PR is a status granted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to eligible candidates who applied to become permanent residents of Canada. There are many immigration pathways that lead to permanent residency and several steps to take to get the special status.
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Complete Canada PR Timeline
Follow the below steps to obtain residency in Canada.
Step 1: Create an account on PR portal
a) PR applications are created on the PR portal. Create your account by providing your email ID and creating a strong password that matches the stated password creation requirements.
b) Using the credentials you created, sign into your account.
c) Create a new PR application and then select which immigration pathway you are applying through.
Note: Applying for PR through Express Entry requires you to follow different steps. Moreover, the portal through which you will apply for PR is different as well.
Step 2: Upload the necessary documents
In the portal, you will be required to complete different documents which vary according to the program you are applying through. Below is a list of common documents required for PR application and the approximate time you would spend on getting them:
- Passport
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Schedule A: Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Photos
- PR application fee receipt
| Language test result | Approx Time |
| PTE Core | 48 hours |
| CELPIP General | 3 to 4 days |
| IELTS General Training | 3 to 15 days |
| TCF Canada | 15 days |
| TEF Canada | 5 to 6 weeks |
Step 3: Submit the Application
Once you are sure that no document is missing and all the information is included, submit the application.
Step 4: During application processing
While IRCC processes your application, it will most probably ask you to submit:
- Biometrics
- Immigration Medical Exam
- Police Clearance Certificate – it will take you about 6 to 8 weeks to get a PCC
IRCC will let you know when to give your biometrics. The biometric information and IME are available on the same day as when you applied for them.
Step 5: Receive an e-COPR
If IRCC approves your PR application, it will issue an electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residency (e-COPR).
Though it entirely depends on the program you applied through, IRCC may take about 8 to 10 months to process your PR application.
Step 6: Landing in Canada
Once you land in Canada, an IRCC officer will conduct a landing interview with you and ask to see the required documents. Keep the following provided documents handy:
- Passport
- COPR
- ArriveCAN
- Tickets
- eTA
- Custom Declaration Form
- Proof of funds
- Police Certificate
If the interview goes well, the officer will let you enter Canada as a PR.
Hence, it is safe to say that a general timeline for PR application takes about 8 to 12 months to get processed.
Canada PR Application Processing Time
| Pathway | Standard Processing Time |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 6 Months |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 Months |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7 Months |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 6 Months |
| Quebec Selected Skilled Worker | 10 Months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | Info Not Available |
IRCC aims to process 80% of all applications within its standard processing time, and the above is the standard processing time of IRCC.
Canada PR Fees
| Program | Type | Fee (Canadian Dollars) | Fee (Approx INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Federal Skilled Worker Program 2. Canadian Experience Class 3. Federal Skilled Trades Program 4. Provincial Nominee Program 5. Atlantic Immigration Program 6. Quebec Selected Skilled Worker 7. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot 8. Quebec Selected Skilled Worker 9. Agri-Food Pilot | Application Processing | 850 | 51,800 |
| Right of Permanent Residence | 515 | 31,400 | |
| Including Spouse/Partner | 1,365 | 83,000 | |
| Including dependent child | 230 | 14,000 | |
| 10. Start-up Visa 11. Self-employed persons 12. Quebec Business Immigration | Application Processing | 1,625 | 99,000 |
| Right of Permanent Residence | 515 | 31,400 | |
| Including Spouse/Partner | 850 | 51,800 | |
| Including dependent child | 230 | 14,000 | |
| 13. Family Sponsorship: | |||
Spouse/Common-law partner/child (from abroad) | Sponsorship | 75 | 4,500 |
| Application Processing | 490 | 29,800 | |
| Right of Permanent Residence | 515 | 31,400 | |
| Including dependent child | 155 | 9,400 | |
| Spouse/Common-law partner/child (in Canada) | Sponsorship | 75 | 4,500 |
| Application Processing | 490 | 29,800 | |
| Right of Permanent Residence | 515 | 31,400 | |
| Including dependent child | 155 | 9,400 | |
| 14. Parent and Grandparent | Sponsorship | 75 | 4,500 |
| Application Processing | 490 | 29,800 | |
| Right of Permanent Residence | 515 | 31,400 | |
| Including Spouse/Partner | 1,085 | 6,600 | |
| Including dependent child | 155 | 9,400 | |
PR Card
Once you become a PR, IRCC will issue you a PR card. This card is proof of your permanent status in Canada. A PR card also acts as a travel document, meaning if you are traveling to Canada from another country, you would need to show this card at the border to enter Canada as a PR. Moreover, you can use this card to avail different social services in Canada.
You do not have to apply for your first PR card, IRCC will mail it to your Canadian address in about 35 days. You have 180 days to send your Canadian address to IRCC after immigrating to Canada, and after receiving your address, your card will be mailed to you.
This card will remain valid for the next 5 years and once expires, get it renewed. IRCC will renew your pr card within 66 days.
You can also get your card renewed if it is stolen, lost, or destroyed. Pay CAN$50 to renew your PR card.
How we can assist you
Obtaining Canada PR can be a complicated process and hence, taking assistance from approved immigration consultants can prove quite beneficial for you.
Talent Connected Worldwide is an award-winning, CICC-recognized consultancy. We have over 15 years of experience which means we are better equipped to answer your queries related to immigration.
Once you register with us, we can help you get trained for IELTS, let you know which designated organization is the best for ECA, prepare your documents and profile for you, let you know which immigration pathway is the right one for you, help you increase your CRS score, etc.
Give us a call so we can get started with your case!
How to get PR in Canada?
To get PR in Canada, follow these steps:
- first, determine which immigration pathway is the right one for you
- create an online account on the PR portal
- fill out the necessary forms and upload the required documents
- submit the PR application
- provide any other information asked during the processing of the application
- receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- arrive in Canada
- attend an interview with an IRCC officer and if they are satisfied, they will approve you as a Canada PR
How long do you need to be in Canada to maintain your PR status?
To maintain your PR status, you must live in Canada for a minimum of 730 days during a total of 5 years period. In some cases, even if you are outside Canada, you may count that time as well.
Is IELTS mandatory for Canada PR?
IELTS is not mandatory per say for Canada PR. There are various approved language tests that you may take to prove your language proficiency. You may take the CELPIP, PTE Core, TCF Canada or TEF Canada test to show your proficiency.
Keep in mind that TEF Canada and TCF Canada are French language proficiency tests whereas IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core are for English.
What age is good for Canada PR?
If your age lies somewhere between 20 to 29 years, you will receive the highest CRS score. Candidates in this age group receive 100 CRS points if they are applying for PR with a spouse and 110 points if they are not coming to Canada with their spouse.
Hence, this is the best age to apply for residency since you receive higher CRS points.
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