Canada Immigration on a PR Visa

Canada stands out as an immigrant-welcoming nation which intends to accept 1.45 million new residents between now and 2026. Canada provides Permanent Residence (PR) programs that target skilled professionals along with students and entrepreneurs through various pathways. The professional opportunities of Canada combined with its high-quality public services and diverse population create an attractive environment for those seeking a new beginning.
 

• Canada has more than 1 million job opportunities available across different employment sectors.
• It holds a position in the top ten happiest nations globally.
• The country provides more than 100 routes to immigrants who want to move to Canada.
• Immigrant integration programs have received more than $1.6 billion for development.
• Get free medical treatment along with financial assistance for educational costs.
   

Canada Immigration Pathways

Canada offers a variety of immigration programs designed for skilled workers, families, students, and entrepreneurs. Each pathway has its own eligibility rules and benefits, giving applicants multiple options to achieve permanent residency. Below is a quick overview of the most popular programs.

Canada Express Entry (EE)

A points-based system that manages applications under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). It is one of the fastest and most popular ways to immigrate.

Canada Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Run by individual provinces to meet local labour market needs. Candidates may be nominated based on work experience, job offers, or ties to the province.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

An employer-driven program for applicants with job offers in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador).

Family Sponsorship

Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close relatives such as spouses, partners, dependent children, and—under limited intake—parents and grandparents.

Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec manages its own programs, including the Arrima system and PEQ (Quebec Experience Program), with distinct selection criteria, often emphasizing French language ability.

Study → Work → PR Pathway

International students can study in Canada, obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and gain Canadian work experience, and later transition to permanent residency.

Business, Investor, and Entrepreneur Programs

Options for investors, entrepreneurs, and senior managers who wish to establish or invest in Canadian businesses while pursuing permanent residency.
 

Detailed Breakdown of Canada Immigration Programs

Canada offers several immigration programs, each tailored to different applicant profiles. Below is a closer look at the main pathways, their benefits, and expected timelines.

Canada Immigration – Express Entry

Canada allows skilled professionals to obtain permanent residency through its Express Entry pathway which serves as the nation's top immigration program. The system functions through its online platform to handle applications for the three main federal immigration programs:
 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
   

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates applicants through multiple factors including age, education, language skills, and work experience. Regular draws select the top ranking candidates in the pool to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
 

The FSWP requires applicants to achieve a minimum score of 67 points on the initial eligibility grid to qualify. The speed and transparency of the Express Entry system have enabled many candidates to obtain permanent residence in less than 6 months after receiving an invitation. The Express Entry system provides foreigners and domestic applicants with a direct and effective route towards permanent residency status.
 

*Want to apply for Express Entry? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps.
 

Immigration to Canada – PNP

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for Canadian territories and provinces, allowing them to select immigrants with appropriate abilities as well as educational background and professional experience to support their regional development. The program is an excellent choice for candidates with lower CRS scores who desire to establish themselves in particular Canadian provinces. The PNP system features numerous streams which work together with Express Entry to deliver quicker application processing.

Some of the popular PNP Programs in Canada are as follows:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NLPNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
   

*Looking to apply for Canada PNP? Let experts at Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

Migrate to Canada – QSWP

The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) provides skilled professionals with a gateway to achieve permanent residence while working in Quebec. Quebec operates its own selection procedures exclusively and does not participate in the Express Entry system. Quebec uses a point-based evaluation system to examine candidates based on their educational history, work history, age as well as their French language knowledge. Successful candidates receive a CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate) which enables them to submit an application to IRCC for permanent resident status.
 

• Independent of the Express Entry system
• Requires a minimum of 50–59 points based on profile
• Prioritizes French language skills
• Offers a CSQ (Quebec Selection Certificate)
• Ideal for settling in Quebec cities like Montreal and Quebec City
   

*Check your eligibility to Quebec through the Y-Axis Quebec Immigration Points Calculator.

Family Sponsorship

Best for: Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring their spouse, partner, dependent children, or—under limited intake—parents and grandparents.

Highlights: Sponsors commit to financial support during a fixed undertaking period. Applications undergo genuineness and admissibility checks.

Typical Timeline: Spousal and partner sponsorships often take around 12 months; parent and grandparent sponsorships generally take longer.

Latest Canada Draws (Express Entry & PNP) in 2025

68,181 Invitations Issued in 2025
Express Entry/ Province Draw	Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June	July	August	Total
Express Entry	5821	11,601	13,261	1246	2511	7,405	7,558	6,417	55,820
Manitoba	325	117	219	31	118	528	86	114	1,511
British Columbia	10	NA	13	5	108	NA	17	16	164
Ontario	4	NA	NA	NA	NA	3791	NA	NA	3795
Alberta	NA	551	17	246	414	291	433	683	2635
Prince Edward Island	22	87	124	168	168	52	39	132	624
Newfoundland and Labrador	NA	NA	NA	256	733	NA	300	231	2049
New Brunswick	NA	NA	498	477	NA	608	NA	NA	1583
Total	6,182	12,356	14,132	2429	4052	12,675	8,642	7,593	68,181

Canada Immigration Eligibility

To be eligible, you typically need:

• Age below 45 years (max points for 20–35)
• Bachelor's degree or higher
• 1+ year full-time skilled work experience
• IELTS score of CLB 7 or higher
• Proof of funds (approx. CAD 13,757 for single applicant)
   

*Check your eligibility for Canada through the Y-Axis Canada CRS Score Calculator.

Eligibility Checklists for Canada Immigration Pathways

Before applying for any immigration pathway, it’s important to ensure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Below is a quick checklist for the major Canadian immigration programs.

Program	Eligibility Requirements
Express Entry (FSW / CEC / FST)	Meet age and education requirements ECA for non-Canadian education Valid language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) Skilled work experience aligned with the correct NOC 2021 (TEER) Proof of funds (if required) Admissibility and accurate work references
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	Fulfil stream-specific rules (occupation, points, or job offer) Meet language and education requirements of the province Demonstrate intent to reside in the nominating province Employer forms (if employer-driven) Proof of ties, study, or work history in the province
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Valid job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada Meet education and language thresholds for the role Settlement plan and employer endorsement Proof of funds (if required)
Family Sponsorship	Sponsor must be 18+ and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident PR sponsors must live in Canada; citizens abroad must show intent to return Signed undertaking; income requirements for PGP - Proof of genuine relationship Admissibility of the applicant
Quebec Immigration Programs (Regular / PEQ / Business)	Intention to permanently live in Quebec Meet points grid or program criteria Arrima profile where required French language ability may be essential Financial self-sufficiency declaration and admissibility

Canadian Immigration Requirements

The basic documents required for a PR application:

• Valid passport
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• IELTS/CELPIP language test results
• Proof of work experience
• Medical exam & police clearance
• Proof of funds and relationship documents (if applicable)
   

Canada Immigration Points

Canada evaluates permanent residency applicants through its points-based system, which mainly operates within the Express Entry program. The immigration pool sorts candidates based on their points from age, education, work experience, language skills and additional criteria.

Factors	Points
Age	Maximum 12 points
Education	Maximum 25 points
Language Proficiency	Maximum 28 points (English and French)
Work Experience	Maximum 15 points
Adaptability	Maximum of 10 points
Arranged employment	Additional 10 points (not mandatory).

 

Canada Immigration Process

Step 1: Take the IELTS or CELPIP test to prove language proficiency.

Step 2: Get your educational credentials assessed through ECA (e.g. WES).

Step 3: Create and submit your Express Entry profile online.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your CRS score meets the cut-off.

Step 5: Submit your PR application with documents and fees.

Step 6: Complete your medical exam and background checks.

Step 7: Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and move to Canada.

Step-by-Step Canada Immigration Application Process

The Canadian immigration process varies by program, but most applicants follow a series of key steps. Below is a breakdown of the process for skilled worker streams and family sponsorship, with estimated timelines.

Streamlined Path for Skilled Workers (EE, PNP, AIP, Quebec)

• Eligibility & Strategy (1–2 weeks): Select the most suitable pathway, identify your NOC/TEER code, and set CRS or points targets.
• Documents & Tests (3–10 weeks): Collect passports, civil documents, police certificates; complete language exams; start ECA or skill assessments.
• Profile/EOI & Optimization (2–8 weeks): Create an Express Entry, Arrima, or PNP profile; optimize points; pursue nomination or job offer.
• Invitation & Full Application (1–3 weeks): Submit full application with forms, fees, and supporting documents.
• Biometrics, Medicals & Background (4–16+ weeks): Attend biometrics and medical exams; provide additional documents if requested.
• Decision & Visa/COPR (varies): Receive final approval, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and plan settlement in Canada.

Family Sponsorship Flow

• Sponsor/Applicant Preparation (2–6 weeks): Check sponsor eligibility, gather relationship evidence, and income proofs if required.
• Online Forms & Fees (1–2 weeks): Create an IRCC account, complete sponsor and applicant forms, and pay fees.
• Biometrics & Medicals (4–12 weeks): Complete exams as instructed and provide any additional documentation.
• Assessment & Decision (months+): IRCC reviews sponsor eligibility, relationship genuineness, and applicant admissibility before issuing approval.

Note: These timelines are averages. Actual processing may be longer depending on the applicant’s country of residence, case complexity, and IRCC processing volumes.

List of Canada Visas for Immigration

Given below is a list of the major visa categories through which you can immigrate to Canada:

Skilled Worker and Economic Class Visas

• Express Entry Programs
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
• Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
• Home Child Care Provider & Home Support Worker Pilots
• Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)
   

Business and Entrepreneur Visas

• Start-Up Visa Program
• Self-Employed Persons Program
• Quebec Entrepreneur and Investor Programs
   

Family Sponsorship Visas

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
• Dependent Child Sponsorship
• Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP)
• Other Eligible Relatives (in limited cases)
   

Canada Visa Processing Time

The processing time for Canadian immigration visas varies based on the pathway you choose, the completeness of your application, and where you apply from.

Below is a breakdown of average processing durations:

Immigration Pathway	Average Processing Time
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)	6–8 months
Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	5–6 months
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP)	8–12 months
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – paper-based	18–24 months
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – via Express Entry	7–9 months
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)	15–17 months
Family Sponsorship – Spouse/Common-law partner	12 months
Family Sponsorship – Parents/Grandparents	20–24 months
Start-Up Visa Program	31–33 months
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	12–14 months
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)	12–18 months
Agri-Food Pilot	12–16 months

Canada Visa Fees                          

The time it takes to process a Canadian visa depends on the type of visa, your country of residence, and how complete your application is.

Below is an overview of the estimated processing times for major immigration pathways:

Type of Canada Visa	Canada Visa Fee (CAD)
Canada PR Visa	2,500 - 3,000
Canada Work Visa	155 - 200
Canada Student Visa	150
Canada Visitor visa	100
Family Visa	1080 -1500
Business Visa	1,625

Life After Migration: Settlement, Jobs, and Benefits

Starting a new life in Canada involves important steps to settle successfully and take advantage of the opportunities available to newcomers.

Immediate Setup

• Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Open a bank account and set up financial services
• Register for provincial healthcare (note: wait periods may apply)
• Obtain a driver’s licence or provincial ID

Housing & Community

• Arrange short-term housing before arrival, then transition to long-term rentals
• Access newcomer services, language classes, and community programs

Jobs & Career

• Prepare a Canadian-style resume and update LinkedIn
• Explore credential recognition or bridging programs if in a regulated profession
• Use networking, job boards, and settlement agencies for employment support

Family & Schooling

• Enrol children in public schools
• Explore childcare options (apply early for waitlists)
• Access settlement supports tailored to families

Money & Benefits

• Learn about Canadian taxes, family credits, and available benefits
• Create a cost-of-living budget to manage expenses effectively

Long-Term Planning

• Work toward citizenship eligibility after meeting residency requirements
• Obtain professional licensing if working in a regulated field

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Immigration Applications

Even strong candidates can face delays or refusals due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• Wrong NOC/TEER mapping: Match your job duties carefully to the correct occupation code.
• Expired tests/documents: Ensure language scores, police certificates, and passports remain valid during processing.
• Weak evidence: Provide complete employer letters, pay records, and relationship proof.
• Proof of funds errors: Maintain sufficient, consistent balances and avoid unexplained deposits.
• Program mismatch: Only apply to programs you fully qualify for.
• Formatting/portal issues: Follow upload guidelines for file size, type, and naming; ensure all signatures are included.
• Late responses: Monitor your portal and email daily to meet deadlines.
• Believing in guarantees: No consultant or lawyer can guarantee approval—final decisions rest with immigration authorities.

Canadian Immigration and Visa Services for Immigrants

Canada offers a comprehensive range of immigration and visa services to help newcomers settle with ease. From skilled worker and family sponsorship visas to business and student pathways, the government provides structured programs tailored to different profiles. These services include visa processing, settlement support, language training, job assistance, and access to public services.

Key services available for immigrants:

• IRCC support for permanent and temporary visa applications
• Settlement services like language classes, resume help, and community orientation
• Job matching programs and provincial employment resources
• Family reunification support
• Citizenship application guidance after meeting PR residency requirements

These services are designed to help newcomers transition smoothly into Canadian life—socially, economically, and professionally.

How can Y‑Axis help you with Canada Immigration?

Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy, offers comprehensive immigration services for clients based on their interests and requirements.

Our services include:

• Free eligibility check through the Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Expert guidance/counseling for Canada Immigration
• Coaching services: Expert CELPIP coaching, IELTS proficiency Coaching
• Free career counseling; book your slot today
• Complete guidance for the Canada PR visa
• Job search services to find related jobs in Canada