How to Become a Permanent Resident of Canada

Canada is a country known for its beauty, diverse culture, and friendly people. If you’re considering moving to Canada and becoming a permanent resident, there are several ways to do so. In this article, we’ll explore the different routes you can take to become a permanent resident of Canada.

How to Become a Permanent Resident of Canada

1. Express Entry: How to Become a Permanent Resident of Canada

The Express Entry system is a fast and efficient way to become a permanent resident of Canada. It’s an online system that manages applications for permanent residency for three federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is an immigration program managed by the Government of Canada’s Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The FSWP is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world who can contribute to the Canadian economy and society.

To be eligible for the FSWP, candidates must meet specific criteria related to their education, language skills, work experience, and adaptability. They must also obtain a minimum score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used to evaluate and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool.

The FSWP is a points-based system, with candidates being evaluated based on factors such as their age, education, language proficiency in English and/or French, work experience, and adaptability. Points are awarded based on these factors, with candidates needing to score at least 67 points out of 100 to be eligible for the program.

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Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can then create an Express Entry profile, which is an online application system used by the IRCC to manage applications for various immigration programs. The Express Entry system allows candidates to be ranked based on their CRS score, with the highest-ranked candidates being invited to apply for permanent residence.

Once invited to apply, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including supporting documents such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds. The IRCC then reviews the application and may request additional information or documentation before making a final decision on the application.

Overall, the FSWP is a popular immigration program for skilled workers who want to move to Canada. With its points-based system and focus on attracting skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy, the FSWP is a competitive program that allows candidates to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The main difference between the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is that the FSWP is designed for skilled workers in managerial, professional, and technical occupations, while the FSTP is for skilled tradespeople who work in skilled manual trades.

The FSWP assesses candidates based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability, while the FSTP evaluates candidates based on factors such as trade certification, work experience in a skilled trade, language proficiency, and adaptability.

Another difference between the two programs is that the FSWP has no specific trade requirements, while the FSTP requires candidates to have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.

In terms of eligibility, both programs require candidates to meet certain minimum requirements related to language proficiency, education, and work experience, and candidates for both programs must also obtain a minimum score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used to evaluate and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Generally, while both programs are designed to attract skilled workers to Canada, the FSWP is geared towards skilled workers in professional, managerial, and technical occupations, while the FSTP is geared towards skilled tradespeople in manual trades.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed to attract skilled workers who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada, and who have demonstrated an ability to integrate into Canadian society.

To be eligible for the CEC, candidates must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, obtained within the last three years. The work experience must be in a skilled occupation, which means it must fall under certain National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and must be at the level of skill Type 0 (managerial occupations), A (professional occupations), or B (technical occupations and skilled trades).

Candidates must also meet other eligibility criteria related to language proficiency, education, and adaptability, and must obtain the minimum CRS score.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory has its own immigration programs called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs are designed to attract immigrants who have the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute to the economy of the province or territory. Each PNP has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it’s important to research the different programs to find out which one is right for you.

3. Family Sponsorship: How to Become a Permanent Resident of Canada

If you have a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency. To be eligible for family sponsorship, you must be related to your sponsor in one of the following ways:

• Spouse or common-law partner
• Dependent child
• Parent or grandparent
• Brother or sister, nephew or niece, or grandchild who is an orphan or under 18 years of age

4. Business Immigration Programs: How to Become a Canadian Resident

If you’re an entrepreneur or a business person, Canada offers several immigration programs designed to attract foreign investors and business people. The programs include the:

• Start-up Visa Program
• Self-Employed Persons Program
• Quebec Investor Program.

Each program has its own eligibility criteria and application process.

Start-up Visa Program: How to Become a Canadian resident

The Start-up Visa Program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in Canada. Applicants must first secure a commitment from a designated Canadian business incubator, angel investor group, or venture capital fund to support their business idea. Once approved, the applicant and their immediate family members can obtain Canadian permanent residency.

Self-Employed Persons Program:

The Self-Employed Persons Program is for individuals who have experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farming, and wish to be self-employed in Canada. Applicants must demonstrate that they have relevant experience and intend to continue their work in Canada. The program requires applicants to meet certain criteria, including demonstrating that they have the ability to support themselves and their dependents.

Quebec Investor Program: How to Become a Canadian resident

The Quebec Investor Program is for individuals who want to make an investment in Quebec. Applicants must have a net worth of at least CAD $2 million and be willing to invest CAD $1.2 million in a Quebec government-approved investment fund. The investment must be held for a period of five years, after which the funds will be returned to the investor.

5. Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement

Canada has a proud history of accepting refugees and providing humanitarian assistance to people in need. If you’re a refugee or a person in need of humanitarian assistance, you may be able to apply for permanent residency through one of Canada’s refugee and humanitarian resettlement programs.

How to Become a Permanent Resident of Canada: Steps to Apply for Permanent Residency

Once you’ve decided on the program that’s right for you, the next step is to apply for permanent residency. The application process can be complex, so it’s important to follow the steps carefully.

1. Gather Documents

The first step is to gather all the documents you need to support your application. The documents you’ll need will depend on the program you’re applying for, but they may include things like educational transcripts, work experience letters, language test results, and police certificates.

2. Submit Your Application

Once you have all the documents you need, you can submit your application online or by mail. Be sure to include all the required documents and fees, and make sure your application is complete and accurate.

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3. Wait for a Decision

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for a decision. The processing time can vary depending on the program you’re applying for and the number of applications being processed. You can check the current processing times on the government’s website.

4. Provide Additional Information

During the processing of your application, you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview. Be sure to respond to any requests for information promptly to avoid delays in processing your application.

5. Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. This document confirms that you’re now a permanent resident of Canada. You’ll also receive a permanent resident visa, which allows you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.

6. Land in Canada as a Permanent Resident

Once you have your COPR document and permanent resident visa, you’ll need to land in Canada as a permanent resident. This means physically arriving in Canada and presenting your COPR document and permanent resident visa to a border services officer. You’ll also need to provide your biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph.

7. Settle in Canada

After you’ve landed in Canada, you can start settling in and making Canada your new home. This includes finding a place to live, getting a job, and learning about Canadian culture and society. You’ll also need to apply for a permanent resident card, which is a government-issued document that proves your status as a permanent resident.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a permanent resident of Canada can be a long and complex process, but it’s also a rewarding one. Canada is a welcoming country that offers many opportunities for newcomers to succeed and thrive. Whether you’re a skilled worker, an entrepreneur, or a refugee, there’s a program that can help you achieve your goal of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.