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.
Permanent Residency (PR) status allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada on a long-term basis. PR holders enjoy many of the same rights as citizens, including access to public healthcare and education, with the option to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting eligibility criteria.
A Permanent Resident (PR) is a non‑Canadian citizen officially authorized to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. While PR holders enjoy many of the same rights as citizens such as access to public health care and education, they cannot vote, hold Canadian passports, or occupy certain public sector jobs.
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.
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.
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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 offers multiple pathways to permanent residence:
Note: Each pathway implements its own eligibility criteria and processing process.
Express Entry is a points-based immigration system designed for skilled workers. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
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.
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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:
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Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, partner, children, parents, or grandparents for PR under the family reunification category.
Aimed at skilled workers and graduates settling in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island) with employer support.
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!
To be eligible for Canada PR, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
To keep your PR status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within any rolling five-year period. These days need not be continuous. Time spent abroad may count if you are accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or being employed full-time by a Canadian organization abroad. Failure to meet this rule may lead to revocation of PR status through legal proceedings.
Key requirements for Canada PR include:
The table below has the list of documents required for a Canada PR visa:
| Document | Purpose |
| Valid passport | Proof of identity and nationality |
| Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP) | Proof of English or French proficiency |
| Educational Credential Assessment | To verify foreign qualifications |
| Work experience letters | Confirmation of skilled work history |
| Police clearance certificates | Security background check |
| Medical exam results | Proof of good health status |
| Proof of funds | Financial self-sufficiency (unless exempt) |
| Marriage/birth certificates | For family members being included |
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 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.
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.
The following organizations are designated by the IRCC to provide Educational Credential Assessments (ECA):
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 | Proof of funds |
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| If more than 7 people, for each additional family member | $4,112 |
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.
The table below has details of the average processing time and the application fees for each PR pathway:
| PR Pathway | Estimated Processing Time | Application Fees (CAD) |
| Express Entry | 6 months | Principal applicant: $1,365 |
| PNP via Express Entry | 6–9 months | Principal applicant: $1,365 |
| Family Sponsorship | 12 months | Sponsor & spouse: $1,365 |
| Child: $230 per dependent |
The Permanent Resident card serves as both identification and a travel document. It is typically valid for 5 years, or sometimes one year in initial cases. To renew the card, you must demonstrate compliance with the residency obligation (having met the 730-day rule). Renewal is required before expiry to ensure you can re-enter Canada.
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.
| Factor | Permanent Resident (PR) | Temporary Resident (TR) | Canadian Citizen |
| Validity | Indefinite, with renewal of PR Card | Limited (work or study permit duration) | Indefinite, no need for renewal |
| Residency Requirement | Must meet 730-days in 5-year rule | No PR residency requirement | None |
| Right to Vote | NA | NA | Yes |
| Access to Benefits | Yes (healthcare, pensions) | Limited or none | Yes |
| Travel Document | PR Card or PRTD required for re-entry by plane or ship | Visa or permit | Canadian Passport |
| Sponsorship Ability | Can sponsor eligible relatives once eligible | Not eligible | Can sponsor eligible relatives |
| Citizenship Eligibility | Yes, after meeting requirements | No | N/A |
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:
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A Canada PR visa lets you live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. It does not grant you citizenship, but gives you many of the same rights, including healthcare and social benefits. A Canada PR visa once issued is valid for up to 5 years and can qualify you for citizenship after residing in the country for maximum of 3 years.
To get Canada PR, you must first determine your eligibility based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Step 1: Check eligibility based on age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Step 2: Gather required documents like ECA, language test results, and ID.
Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile or apply via PNP or family sponsorship.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply if eligible.
Step 5: Submit your complete application with documents, medical exams, and police certificates.
Step 6: Pay application and permanent residence fees.
Step 7: Wait for approval and receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and PR card.
Requirements for Canada PR include meeting age and education criteria, demonstrating language proficiency (English or French) through approved tests, completing an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees, passing medical and security background checks, providing proof of funds to support yourself and dependents, and submitting all required documents with application fees. Specific criteria vary depending on the immigration program chosen. Applicants must also comply with residency obligations to maintain their permanent resident status once granted.
No, permanent residents in Canada cannot vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections. Voting rights are reserved for Canadian citizens only. While permanent residents enjoy many benefits similar to citizens, such as the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, access to healthcare, and social services, they do not have the right to participate in the electoral process or hold certain political offices. To gain voting rights, permanent residents must apply for and become Canadian citizens after meeting residency and other eligibility requirements.
Canada PR points are calculated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) under the Express Entry program. Points are awarded based on factors such as:
Higher language test scores and Canadian work experience increase points. Spouse or common-law partner factors also contribute. The CRS ranks candidates against others in the pool, and those with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
The cost of Canada PR varies but typically ranges from CAD 2,500 to CAD 3,000. This includes application processing fees for the principal applicant and accompanying family members, the right of permanent residence fee, medical exams, language tests, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) fees, police certificates, and other related expenses. Fees differ depending on the immigration program and number of dependents. It is important to budget for all these costs to avoid delays. Some fees, like the right of permanent residence fee, can be paid after application approval but paying upfront can speed processing.
A Canada PR visa is valid for five years from the date of issue. Permanent residents must renew their PR card every five years to maintain valid proof of status. However, the actual permanent resident status does not expire if residency obligations are met. To maintain PR status, permanent residents must live in Canada for at least two years within every five-year period. Failure to meet residency requirements can result in loss of permanent resident status. PR status allows indefinite residence in Canada as long as these conditions are fulfilled.
Canada PR draws are conducted regularly, often every two weeks, by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through programs like Express Entry. The exact date for the next draw is announced by IRCC and depends on immigration targets and current CRS score cutoffs. Candidates in the Express Entry pool receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) based on their CRS scores during these draws. To stay updated, regularly check the official IRCC website or trusted immigration news sources for announcements regarding upcoming draw dates and minimum CRS score requirements.
No Canadian province guarantees easy PR as each Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has specific eligibility criteria based on labor market needs. However, provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia often have streams with lower CRS score requirements or targeted occupations that may offer easier pathways. Some provinces allow applications without a job offer or prior connection, increasing accessibility. Eligibility depends on factors like skills, work experience, and education. Researching specific PNP streams and their criteria is essential to identify provinces that best match your profile for a higher chance of nomination and PR.
Yes, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is commonly required to demonstrate English language proficiency for Canada PR applications, especially under Express Entry and other economic immigration programs. Applicants must take the IELTS General Training test and achieve minimum scores specified by the immigration program. Alternatively, French language proficiency can be demonstrated through tests like TEF Canada. Language test results are critical for eligibility and CRS scoring, so preparing and obtaining good scores in IELTS or equivalent tests is essential for a successful Canada PR application
To get Canadian citizenship, you need to meet these requirements:
No, Canada PR is not the same as Canadian citizenship. Canada PR allows individuals to live and work in the country for an indefinite period of time without having any voting rights. Canadian citizenship on the other hand, is a permanent immigration status that comes with voting rights and a passport amongst other benefits. While both, Canada PR and citizenship come with its own set of requirements, PR holders must meet certain criteria in order to fulfill and maintain their status.
To be eligible for a Canada PR, the applicant must score at least 67 points on the points grid. Some of the other eligibility factors include Age, language proficiency test scores, ECA report, proof of sufficient funds and a job offer in the country.
The Canada PR visa is valid for five years, allowing candidates to live, work or study in the country. Canada PR holders who fulfill all the requirements and follow the PR guidelines can maintain their PR status in Canada. Eligible candidates who meet the criteria can even qualify to apply for the Canadian citizenship.
Canada offers many immigration pathways for individuals who are keen on applying for a Canada permanent residence. Some of the most popular immigration programs are, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Economic Immigration pathway, Family sponsorship, business immigration or via humanitarian programs.
The primary residency requirement for a person with Canada permanent residence is for them to physically be present in the country for a period of 730 days. The person must have resided in Canada for at least 2 out of 3 years to ensure the PR status is not lost.
Yes, the Canada PR status can be revoked if the PR holder the candidate violates any of the immigration or PR polices, fails to fulfill the residency obligations, has acquired the PR status via false or illegal methods and is involved in criminal activities.
You can request for a re-issue of the Canada PR card and apply for a new one. You can follow the steps given below to apply for a new PR card if you have lost the previous one.
Step 1: Arrange the list of documents
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Step 3: Pay the required fees
Step 4: Submit the application
Step 5: Wait for the status of your PR card
The processing time for a Canada PR takes around 6-8 months and may differ based on the type of immigration program. It could take around 77 days to process a new PR card while the renewal or replacement process of a Canada PR card can take 73 days.
Yes, you can convert Canada PR to Canada citizenship upon meeting the eligibility requirements. Canada PR is one of the major requirements to apply for a citizenship. PR holders can qualify to apply for citizenship if they are not involved in any criminal offences, have a removal order from Canadian officials or have incomplete conditions related to the Canada PR status. It is advised to review the checklist of documents for Canada PR before applying or citizenship.
The difficulty of acquiring a Canada PR depends on the several factors like eligibility criteria, the type of immigration program, the required documentation, the application process, changes in the immigration policies and rules etc. Candidates who meet the Canada PR requirements and fulfill the eligibility criteria will stand a better chance of acquiring a PR in Canada.
To speed up the process of your Canada PR application, ensure that you duly fill the visa application with accurate information and on time. You can also apply for Canadian immigration programs like Global Talent Stream or Express Entry for faster processing of PR applications.
For faster processing of Canada PR application, you must:
Apply under Express Entry, Global Skills Strategy, or Global Talent Stream.
To maintain your Permanent Resident (PR) status in Canada, you must meet the following residency obligations:
To maintain permanent resident status in Canada, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within a rolling five-year period. These 730 days do not have to be continuous. Certain exceptions apply—time spent abroad may count if you are:
