Applying for a Canada PR (Permanent Residency) gives you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely, along with access to universal healthcare, social benefits, and strong legal protections. Canada is actively increasing its immigration targets to support economic growth and address labor shortages across various sectors.
Canada PR Latest Updates and Benefits for Immigrants:
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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. |
Canada offers multiple immigration pathways to permanent residency, each tailored to different candidate profiles such as skilled workers, families, entrepreneurs, and region-specific needs. Below are the main PR options:
What it is: A federal, points-based system that ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invites the top-scoring profiles to apply for PR.
Programs in Express Entry:
Why it’s popular: Offers fast processing (target of 6 months), frequent invitation rounds, and transparent CRS scoring.
What they are: Immigration programs run by Canada’s provinces and territories that nominate candidates to meet local labor market needs. A PNP nomination adds +600 CRS points in Express Entry, almost guaranteeing an invitation.
Examples of PNP Streams:
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): A job-offer driven pathway to attract workers to Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador).
Other Notable Pilots:
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used under Canada’s Express Entry program to evaluate and rank candidates in the pool. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience, and adaptability. Additional points are available for a provincial nomination, Canadian education, or a valid job offer. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points, and candidates with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
CRS Points Distribution
| CRS Category | Key Components | Max Points (Primary Candidate) | Max Points (With Spouse) |
| Core/Human Capital | Age, education, first official language, Canadian work experience | 500 | 460 |
| Spouse Factors | Spouse education, language, Canadian work experience | — | 40 |
| Skill Transferability | Education + language/work, foreign work + language | 100 | 100 |
| Additional Points | Provincial nomination (+600), job offer (50/200), Canadian study (15/30), French (25/50), sibling (15) | 600 | 600 |
| Total Possible CRS |
| 1,200 | 1,200 |
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.
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 prepare a complete set of documents to ensure smooth processing of their Canada PR application. Below is an organized checklist grouped by category.
- Valid passports (for all applicants)
- Birth certificates
- Marriage, divorce, or adoption documents (if applicable)
- Recent digital photographs meeting IRCC specifications
- Academic degrees, diplomas, and transcripts
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign education
- Professional licences or trade certificates (required for FSTP applicants)
- Employer reference letters (duties, position, hours, salary)
- Employment contracts and pay slips
- T4s/NOAs for Canadian experience
- Bank statements covering the last 6 months
- Fixed deposits, investment certificates, or official bank letters
- Funds must be liquid and readily available
- Completed electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR)
- Government processing fees and Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
- Biometrics payment receipts
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.
Below are the Canada PR application processes:
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.
The journey to Canadian permanent residency follows a clear process, from checking eligibility to receiving your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Below is a simplified timeline with approximate durations to help you plan effectively.
Step 1: Eligibility (1–3 weeks)
Confirm that you qualify under one of the pathways (FSWP, FSTP, CEC, or PNP). Book your language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) and order an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education is from outside Canada.
Step 2: Profile Creation (4–10+ weeks)
Gather your test scores and ECA results, then create your Express Entry profile online. Once submitted, your profile enters the candidate pool and is ranked via the CRS.
Step 3: Invitation to Apply (ITA) (Timing varies)
Monitor Express Entry draws. Strong CRS scores or a provincial nomination (+600 CRS) increase your chances. Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application.
Step 4: Application Submission (2–6 weeks to compile)
Prepare and upload all required forms and supporting documents. Pay government fees, provide biometrics, and complete a medical exam.
Step 5: Processing to COPR (≈6–12 months)
IRCC reviews your application, verifies documents, and conducts background checks. If approved, you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), allowing you to move to Canada as a permanent resident.
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.
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 |
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 |
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:
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 | 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 |
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.
The processing time for a Canada Permanent Residence (PR) application varies based on the type of immigration program you're applying through. Here are the estimated processing times for some of the common PR pathways:
| Type of PR Visa | Processing Time |
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class) | 6 to 12 months |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 6 to 18 months |
| Family Sponsorship | 12 to 24 months |
| Quebec-selected Skilled Worker | 12 to 18 months |
| Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) | 6 to 12 months |
| Caregiver Program | 12 to 24 months |
| 68,541 Invitations Issued in 2025 | |||||||||
| Express Entry/ Province Draw | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | August | Total |
| Express Entry | 5821 | 11,601 | 13,261 | 1246 | 2511 | 7,405 | 7,558 | 6,417 | 55,820 |
| Manitoba | 325 | 117 | 219 | 4 | 118 | 528 | 86 | 114 | 1,511 |
| British Columbia | 10 | NA | 13 | NA | 108 | NA | 17 | 16 | 164 |
| Ontario | 4 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3791 | NA | 468 | 4263 |
| Alberta | NA | 551 | 17 | 246 | 414 | 291 | 433 | 693 | 2645 |
| Prince Edward Island | 22 | 87 | 124 | NA | 168 | 52 | 39 | 132 | 624 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | NA | NA | NA | 256 | 733 | NA | 300 | 433 | 1931 |
| New Brunswick | NA | NA | 498 | 477 | NA | 608 | NA | NA | 1583 |
| Total | 6,182 | 12,356 | 14,132 | 2429 | 4052 | 12,675 | 8,642 | 8,273 | 68,541 |
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:
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The primary pathways for Canada PR are given below:
| Pathway | Description |
| Express Entry | Federal system managing skilled workers through the FSW, FST, and CEC programs. |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Provinces nominate candidates with skills aligned to local labor market needs. |
| Start-Up Visa Program | For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas supported by designated Canadian investors. |
| Self-Employed Program | For individuals with cultural or athletic experience who can contribute to Canada’s economy. |
| Family Sponsorship | Allows Canadian citizens or PRs to sponsor spouses, partners, children, or parents. |
| Quebec Immigration Programs | Separate system for skilled workers and business immigrants who wish to settle in Quebec. |
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used under Canada’s Express Entry immigration program to rank candidates in the pool. It evaluates applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, adaptability, and additional factors like provincial nomination or job offers. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points, and candidates with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Detailed information about the points distribution system for Canada PR is given below:
| Category | Criteria | Points |
| Age | 20–29 years | Up to 110 (single) / 100 (with spouse) |
| Education | Doctoral/PhD | Up to 150 |
| Master’s / Professional degree | — | Up to 135 |
| Bachelor’s degree | — | Up to 120 |
| First Official Language (English/French) | CLB 9+ (speaking, listening, reading, writing) | Up to 136 (single) / 128 (with spouse) |
| Second Official Language | CLB 5+ | Up to 24 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 5+ years | Up to 80 (single) / 70 (with spouse) |
| Foreign Work Experience | 3+ years | Up to 50 (transferability) |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner Factors | Education + Language + Canadian Work Experience | Up to 40 |
| Skill Transferability | Combination of education, language, and experience | Up to 100 |
| Additional Points | Provincial Nomination | 600 |
| Valid job offer (NOC 0, 1, 2, 3) | — | 50 |
| Valid job offer (senior/managerial) | — | 200 |
| Canadian study experience | — | 15–30 |
| French language proficiency (CLB 7+) | — | 25–50 |
| Sibling in Canada | — | 15 |
| Maximum CRS Score | — | 1,200 |
Yes, you can get Canada PR even without a job offer. But, you may have to get a job offer if you apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Yes, at least an IELTS score of 6.0 for each test section is mandatory for Canada PR.
Canada is a home country to millions of people and is one of the favorite destinations for many professionals to settle and work. It has provided permanent residency to skilled workers even though Canada has over 60 visa programs.
Below are the four visa categories to apply for in 2022:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Quebec Skilled Worker Visa
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Class
For Australians, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) under the Express Entry system is the most affordable way to get Canada PR. This system looks at things like age, education, job history, and language ability, so you don't have to pay high tuition or make big investments
Applying online through Express Entry reduces the additional fees. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are another cheap chance if you have skills that are wanted in certain provinces. Australians can get PR without spending too much if they get their papers ready, meet the language requirements, and watch out for pointless costs.
The various pathways for Australians to get Canada PR are given below:
| Pathway | Description | Best For |
| Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Points-based system assessing age, education, work experience, and language skills. Fast processing (6–12 months). | Skilled professionals with high CRS scores |
| Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) | Provinces nominate candidates with skills in demand locally; adds 600 CRS points for Express Entry. | Applicants with in-demand occupations in specific provinces |
| Family Sponsorship | PR pathway for those with Canadian citizen or PR relatives willing to sponsor them. | Australians with close family in Canada |
| Study Pathway | Study in Canada, then transition to PR through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Canadian work experience. | Students aiming for PR after studies |
| Work Permit to PR | Gain Canadian work experience via a temporary work permit, then apply for PR through Express Entry or PNP. | Skilled workers with Canadian job offers |
One needs 67 points or more out of a total score of 100 points to be considered under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Y-Axis Australia is a popular choice for people applying for Canadian Permanent Residence (PR). They have skilled consultants, clear procedures, and a history of successful applications. Y-Axis offers complete support, including checking if you qualify, setting up your Express Entry profile, preparing documents, submitting your application, and assisting you after you arrive. Their team keeps up with the latest changes to Canadian immigration policies to give you the right advice. As a firm registered with MARA and operating globally, Y-Axis helps clients in Australia understand the Canadian PR process and improve their chances of approval. Many clients pick Y-Axis because of their professional service, personalized guidance, and good results.
Most permanent residency visas in Canada are valid for five years.
To apply for Canadian Permanent Residence from Australia, you generally need:
