Canada is the country of dreams and many immigrants around the world dream of living and working in Canada. Getting a Canadian PR makes it easy to live and work anywhere in Canada.
So guys, today we’re going to talk about how to get Canadian permanent residency.
Benefits of Canadian PR
Once you have Canadian PR:
- You can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
- You can get study loans for higher education.
- It will be easy for you to get jobs.
- You can get social benefits such as healthcare, maternity leave payments, and unemployment allowance.
- You can apply for Canadian citizenship (Canadian passport is very strong).
Express Entry Overview
We will talk about Express Entry as it is one of the most popular and the best ways to become a permanent resident in Canada.
What we will do:
- First talk about Express Entry.
- Then describe the step-by-step process.
- Cover eligibility criteria, CRS score, cost, and processing times.
Once you follow all these steps, you can apply for a Canadian PR yourself.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system which manages immigration applications from skilled workers.
There are three immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class – for those who have Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – for those who have foreign work experience.
- Federal Skills Trade Program – for qualified trades such as carpentry, plumbing, etc.
Most people living abroad will apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The best thing is you don’t need Canadian work experience at all.
Steps to Apply for PR (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Language testing
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- You can do both of these steps together to speed up the process.
- Create profile in Express Entry system
- Without completing language test and ECA, you can’t create a profile.
- Wait for Express Entry draws → if your score is higher than the cutoff, you will be invited to apply for PR.
- Arrange documents, submit application, and visa approval
Language Testing
Canada has two official languages: English and French.
To get PR you need to show you can communicate in either French or English:
- English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP General.
- French: TEF or TCF Canada.
Validity of these tests is 2 years. Cost depends on location.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
ECA is an assessment of your foreign degree to make sure it is equal to a Canadian degree.
Five organizations can verify your degree:
- WES (World Education Services)
- ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service of Canada)
- CES (Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto)
- IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)
- ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service)
👉 WES is the most popular as it is the fastest.
Processing time: 2–6 months.
Cost: $200–250 CAD.
If you have a Canadian degree, you don’t need ECA.
Creating Express Entry Profile
Once you have:
- English language score, and
- ECA report
You can create a profile in the Express Entry system using your NOC code (based on your job and profession). Without NOC code, you cannot create a profile.
Steps:
- Create a GCKey user ID and password.
- Start an application → Apply to come to Canada.
- Select Express Entry and follow steps.
You will score points (CRS). If your score is higher than the cutoff, you will be invited to apply (ITA).
If your score is below cutoff, you still have a chance through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
👉 Creating a profile is free. You pay only after receiving ITA.
After Receiving ITA (Invitation to Apply)
- You have 60 days to submit documents.
Documents required:
- Experience letter from work
- ECA report
- Language test
- Passport
- Photographs
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate of children
- Proof of funds
- Job offer (if you have one)
- PNP letter (if you have one)
- Medical certificate
- Police certificate
Medical Certificate
- Book appointment with panel physician.
- They provide medical certificate.
Police Certificate
- Obtain from home country or country where you live.
Proof of Funds
- Table shows required funds based on family size.
- Always better to have enough money to start your life in Canada.
Submitting the Application
- Fill the form carefully.
- Review multiple times.
- Upload documents.
- Submit online.
- Pay the fee.
Processing time: 1–6 months (sometimes longer).
Visa Approval & Stamping
- Once visa is approved → get visa stamped on passport through VFS Global near your hometown.
- Submit passport, photos, and approval letter.
- Stamping takes 1–2 weeks.
Eligibility Criteria
For Federal Skilled Worker Program:
- Language: Minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6 in each band). Higher scores = more points.
- Work Experience: One-year continuous in the last 10 years.
- NOC: Must be in skill type 0, A, or B.
- 0 = Management jobs
- A = Professional jobs
- B = Technical jobs
- Job offer: Not required (but makes case stronger).
- Education: At least secondary, higher education gives more points.
CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) Score
CRS is based on multiple factors:
- Age (up to 100 points)
- Education (up to 140 points)
- Language (up to 150 points)
- Canadian work experience (up to 70 points)
You can calculate your CRS points using the official calculator.
Conclusion
So guys, this is the entire step. Now you have achieved your dream and are ready to start your new life in Canada. Book your plane ticket and fly to Canada.
