Why apply for a Canada PR? 

Applying for a Canada PR (Permanent Residency) grants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely, with access to healthcare, social benefits, and legal protections. Canada is actively increasing its immigration targets to support economic growth and address labor shortages across various sectors.

• Canada aims to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents annually by 2027.
• Over 1 million job vacancies exist in Canada
• PR visa holders get healthcare coverage and free public education up to secondary level.
• Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship
• Invites 385,000 Canada PRs in 2025
   

*Willing to migrate to Canada? Talk to Y-Axis to complete guidance.
 

What is a Canada PR Visa?

A Canada PR Visa is a document that grants permanent resident status to non-Canadian citizens. This visa is typically valid for five years and allows holders to live, work, and study freely within Canada. PR visa holders can access social benefits and may apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements. The visa is renewable, and holders must maintain their permanent residence status by meeting residency obligations.

Dos	Don’ts
Canada PRs get most of the social benefits to which Canadian citizens are entitled. These include healthcare coverage.	Canada PRs can’t vote or run for any political office.
Canada PRs can live, study, or work anywhere in Canada.	Canada PRs can’t hold specific government jobs requiring high-level security clearance.
Canada PRs can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Canada PRs will be protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadian law.

 

Can immigrants become Permanent Residents of Canada?

Yes, immigrants can become permanent residents of Canada if they meet eligibility criteria under various immigration programs. These include skilled workers, family sponsorship, business immigrants, refugees, and provincial nominees. Applicants must pass assessments based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Once granted PR status, immigrants enjoy many rights similar to Canadian citizens, except voting and holding certain government jobs.

Canadian Permanent Resident Vs. Canada Citizenship

Aspect	Permanent Resident	Canadian Citizen
Right to live/work	Yes	Yes
Access to social benefits	Yes	Yes
Voting rights	No	Yes
Passport	No	Yes
Running for office	No	Yes
Security clearance jobs	No	Yes
Residency requirement	Must live in Canada at least 730 days in 5 years	Must live in Canada at least 3 years in 5 years before applying

 

*Willing to check your eligibility for Canada PR? Avail Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator to check yours.
          

Canada PR Process

The Canada PR process involves several steps, including eligibility assessment, language testing, document preparation, and application submission. The process varies depending on the immigration program chosen.
 

Canada PR via Express Entry

The Express Entry program is a popular pathway for skilled workers. It uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Candidates create an Express Entry profile and enter the Express Entry pool. Periodic draws invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for PR. The Express Entry system includes three programs:
 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
   

Canada PR via PNP

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces to nominate immigrants based on local labor market needs. There are nearly 80 different PNP streams across provinces, each with its own criteria. Some require a job offer or previous connection to the province, while others do not. A provincial nomination can add 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly improving chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Below are the lists of popular PNP program for Canada PR visa:
 

• 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 (NBPNP)
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
   

Canada PR Eligibility

Eligibility varies by program but generally includes age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability factors. Applicants must meet minimum points thresholds and other specific requirements.
 

Here are the eligibility criteria to apply for Canada PR visa:
 

• Applicants must meet minimum point’s thresholds, such as scoring at least 67 points under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
• Language test scores are required, typically a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 on approved tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is needed to verify foreign education equivalence for applicants who studied outside Canada.
• Skilled work experience must be in occupations listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Proof of funds is required to demonstrate financial ability to support initial settlement, with amounts varying by family size.
• Some programs require a Canadian job offer or provincial nomination to qualify.
• Applicants must create an Express Entry profile or apply through other streams like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Canada PR Requirements

• Minimum CRS score (varies by draw)
• Language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) with minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for most programs
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify foreign education equivalence
• Skilled work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) list occupations
• Proof of funds to support initial settlement (amount varies by family size)
   

How to get a Canada Permanent Residency Visa?

Step 1: Complete your language proficiency tests before beginning your application. Take the IELTS exam and achieve the required scores. If applicable, you may also need to take a French language test.
 

Step 2: Submit your application according to the criteria of the chosen immigration program.
 

Step 3: Provide all necessary documents, ensuring they are authentic. Pay special attention to the authentication of your education and work experience certificates.
 

Step 4: Collect the required proof of funds to demonstrate your ability to support yourself in Canada. Also, complete your medical examination and obtain police clearance certificates.
 

Step 5: Your application and documents will be reviewed by an immigration officer. Be ready to supply any additional information if requested.
 

Step 6: Upon approval, you will receive confirmation of your permanent resident status along with your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
 

Step 7: Apply for your PR card and make arrangements to travel to Canada to activate your permanent residency.
 

ECA – Educational Credential Assessment

ECA verifies that foreign educational credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards. It is required for Express Entry applicants who studied outside Canada. Designated organizations like World Education Services (WES) provide ECA reports. The ECA is valid for five years and must be submitted with the PR application.
 

ECA fees

ECA fees vary by organization but generally range from CAD 200 to CAD 300. Additional fees may apply for courier services or extra copies of the report.
 

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada

• Right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada
• Access to healthcare and social benefits
• Protection under Canadian laws and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Pathway to Canadian citizenship
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members for PR
• Access to public education and reduced tuition fees for post-secondary education
• Employment opportunities in a stable economy

Jobs in Canada

Canada has a strong demand for skilled workers in sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades. According to Statistics Canada, over 1 million jobs are available for overseas skilled professionals. The country’s labor market is supported by immigration programs targeting in-demand occupations.

Occupation	Average Salary in CAD
Sales Representative	52,000 - 64,000
Accountant	63,000 - 75,000
Engineering Project Manager	74,000 - 92,000
Business Analyst	73,000 - 87,000
IT Project Manager	92,000 - 114,000
Account Manager	75,000 - 92,000
Software Engineer	83,000 - 99,000
Human Resources	59,000 - 71,000
Customer Service Representative	37,000 - 43,000
Administrative Assistant	37,000 - 46,000

 

IT Jobs in Canada

The IT sector is one of the fastest-growing in Canada, with high demand for software developers, network administrators, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts. Many IT jobs qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class.

List of IT jobs	NOC codes
Developer/Programmer	NOC 21232
Business System Analyst/Administrator	NOC 21221
Data Analyst /Scientist	NOC 21223
Quality Assurance Analyst	NOC 21222
Security Analyst/Architect	NOC 21220
Cloud Architect	NOC 20012
IT Project Manager	NOC 21311
Network Engineer	NOC 22220

 

Total cost for Canada PR visa

The total cost for a Canada PR visa typically ranges between CAD 2,500 and CAD 3,000, depending on the number of applicants and program fees. This includes:

• Application fees for principal applicant and dependents
• Medical examination fees
• Language test fees
• Educational Credential Assessment fees
• Police clearance certificates
• Biometrics fees

Proof of funds requirements also apply, with amounts starting at CAD 14,690 for a single applicant and increasing based on family size.

Number of family members	Current Funds Required	Funds required (in Canadian dollars) Coming into effect May 28, 2024
1	CAD 13,757	CAD 14,690
2	CAD 17,127	CAD 18,288
3	CAD 21,055	CAD 22,483
4	CAD 25,564	CAD 27,297
5	CAD 28,994	CAD 30,690
6	CAD 32,700	CAD 34,917
7	CAD 36,407	CAD 38,875
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member	CAD 3,706	CAD 3,958

 

Canada PR by Investment

The Canada PR visa by investment is for entrepreneurs and investors who want to contribute to the Canadian economy by establishing or investing in a business. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum net worth, make a qualifying investment, demonstrate business experience, and meet language requirements, and pass medical and security checks.
 

• Investment requirements vary by province through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), with different thresholds and criteria.
• Successful applicants receive Canadian permanent resident status, allowing them and their families to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
• Due to the complexity and costs involved, it is recommended to seek unbiased immigration services or consult authorized professionals to ensure compliance.
   

Latest Canada Draws in 2025

43,808 Invitations Issued in 2025
Express Entry/ Province Draw	Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June	Total
Express Entry	5821	11,601	13,261	1246	2511	3,902	38,342
Manitoba	325	117	219	4	118	NA	810
British Columbia	10	NA	13	NA	108	NA	136
Ontario	4	NA	NA	NA	NA	3719	3723
Alberta	NA	551	17	246	414	36	1264
Prince Edward Island	22	87	124	NA	168	NA	569
Newfoundland and Labrador	NA	NA	NA	256	733	NA	989
New Brunswick	NA	NA	498	477	NA	NA	975
Total	6,182	12,356	14,132	2429	4052	7,657	46,808

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis, the world’s best overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements. The impeccable services of Y-Axis 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 counseling; book your slot today
• Complete guidance for Canada PR visa
• Job search services to find related jobs in Canada