How To Become A Permanent Resident Of Canada In 2024

Becoming a permanent resident of Canada can vary in duration, with some achieving it quickly while others experience a more extended process.

Canada offers multiple pathways for individuals to gain direct admission, both from overseas and within the country, through various immigration programs.

However, a significant number of individuals granted permanent resident status initially enter Canada as temporary residents. This route becomes available when they hold a job or study permit. Importantly, the time spent as a temporary resident in Canada contributes toward their permanent residence application.

For those interested in exploring the primary avenues for direct permanent residency immigration in Canada, here they are:

• Employment-Based Immigration: Learn more about this option for permanent residency in Canada.
• Family Sponsorship: Discover how family ties can lead to permanent resident status.
• Express Entry System: Explore the streamlined process for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.

Becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada: Types of Canadian Residency

Canada offers various pathways to attain permanent residency, categorized into three main classes:

1. Economic Class
2. Family Class
3. Business Class

The initial step involves selecting the class that aligns with your qualifications and presents the greatest likelihood of success.

Within each class, multiple immigration programs cater to individuals who are well-suited to rapidly integrate into Canadian society.

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Economic Class

Is Economic Class Immigration Suitable for You?

Canada has set ambitious targets to welcome a larger number of immigrants from the Economic Class over the next three years compared to other categories.

To pursue permanent residency in this class, candidates must tailor their immigration proposal to align with the Economic Class criteria.

The Express Entry system serves as the gateway for federal economic immigration applications.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a management system employed by Canada for its economic immigration programs. These programs include:

1. Federal Skilled Worker
2. Federal Skilled Trades
3. Canada Experience Class
4. Provincial immigration programs

How to Become a Permanent Resident of Canada through Express Entry

The process for becoming a permanent resident of Canada through Express Entry involves the following steps:

1. Creating a Profile: To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must create and submit a self-evaluated profile, providing details about their qualifications, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant information.
2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Each profile in the pool is assessed and assigned a score using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS takes into account various factors, such as age, education, work experience, and language skills, to rank candidates.
3. Invitations to Apply (ITA): Periodically, candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. These invitations typically occur through regular Express Entry draws, which are usually held every two weeks. This stage is often referred to as receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
4. Application Submission: Upon receiving an ITA, applicants must act promptly, as they have a strict deadline of 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency. This application includes providing supporting documents and paying the required fees.
5. Processing Time: The preferred processing time for 80% of candidates who receive an Express Entry invitation (ITA) is six months. During this time, the Canadian immigration authorities review the application, conduct background checks, and make a decision on the candidate’s permanent residency.

Express Entry is a streamlined and efficient pathway for skilled immigrants to become permanent residents of Canada, offering a clear and structured process for those looking to start a new life in the country.

What If I Don’t Qualify for Express Entry?

Individuals who don’t meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry can explore provincial immigration options instead. Canada’s provinces have established mechanisms to address various specific labor market shortages.

For example, Saskatchewan may have opportunities for long-haul truck drivers, while British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces could be seeking information technology specialists and physicians. Keep in mind that certain provinces have specific lists of in-demand occupations that can open and close within a very short time frame. Additionally, most provincial immigration programs typically require a job offer as a prerequisite for qualification.

If you find yourself ineligible for provincial programs, another avenue to consider is applying for a work permit. You could initially come to Canada on a temporary basis through either the well-known Study Permit program or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Over time, you may have the opportunity to transition to permanent residency.

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Family Class Sponsorship: Eligibility for Canadian Residency

Who Qualifies for Family Class Sponsorship in Canada?

Family reunification plays a crucial role in Canada’s immigration system, with the federal government aiming to welcome 88,500 immigrants through family sponsorship in 2018, a number set to increase to 91,000 by 2021. Under the Family Class category, the following individuals can be sponsored:

1. Spouse
2. Common-law partner
3. Dependent children
4. Parents
5. Grandparents
6. Brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age, and not married or in a common-law relationship
7. Other relatives of any age or relationship, subject to specific conditions
8. Accompanying relatives of the above (e.g., spouse, partner, and dependent children)

Each type of sponsorship comes with its own set of requirements and waiting times. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria may want to explore the Economic Class immigration options instead.

Business Class Immigration: Meeting Requirements and Becoming a Canadian Resident

Are you an entrepreneur or someone with a high net worth looking to become a Canadian resident? Here’s how you can achieve this status through various federal and provincial immigration programs tailored to business-minded individuals.

Federal Business Initiatives: Consider the following federal programs designed to facilitate your path to permanent residency:

1. Pilot Program for Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC): This initiative offers opportunities for investors willing to support Canada’s economy by investing in innovative ventures.
2. Self-Employed Class: If you possess specialized skills and intend to be self-employed in Canada, this program could be your route to permanent residency.
3. Start-Up Visa: Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas can explore this visa program, which aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada.

Provincial Business Class Immigration Programs: Additionally, several Canadian provinces, including Quebec, offer their own business-class immigration programs. These programs often follow a two-step process, beginning with a work permit:

Quebec:

• Quebec Entrepreneur Program: For those interested in actively managing a business in Quebec.
• Quebec Immigrant Investor Program: Designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to invest in Quebec’s economy.
• Quebec Self-Employed Program: Tailored for self-employed individuals who want to contribute their expertise to the province.

Other Provinces: With the exception of Quebec, the following provinces offer business programs that typically begin with obtaining a work permit and, if all requirements are met, lead to Canadian citizenship:

• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Ontario
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

Keep in mind the two-step process mentioned earlier, which is prevalent in many of these provincial programs. This approach allows you to first enter Canada with a work permit and then pursue permanent residency if you meet the necessary criteria.

Whether you’re considering federal initiatives or exploring opportunities within specific provinces, Canada offers a range of options for business-class immigration to help you achieve your goal of becoming a Canadian resident.

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How to Secure a Permanent Resident Visa in Canada

To obtain a Permanent Resident Visa in Canada, follow these essential steps:

1. Obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through one of the eligible immigration programs.
2. Apply for a permanent resident visa after receiving your ITA.
3. Provide evidence of your clean criminal record and a valid medical certificate.
4. Complete your application for a permanent residency visa.
5. Pay the required application fees.
6. Attend interviews with immigration officials if necessary.
7. Fulfill any requests for supporting documentation.
8. Undergo a skills assessment test.
9. Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself during your initial months in Canada.
10. Submit your language exam results.
11. Prepare for additional expenses and paperwork.
12. Once granted permanent residency, you will receive a PR card valid for five years, which can be renewed.
13. Enjoy the privileges of working, studying, and living in Canada indefinitely as a permanent resident.”

How to Obtain Canadian Permanent Residency via Express Entry: Application Guidelines

To qualify for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry, you must have received an official invitation to apply.

Once you’ve received your invitation to apply, keep in mind that it’s only valid for a period of 60 days. It’s crucial to begin filling out the online application promptly to ensure you gather all necessary information and documents before the invitation expires.

Follow these steps to successfully complete the online application process:

1. Create an account and log in.
2. Access the application link for Express Entry permanent residency.
3. While filling out the form, ensure you provide all necessary supporting evidence.
4. Ensure that all your responses are accurate and complete.
5. It’s imperative to complete all essential fields; otherwise, you won’t be able to submit your application.
6. You can save your progress on the form and return to it as needed.

What is the cost of applying for Canadian residency as a resident?

• – Application fee for the primary applicant: $1,365
• – Including your partner in the application: $1,365
• – Each dependent child: $230

Please note that these fees were adjusted as of April 30, 2022.

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How long does it take to process my Canadian residency application?

The processing time for Canadian residency applications varies depending on the program you apply for. Additionally, if your application requires biometric information, the processing time will encompass the duration it takes for you to provide your biometrics.

To successfully fill out the application form, follow these steps:

1. Begin by either creating an account or logging in to the Permanent Resident Online Application Portal.

2. Locate the specific application form you need by clicking on its name within the portal. Ensure you complete the form as per the provided instructions. Note that some forms are designed to be filled out online, while others must be submitted as PDFs.

3. If you encounter any technical issues while using the portal, please utilize the web form for assistance.

4. To expedite your support request, make sure to specify that you are applying through the provincial nominee program when selecting the type of request from the drop-down menu for technical difficulties in the text box.

5. You’ll need to complete several online digital forms, not only for yourself but also for any family members aged 18 or older. These forms include:

•    – Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
•    – Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
•    – Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
•    – Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)

6. Additionally, there are PDF forms that must be completed, but they do not require a signature. As the principal applicant, you will electronically sign for the entire application, including those of your family members who have been added to your online application. These forms include:

• Document Checklist 
• Economic Classes – Provincial Nominee 
• Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees – Business Nominees 

7. Print these PDF forms, fill them out, and sign them if applicable. Ensure that you and any third parties involved have signed as necessary.

Place the following documents in the uploads section of your application if they are relevant:

• Statutory Declaration of a Common-law Union
• Separation Declaration for Minors Traveling to Canada form

Important Information:

Providing false or misleading information on these forms constitutes a criminal offense. The information you provide as part of your application may undergo verification.

Please ensure accuracy and completeness in each section of the forms. If a particular section does not pertain to your situation, kindly mark it as “Not Applicable” or “NA.” Failure to complete your application in full may result in processing delays.

If you require additional space for any section, include an extra page with the required details, fill it out, and upload it alongside your application. When selecting the document type, choose “other.”

Select “Other” from the drop-down menu labeled “Document type” and upload any supplementary documents or additional information in one of the following formats within your online application: JPEG, PDF, or JPG format.

By following these steps, you can efficiently complete and submit your application form through the Permanent Resident Online Application Portal.

How to Fill Out the Form:

Prior to submitting your application, you will need to fill out the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) online. There is no need to print or manually sign the form.

Ensure that you answer all the questions on the application form, unless specified otherwise.

You also have the option to save your progress and return to complete it at a later time.

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FAQs

Who Should Complete the Application Form?

The responsibility of completing this form lies with the primary applicant.

How Long Does it Take to Obtain Canadian Permanent Residency?

The Canadian federal government administers various immigration programs, with Express Entry being the most popular route. A majority of Permanent Resident Visa applications are processed through this avenue.

As per the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), they aim to process a Permanent Resident visa application within six months or less. This means you can expect to acquire permanent residency in Canada in approximately six months.

Other immigration pathways, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Quebec Skilled Worker Programs (QSWPs), typically follow a similar processing timeline.

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