Most Canadian immigrants don’t know the next step to take after their visa applications have been granted. Some other immigrants might know the next step of action but are confused about how to go about it. In general, Canada accepts a very high number of immigrants yearly. These immigrants move to Canada for various reasons, such as work, school, refuge, and tourism. After immigrating to Canada, the next action step is applying for Canadian Permanent Residency.
In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know to get started with understanding the Canada permanent residence visa requirements, including:
- Eligibility requirements for a Canada Permanent Residence Visa
- Categories of Permanent Resident Visa
- Canadian Permanent Resident Visa Processing Times
Read on to learn more about Canada permanent residence visa requirements and other required documents.
What is a Canada Permanent Resident Visa?
A permanent visa is a visa issued by the government to immigrants in Canada to enable them to live in Canada for an indefinite amount of time but not as an official citizen of Canada. Unlike other Canadian visas, which expire at some point, the Canadian permanent residence visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years.
Unlike Canadian citizens, immigrants enjoy certain benefits in Canada when they become permanent residents. When an immigrant is granted permanent residency in Canada, they are given a Permanent residence card.
Furthermore, it is important to note that after three years of stay and work, you can change your PR status to that of a Canadian citizen. This will enable you to obtain a PR card.
Canada Permanent Residence Visa Requirements
Various categories enable you to get your permanent residence status in Canada. Getting a permanent residence qualifies you also to get a permanent residence card. This card will authenticate that you are a Canadian permanent resident. Let’s look at all the Canada permanent residence visa requirements
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In order to be eligible for a Canadian permanent residence visa, you must meet all the Canada permanent resident visa requirements:
- Score 67 immigration points.
- Score the minimum Comprehensive ranking system (CRS) for that year.
The higher your scores in both these categories, the more likely your application will be accepted.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a Canadian PR are divided into two sections, as said in the first paragraph, but this time more precisely.
Immigration points
The Canadian immigration points are based on 6 key factors. Each factor is accorded a certain number of points. You will score higher points if you meet the criteria for some of these factors. The goal of this system is for you to achieve a minimum of 67 points out of 100. The key factors are as follows:
Work experience
PR applicants must have a minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience. However, occupations requiring specific education or licenses to apply for a PR visa are limited.
| Duration of work experience | Maximum points awarded |
| One year | 9 points |
| Two to three years | 11 points |
| Four to five years | 13 points |
| Six years and above | 15 points |
Language proficiency
Applicants are expected to have a reasonable proficiency in English, French, or even both. Hence you will e required to provide proof of a language proficiency test taken by the following language test providers:
- The Canadian English Language proficiency index (CELPIP)
- The international English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- The Test d’evaluation de francais (TEF).
Considering that English is widely spoken in Canada, most immigrants from English-speaking countries tend to choose English as their first official language. As an applicant, you will be tested on four language components: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each of these components has a score point of 6 points. These points will be accessed using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
Educational Qualification
As an applicant, you should have a Canadian or an equivalent educational qualification. The Canadian educational system should recognize your qualification. You may also meet the qualification specialization requirements described by the NOC code.
| Qualification | Maximum points awarded |
| University degree at Ph.D. level or equivalent | 25 points |
| University degree at Master’s level or equivalent | 23 points |
| University entry-to-practice degree or equivalent | 23 points |
| Two or more Canadian post-secondary degrees/diplomas, with one lasting a duration of 3 years | 22 points |
| A Canadian post-secondary school degree lasting 3 years or more | 21 points |
| A Canadian post-secondary school degree lasting 2 years or more | 19 points |
| A Canadian post-secondary school degree lasting 1 year or more | 15 points |
| A Canadian high school diploma or its equivalent | 5 points |
Arranged employment
In this category, if you have been offered a job offer in Canada or have been working a full-time or permanent job in the country listed as a Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B on Canada’s National Occupation Classification List. You will be awarded a maximum of 10 points under this category.
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Adaptability and proof of funds
The adaptability category enables you and your accompanying spouse/partner to receive 10 points. However, in the proof of funds category, you should have at least CAD 12,960 per person before applying for PR.
Age
Applicants are eligible to apply for PR from age 18 to age 49. However, applicants from the age group of 25-35 are given the top priority.
| Ages | Points |
| Under 18 years | 0 |
| 18-35 years | 12 |
| 36 years | 11 |
| 37 years | 10 |
| 38 years | 9 |
| 39 years | 8 |
| 40 years | 7 |
| 41 years | 6 |
| 42 years | 5 |
| 43 years | 4 |
| 44 years | 3 |
| 45 years | 2 |
| 46 years | 1 |
| 47 years or older | 0 |
Comprehensive ranking system (CRS) points
When it comes to your CRS score, there are three factors you have to consider:
1. Core or Human Capital
The core or Human Capital category looks at your age, education, experience, etc. With or without a spouse or common-law Partner. Ideally, the CRS points awarded to individuals with a spouse or common-law partner is 500 points, while for individuals without a spouse or common-law partner is 460 points. These points are awarded based on the earlier criteria, including age, education, experience, etc.
2. Skill Transferability Factor
The Skill Transferability Factor looks at your Canadian work experience or foreign work experience, language ability, etc. These factors ideally total up to 100 points.
3. Additional Factors
Additional factors include Canadian job offers, provincial nomination, etc. These factors ideally total up to 600 points.
Additional Documents Needed for a Canadian PR Visa
Applying for your Canadian permanent residency requires the submission of a lot of documents. Some of the Canada permanent residency visa requirements you will be asked to provide include the following;
- Valid Passport
- Driver’s License
- Government Body-Issued Identity Cards
- Proof Of Funds
- ECA or Educational Credential Assessment
- Originals and photocopies of all relevant documents
- Certified translation of documents that are not written in English
- Language Test results (preferably IELTS)
- Skills Assessment Test Report
- Sponsorship letters, personal identification letters, recommendation letters or similar documents
Your Canadian permanent residency visa requirements all depend on the immigration route you have chosen.
Canada Permanent Residence Visa Requirements Categories
Many channels aid immigrants in acquiring their Canadian permanent residency visa. These channels include:
- Express Entry Immigration.
- Family Sponsorship.
- Quebec Skilled Immigration Program.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
- Study Visa.
- Business Immigration Program.
- Humanitarian and Compassion grounds.
- Work Permit.
- Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
Each channel has individual permanent residency processing times, conditions, categories and requirements.
Additional Tips and Consideration for Canada Permanent Residence Visa Requirements
You have a higher chance at Canadian permanent residency visa requirements if you:
- Uploading authentic documents as false documents will get you disqualified.
- Be in the right age range to apply for permanent residency.
- Be sure to respond to your Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Choose a channel of immigration that enables you to get your permanent residency easily.
- Be sure to fill out your visa application forms correctly.
- Cautiously satisfy all that is required of you on the Canada permanent residence visa requirements.
Canadian Permanent Resident Visa Processing Times
It takes about 6 to 8 months to process your Canada from your country of origin after receiving your ITA (Invitation to Apply). However, the processing time for most Canadian permanent residencies depends on the immigration program you applied for.
Final Thoughts on Canada Permanent Residence Visa Requirements
Applying for a Canadian permanent residency visa is quite easy if done properly. It is important to note that PR allocations are attributed to certain Canadian provinces based on their immigrant population and the number of applicants. Provinces like Ontario and Quebec usually get higher amounts of permanent residencies issued to them. Get started with all the Canada permanent residence visa requirements and be optimistic about easily acquiring your Canadian permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions on Canada Permanent Residence Visa Requirements
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