Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants due to its high standard of living, excellent education system, and strong economy. If you’re interested in making Canada your permanent home, then you’ll need to obtain a permanent resident (PR) permit. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to get your Canadian permanent resident permit.
How to Get Your Canadian Permanent Resident Permit
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
The first step in obtaining your Canadian PR permit is determining whether you’re eligible. There are several ways to become eligible for a PR permit, including:
- Express Entry: This is the most popular way to apply for a PR permit. It’s a point-based system that takes into account factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. To be eligible for Express Entry, you must score a certain number of points.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, which allows them to nominate candidates who meet their specific labour market needs.
- Family sponsorship: If you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for a PR permit.
- Business immigration: If you’re a business owner or investor, you may be eligible for a PR permit under one of Canada’s business immigration programs.
Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile (If Applicable)
If you’re eligible for Express Entry, the next step is to create an Express Entry profile. This involves providing information about your age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other details. You’ll also need to take a language proficiency test in English or French and get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to have your education credentials verified.
Once you’ve created your profile, you’ll be entered into a pool of candidates. Your profile will be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. If you’re one of the highest-scoring candidates in the pool, you may be invited to apply for a PR permit.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you’re invited to apply for a PR permit, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The ITA will specify the program you’re being invited to apply for, the deadline for submitting your application, and the documents you’ll need to provide.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once you receive your ITA, you’ll need to submit your PR permit application within 60 days. This involves filling out an online application form and uploading the required documents, such as your passport, language proficiency test results, ECA report, and police certificate. You’ll also need to pay the application fee, which varies depending on the program you’re applying for.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After you submit your application, you’ll need to wait for IRCC to process it. Processing times can vary depending on the program you’re applying for, your country of origin, and other factors. During this time, IRCC may request additional documents or information from you, so it’s important to keep checking your application status and respond promptly to any requests.
Step 6: Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) from IRCC. The COPR will specify the date by which you must enter Canada to activate your PR status. You’ll also need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a police certificate before entering Canada.