A Canada PR visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for 5 years. It is granted to an individual once their PR application is approved. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews the immigration applications of candidates and decides whether to grant them permanent residency or not.
Once the PR application is approved, IRCC either issues a PR visa if the candidate’s country requires it or it will issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
The process of applying for a Canada PR can be quite complex, and it is important to make sure that all of the necessary documents and information are included in the application. If you want to easily obtain a Canada PR, contact Talent Connected Worldwide. We will be your reliable immigration consultants, who will assist you at every step of the way till you reach your destination!
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026
On 1st November 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026.
In 2024, Canada is planning on welcoming 485,000 permanent residents to the country. This number increases for the upcoming years of 2025 and 2026, in which IRCC will be inviting 500,000 immigrants on an annual basis.
Every year, IRCC releases an immigration plan for the next three years. This plan helps aspiring immigrants plan ahead about Canada immigration, and also provides an idea about which immigration program would have the most space for immigrants.
What is Canada PR?
A Canada PR is the permanent residency status for eligible candidates from India and other nations, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. Students or international workers temporarily working in Canada are not permanent residents, hence they do not possess a PR visa or card.
Once someone becomes a PR, they receive a PR card as proof of their permanent resident status in the country. After acquiring PR status, an individual can apply for Canadian citizenship, if they have lived for 3 years out of the last 5 years in Canada and met other requirements. The immigration process concludes when the person becomes a Canadian citizen.
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Canada PR Programs
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Start-up Visa
- Self-Employed program
- Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program
Why apply for Canada PR Visa?
Here are the top benefits of Canada PR visa:
1. Individuals can live, study, and work anywhere in Canada
2. Free education for children
3. An individual can sponsor their family member
4. Childcare benefits, pension plan, and other social benefits
5. Retirement benefits
6. Opportunities to start and invest in a business
7. Apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for 3 out of 5 years
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a Canada PR visa are based on the candidate’s:
| Factors | |
| Age | 18-35 is the best age group |
| Education | Equal to or above higher secondary education |
| Language Proficiency | Above CLB level 5 |
| Work experience | At least 1 year |
| Adaptability | One’s ability to adapt to life in Canada |
Documents for Canada PR Visa
Here is the list of documents needed for PR visa:
| Mandatory | Might be Required |
| Passport or travel document | Marriage certificate or divorce or separation documents |
| Birth certificate | Valid job offer |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report | Proof of Relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident |
| Photographs | |
| Language proficiency test results e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TCF or TEF | |
| Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | |
| Medical Examination Report | |
| Proof of funds |
Canada PR Visa – Application Process
Follow the simple steps to get permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry:
- Step 1- Take a Language Skill Exam and Get an ECA
- Step 2- Create an Express Entry Profile
- Step 3- Receive a CRS Score
- Step 4- Wait for an Express Entry Draw
- Step 5- Receive an ITA
- Step 6- Submit a Completed PR Application
- Step 7- Get PR Visa & Fly to Canada
Step 1- Take a Language Skill Exam and Get an ECA
Before an applicant starts filling out the permanent residency application, they must take a language test and prove that their international education is on par with the Canadian level.
Step 2- Create an Express Entry Profile
During the profile creation, the applicant will be providing personal information about themselves. This includes their age, work experience, educational background, language proficiency, and other information to calculate the candidate’s eligibility.
Step 3- Receive a CRS Score
When the applicant is done creating the profile, they will receive a A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A CRS score is the rank of the candidate which is calculated based on various factors, such as education, age, experience, language skills, etc.
This system scores their profile and ranks it within the Express Entry system. The higher one’s CRS score is, the greater their chances of receiving an ITA will be.
Step 4- Wait for Express Entry Draw
Now the candidate should wait for IRCC to conduct an Express Entry draw. IRCC holds these draws frequently to call for eligible candidates and grant them permanent residence in the country.
The draw issues Invitations to Apply (ITA) to eligible applicants. One of the main requirements of the draw is to rank above a certain CRS score that changes with each round of the draw.
Step 5- Receive an ITA
If the applicant has the required CRS score, and fulfills other requirements, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once the applicant receives an ITA, they need to submit a completed PR application within 60 days. After 60 days, the ITA expires.
Step 6- Submit the Completed PR Application
Along with the application, the candidate must upload the necessary documents.
IRCC aims to process about 80% of all PR applications within the standard processing time set by them. If the application is completed and documents are submitted properly, IRCC should be able to process the application on time.
Canada PR Visa Programs from India
Here is the list of immigration programs by which a candidate can go to Canada from India:
1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Indians can apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) if they have a lower CRS score and prefer to live in a certain province or territory of Canada. Each province/territory of Canada has its own PNP which offers a smoother Canada PR process from India.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the three Express Entry programs that may help you get Canada PR from India easily. All you need to do is create an Express Entry profile, be in the Express Entry pool, and wait for an Express Entry draw.
Once you receive an ITA from the draw, which is held frequently, you’ll become eligible to apply for Canada PR from India. International skilled workers have a higher chance of receiving ITA through this program.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a Canadian immigration pathway that offers a route to permanent residency for skilled trades workers. To qualify, applicants must have a valid job offer in Canada or a Certificate of Qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.
Meeting language proficiency requirements is essential, and candidates should have at least two years of full-time work experience in the skilled trade within the last five years. Successfully securing PR through FSTP allows individuals to live and work in Canada, contributing their valuable skills to the Canadian workforce and economy.
4. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a really easy way to immigrate to Canada from India. The applicant needs to have at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience and meet the language requirements.
For Indian students studying in Canada, they can apply for a post-graduate work permit and get to work in Canada, which is a significant step in their journey through Canadian immigration. After they have gained the required Canadian work experience, they can apply for CEC.
5. Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program
The Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program is another easy way to immigrate to Canada from India. One of the main requirements for this program is that the applicant must have excellent French language skills. Indians who want to live and work in Quebec can apply for QSWP.
6. Family Sponsorship Program
Indians who have family members living in Canada as citizens or permanent residents may get Canada PR from India through the Family Sponsorship Program.
You can apply to sponsor your family members such as your spouse, common-law partner, child, relative, parents and grandparents, etc., and then they can apply for PR visa.
7. Business Immigration Program
Indians who aim to start or build their own business in Canada can apply for immigration through the Business Immigration Program.
The Indian applicant will first get a work permit if they qualify for this program, and then they can apply for Canada PR once they become eligible.
How to maintain your PR visa status?
To maintain your PR status, you must continuously meet residency obligations. This includes renewing your PR card when needed and following Canadian laws, etc. After becoming a PR, you must meet residency requirements by spending specified time in Canada; if you don’t stay in Canada for at least 730 days out of 5 years it may affect your PR status.
PR visa through Non-Express Entry process
Here’s the process of Canada PR through the non-Express Entry way:
Canada PR Visa Processing time
The Canada PR visa processing time is usually between 5 to 8 months. However, usually, IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications within 6 months.
Canada PR processing time may vary depending on various factors. If the applicant has submitted a completed application with all the documents attached properly, and fulfills all the requirements, their application may be processed faster.
Canada PR Visa Fees
Canada PR visa application fee for ONE applicant may cost around CAN$2,152 / 1,29,900 INR. This visa application fee may change depending on various factors.
| Canada PR Applicant | Cost |
| Single Applicant | $2,152 |
| Couples without Child | $3,602 |
| Couple with 1 Child | $3,917 |
Proof of funds for Canada PR Visa
Proof of funds is required to prove that an individual is capable of supporting themselves in Canada. If the individual is invited via Express Entry to apply for Canada PR, they must upload a written proof that they have the required amount of money.
If a candidate is immigrating through the FSTP or FSWP, they must provide proof of funds. However, individuals applying under CEC or those who have a valid job offer are not required to show proof of funds.
| Number of family members | Funds required |
| 1 | CAN$13,757 |
| 2 | CAN$17,127 |
| 3 | CAN$21,055 |
| 4 | CAN$ 25,564 |
| 5 | CAN$28,994 |
| 6 | CAN$32,700 |
| 7 | CAN$36,407 |
| If there are more than 7, for each additional member | CAN$3,706 |
What is the validity of a Canada PR visa?
A Canada PR is valid for about 5 years. During these five years, the PR may travel in and out of Canada anytime they like.
Can I leave Canada once I get PR?
Yes, you can travel in and out of Canada after getting a permanent residence visa. However, to keep your Canada PR status active, you must stay in Canada for 730 days out of 5 years.
Can I go back to India after getting PR?
Yes, you can go back to India even after getting a Canada PR visa.
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