Canada Immigration Programs for Permanent Residency in Canada

Last Updated On : September 09 , 2024

There are two primary ways to obtain permanent residency in Canada: Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

• Express Entry is a federal program that selects skilled workers based on factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency.
• Provincial Nominee rogram allow individual provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers who meet their specific labour market needs.

If you are a skilled worker in a STEM occupation, Express Entry might be a good option for you. However, it's important to note that other skilled workers can also apply through Express Entry.

This article will provide an overview of both Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs and other immigration programs, including their processing times, fees, and eligibility criteria, to help you determine the best path to Canadian permanent residency.

Average Processing Times for Canadian Immigration Pathways

Note: These are approximate processing times and may vary depending on individual circumstances and IRCC's workload.

Express Entry System

Three federal economic immigration programs are managed using the points-based Express Entry system:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Steps For Obtaining Canada PR via Express Entry:

1. Verify if you qualify for any of the programs mentioned above.
2. Create a profile for Express Entry online.
3. Discover the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for your profile.
4. Join Express Entry Pool where your CRS score will provide you a rank.
5. Upon selection, an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence will be sent.
6. Within sixty days, send in a completed application and any necessary supporting documentation.

Processing Time:

Most Express Entry applications will be processed by the government in less than six months.

Processing Fee:

The standard processing fee for adult applicants is CAD 850 as of 2024. There are further costs for biometrics (CAD 85) and the privilege of permanent residency (CAD 515).

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs give Canadian provinces and territories the right to decide on people who want to come to the country/immigrate to Canada and live in a specific province.

Steps to Get Canada PR through PNP:

1. Look into several provinces and their unique PNP streams to see which one best suits your needs.
2. Make sure you fulfil the prerequisites for the selected province program.
3. Submit a Provincial Nomination through PNP Non-Express Entry Program.
4. Get a Provincial Nominee Certificate.
5. Make a Permanent Residency Application, and submit this application to IRCC.

Processing Time:

Takes three to six months, depending on the province and program.

Processing Fees:

1. Provincial fees: 300–1,500 CAD on average, depending on the province
2. Government Fees (given to IRCC):

• Processing Charge: CAD 850
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 515
• Biometrics: CAD 85.

Note:Fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees on the official IRCC and provincial websites.

Family Sponsorship

It is possible for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor specific family members for permanent residency in Canada through family sponsorship.

Steps to Get Canada PR through Family Sponsorship:

1. Check eligibility of your spouse as he/she must be at least eighteen years old.
2. Submit Sponsorship Application
3. Complete both applications by paying the necessary fees.
4. A photo and fingerprints are provided by the sponsor.
5. A medical examination is performed on the sponsored individual.
6. Provide additional documents(passport or travel documents) if required.
7. Go to an interview with an immigration officer if necessary.
8. Await the application's decision from the IRCC.

Processing Times:

Processing time varies depending on whether your spouse or common law partner is currently inside Canada or outside Canada.

Source: IRCC Processing Time

Note: These times are updated as on 4th September 2024 and can change. Always check the IRCC website for current processing times.

Processing Fees (as of 2024)

1. Sponsorship Charge: CAD 75
2. Processing charge for principal applicants: CAD 570
3. Right of permanent residence fee: CAD 515
4. Biometric: CAD 85.

Other Pathways

Other Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency

1. Business Immigration

Start-up Visa Program:

This program is for business owners with creative business concepts.

• Processing Fee: CAD 1,575 per applicant
• Processing Time: around 12–16 months

Self-Employed Persons Program:

For people with relevant expertise in farming, athletics, or cultural activities

• Processing fee: CAD 1,575 per applicant
• Processing time: approximately 23 months

2. Quebec Skilled Worker Program

This program not only offers permanent residence in Canada, but also offers a unique opportunity to settle in a province with a distinct culture and language.

• Application fee for Quebec: Varies (about CAD 822 for primary applicant).
• Federal processing fee: CAD 850

3. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Intended to help smaller towns reap the rewards of economic immigration.

Processing Fee: CAD 850

Processing Duration: Approximately six months from the date of receipt of the completed application.

4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

For foreign graduates and skilled workers who wish to live and work in one of Canada's four Atlantic provinces may apply through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Processing Fee: as per standard PR fee, which is CAD 850.

Processing Duration:around six months.

5. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program

For seasoned, non-seasonal employees in particular agri-food sectors and professions

Processing Time: Not given, but probably comparable to other financial programs

Processing Fee: CAD 850

Note: Additional payments for biometrics (CAD 85) and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (CAD 515 per adult) are required for all programs.

Conclusion

With aggressive goals outlined in the Immigration Plan to bring in talented professionals and reunite families, Canada remains a welcoming country for immigrants. There are several ways to realise your goal of becoming a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, whether you're thinking about the Express Entry system, a Provincial Nominee Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or corporate immigration choices.

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