA): The highest-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency. Draws for ITAs typically happen every two weeks.
  4. Submit Application: Those who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency. The application is usually processed within six months.
  5. Receive PR Status: Successful applicants receive permanent residency status and can move to Canada. The Express Entry system is designed to be fair and transparent, attracting skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy and society.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another pathway to obtain permanent residency in Canada. This program allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a specific province. Each Canadian Province and territory has its own PNP. Individuals with skills or work experience targeted by specific provinces can be nominated for PR.

How PNP Works:

  • Choose a Province: Applicants select a province or territory that participates in the PNP and meets their nomination criteria.

  • Apply for Nomination: Candidates apply directly to the province for a nomination. Each province has its own requirements and streams tailored to specific needs, such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, or students.

  • Receive a Nomination: If the province approves the application, the candidate receives a provincial nomination, which significantly boosts their Express Entry score if they are using the Express Entry system.
  • Apply for PR: With a provincial nomination, candidates can apply to the federal government for permanent residency. The application process is streamlined and prioritizes provincial nominees.

The PNP is a great option for individuals whose skills and experience match the specific economic needs of a province or territory. It offers a more targeted route to permanent residency.

Several provinces in Canada offer immigration streams that are more accessible for candidates with lower CRS scores or those working in specific occupations. These provinces also reward candidates who have ties like job offers, work experience, or education in the province. Getting nominated through these PNPs gives you 600 additional CRS points—greatly increasing your chances of getting permanent residency.