Why apply for Canada PR?

Becoming a Canada PR offers numerous advantages that enhance your quality of life and provide long-term stability, allowing you to fully participate in Canadian society with many of the rights and benefits enjoyed by citizens. It allows you to fully participate in Canadian society with many of the rights and benefits enjoyed by citizens.
 

• Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely
• Access healthcare coverage and social benefits like Canadian citizens
• Sponsor spouse, common law partner, and dependent children
• Aims to issue around 395,000 new PR visas in 2025
• Apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years of residency within a 5-year period
   

What is a Canada PR Visa?

A Canada PR Visa is an official document that grants foreign nationals permanent resident status in Canada. It is valid for five years and allows holders to live, work, and study in Canada without restrictions. The PR visa also serves as proof of permanent residence and is essential for travel purposes, as a valid PR card is required to re-enter Canada via commercial carriers. Permanent residents enjoy many rights similar to Canadian citizens, except voting and holding certain political offices.
 

Can Immigrants become Permanent Residents of Canada?

Yes, immigrants can become permanent residents of Canada if they meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Permanent resident status is available through various immigration programs including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), family sponsorship, and humanitarian routes. Immigrants with PR status can live and work anywhere in Canada and access social benefits. Permanent residents must also comply with residency obligations to maintain their PR status.
 

*Want to apply for Canada PR? Talk to Y-Axis for complete assistance with the process.  
 

Canadian Permanent Resident vs. Canada Citizenship

Canada Permanent Residency (PR) grants foreign nationals the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely, with access to many social benefits and protections under Canadian law.

Aspect	Permanent Resident	Canadian Citizen
Right to live and work	Yes	Yes
Access to social benefits	Yes	Yes
Voting rights	No	Yes
Eligibility to sponsor family	Yes	Yes
Ability to hold political office	No	Yes
Validity of status	Requires renewal of PR card every 5 years	Lifetime
Pathway to citizenship	Yes, after meeting residency requirements	N/A
Travel document	PR card required for re-entry	Canadian passport
Residency obligation	Must live in Canada at least 2 years in 5 years	No obligation
Protection under Canadian law	Yes, including Canadian Charter of Rights	Yes
Eligibility for social programs	Yes	Yes
Requirement to maintain status	Must avoid losing permanent resident status by meeting conditions	N/A

 

Canada PR Process

The Canada PR process involves determining eligibility based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, followed by gathering all required documents. Applicants can apply through immigration pathways such as the Express Entry system, a federal points-based program for skilled workers, or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which allow provinces to nominate candidates based on regional labor needs. After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or nomination, applicants complete medical exams, background checks, and submit their full application with fees. Upon approval, they receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence and PR card, granting the right to live and work anywhere in Canada indefinitely.
 

Canada PR via Express Entry

Express Entry is a points-based immigration system designed for skilled workers. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
 

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

Candidates are ranked based on factors such as age, education, language test scores, work experience, and adaptability. The highest-ranking candidates receive ITAs during periodic draws.

*Want to apply for Express Entry? Talk to experts at Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance with the process.  

Canada PR via PNP

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on their specific labor market needs. There are nearly 80 PNP streams across Canada, each with unique eligibility criteria. Applicants often need a job offer or prior connection to the province but some streams accept candidates without these requirements. PNP nominations boost CRS scores, increasing chances of receiving an ITA.
 

Some of the most popular Canada PNP programs are as follows:
 

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador PNP
   

*Want to apply for Canada PNP? Let Y-Axis assist you with the steps.  
 

Canada PR Points Calculator

The Canada PR Points Calculator helps applicants estimate their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. This score determines eligibility and ranking in the Express Entry pool, increasing the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Factors	Score
Age	Maximum 12 points
Education	Maximum 25 points
Language Proficiency	Maximum 28 points (English or French)
Work Experience	Maximum 15 points
Adaptability	Maximum 10 points
Arranged Employment	NA

 

*Check your eligibility to Canada with the FREE Y-Axis Canada CRS Score Calculator and get an instant score! 
 

Eligibility for Canada PR

To be eligible for Canada PR, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
 

• Meet the age requirements
• Have required education with credential assessment
• Prove language proficiency (English/French)
• Possess relevant work experience
• Pass medical and security checks
• Show proof of funds for support
• Submit all documents and pay fees
• Fulfill specific criteria for chosen immigration program
   

Canada PR Requirements

Key requirements for Canada PR include:
 

• Meeting minimum age and education criteria
• Demonstrating language proficiency through approved tests (IELTS, TEF)
• Completing an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees
• Passing medical examinations and security background checks
• Providing proof of funds to support themselves and dependents
• Paying application fees including processing fee and right of permanent residence fee
   

How to get a Canada Permanent Residency Visa?

Step 1: Determine your eligibility based on the immigration program.

Step 2: Gather all the required documents including Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), language test results, and identification.

Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile or apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or family sponsorship stream.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 5: Submit your PR application along with all required documents, medical exam results, and police certificates.

Step 6: Pay the application fees, including the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee.

Step 7: Wait for your application to be processed and approved.

Step 8: Upon approval, receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and PR card.
 

ECA – Educational Credential Assessment

ECA is an evaluation that verifies foreign educational credentials against Canadian standards. It is mandatory for applicants applying under Express Entry and other economic immigration programs to prove their education is equivalent to Canadian secondary or post-secondary credentials. Designated organizations such as WES and ICAS provide ECA reports.
 

Which PR applicants need an ECA?

PR applicants who have completed their education outside Canada generally require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove that their foreign degrees or diplomas are equivalent to Canadian educational standards. This is especially mandatory for those applying through economic immigration programs such as Express Entry, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class. The ECA must be obtained from a designated organization recognized by the IRCC to be valid. It helps ensure that applicants have the education criteria necessary for Canada PR eligibility.
 

Designated Organizations for ECA

The following organizations are designated by the IRCC to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA):
 

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• Comparative Education Service (CES)
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
• Medical Council of Canada (for medical degrees)
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (for pharmacy credentials)
   

Note: Applicants should obtain their ECA from one of these organizations to ensure their foreign education credentials are recognized for Canada PR eligibility.
 

ECA fees

ECA fees vary by organization but generally range between CAD 200 to CAD 300. Additional fees may apply for courier services or extra copies of reports. It is important to obtain an ECA from a designated organization recognized by IRCC to ensure acceptance.

Services	Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Electronic ECA report provided to you	C$248
An official paper report (delivery fees apply)
ECA report access by IRCC
Electronic storage of your report and verified transcripts for future use
Additional Fees
Delivery Options	Fees
Standard delivery (tracking not included)	C$12
Courier delivery (tracking included)
U.S. and international courier services (per address)	C$92
Next-day courier delivery (per address, Canada only)	C$27
Add a new credential	C$108
Convert ECA to a Document-by-Document evaluation	C$54
Convert ECA to a Course-by-Course evaluation	C$108
First report (WES Basic)	C$54
First report (WES ICAP)	C$33
Each additional report	C$33

 

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada

Some of the benefits of Canada PR are as follows:

• The right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely
• Access to healthcare coverage and social benefits similar to Canadian citizens
• Protection under Canadian laws and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements (usually 3 years within 5 years)
• Ability to sponsor spouse, common law partner, dependent children, and other family members
• Opportunity to obtain a valid PR card and permanent resident travel document for re-entry
   

Jobs in Canada

Canada’s labor market has a high demand for skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades. According to Statistics Canada, over 1 million job openings are projected in the next decade due to retirements and economic growth. Permanent residents have unrestricted access to these opportunities across all provinces.

Occupations	Salary
Engineering	$125,541
IT	$101,688
Marketing & Sales	$92,829
HR	$65,386
Healthcare	$126,495
Teachers	$48,750
Accountants	$65,386
Hospitality	$58,221
Nursing	$71,894

 

IT Jobs in Canada

The Canadian IT sector is rapidly expanding, with strong demand for software engineers, developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts. Many IT jobs are eligible under the Express Entry system, especially the Canadian Experience Class. Salaries range from CAD 60,000 to over CAD 100,000 annually depending on experience and location.

IT Job Role	Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Software Engineer	95,000
Data Analyst	75,000
Cybersecurity Specialist	90,000
Network Administrator	70,000
Database Administrator	80,000
Systems Analyst	85,000
Web Developer	65,000
IT Project Manager	1,00,000
Cloud Solutions Architect	1,10,000
Technical Support Engineer	60,000

 

Total cost for Canada PR

The average cost for obtaining Canada PR typically ranges between CAD 2,500 to CAD 3,000. This includes application processing fees, right of permanent residence fees, medical examinations, language tests, and other related expenses.

Program	Applicants	New fees (April 2024 – March 2026)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$575
Protected persons	Principal applicant	$635
Protected persons	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Protected persons	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Permit holders	Principal applicant	$375
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Principal applicant	$635
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy	Principal applicant	$635
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)	Principal applicant	$950
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$950
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)	Accompanying dependent child	$260
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Sponsorship fee	$85
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Sponsored principal applicant	$545
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Sponsored child (principal applicant under 22 years old and not a spouse/partner)	$85
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$635
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Accompanying dependent child	$175
Business (federal and Quebec)	Principal applicant	$1,810
Business (federal and Quebec)	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$950
Business (federal and Quebec)	Accompanying dependent child	$260

 

Proof of Funds for Canada PR

Applicants must provide proof of funds to demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada. This requirement ensures that new permanent residents can cover living expenses until they find employment or other income sources in Canada.

Number of Family Members	Funds Required (in Canadian dollars) (Effective May 28, 2024)
1	CAD 14,690
2	CAD 18,288
3	CAD 22,483
4	CAD 27,297
5	CAD 30,690
6	CAD 34,917
7	CAD 38,875
Each additional member	CAD 3,958

 

Canada PR Visa Processing Times

The Canada PR visa processing time varies depending on the immigration program under which you apply. Typically, it ranges from 6 to 8 months for most applications, but some programs like the Canadian Experience Class may process applications faster, often within 3 to 4 months. Processing times can be influenced by factors such as application completeness, background checks, and volume of applications.
 

Factors influencing Canada PR visa

• The processing time varies depending on the immigration program you apply under, such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program.
• Submitting a complete and accurate application with all required documents helps avoid delays.
• Background and security checks can take time and influence the overall processing duration.
• A high volume of applications can slow down processing times due to increased workload.
• The timing and results of medical examinations also impact how quickly your application is processed.
   

Y-Axis - Top Immigration Consultants in Canada

Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Canada, offers customized and tailored immigration services for every client based on their requirements. Some of our services include:

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