Canada is a popular destination for immigrants who want to enjoy a high quality of life, a diverse culture, and a strong economy. Canada welcomes skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, investors, and family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) annually. If you are one of them, you might wonder how to get direct PR in Canada.
PR is a status that grants you the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely, as well as access social benefits and health care. PR also makes you eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting specific requirements.
Best Options For Getting Direct Pr In Canada In 2023
Express Entry Program
The Express Entry program is the most popular and fastest way to get PR in Canada for skilled workers. It is an online system that manages applications for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
To apply through Express Entry, you must create an online profile and provide information about your age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors. You will then receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks you against other candidates in the pool.
Every few weeks, the Canadian government issues invitations to apply (ITAs) for PR to the highest-ranking candidates in the pool. The minimum CRS score required to receive an ITA varies depending on the number of candidates and invitations available. In 2023, the CRS cut-off is expected to be around 470 points.
If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for PR with all the required documents and fees. The processing time for Express Entry applications is usually six months or less.
Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another way to get PR in Canada for skilled workers connected to a specific province or territory. Each province and territory has its own PNP streams that target different occupations, skills, and needs.
To apply through the PNP, you must first obtain a nomination from a province or territory that matches your profile and interests. You can do this by using directly to the area or territory of your choice or by creating an Express Entry profile and indicating your interest in a specific province or territory.
Once you have a nomination, you can apply for PR through the paper-based or Express Entry-linked process. The paper-based process takes longer than the Express Entry process, but it may have lower CRS or no CRS requirements.
Business Investor Program
The Business Investor Program is a way to get PR in Canada for entrepreneurs and investors who want to start or invest in a business in Canada. This program has two main streams: the Start-up Visa Program and the Self-Employed Persons Program.
The Start-up Visa Program is for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas accepted by a designated organization in Canada, such as an angel investor group, a venture capital fund, or a business incubator. You must also meet certain language and education requirements and have enough money to settle in Canada.
The Self-Employed Persons Program is for individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who can significantly contribute to the Canadian economy or culture through their work. You must also meet specific selection criteria based on knowledge, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability.
Both streams require you to apply for PR with all the required documents and fees. The processing time for these streams varies depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications.
Work Permit
A work permit is not a direct way to get PR in Canada, but it can help you gain valuable Canadian work experience that can boost your chances of getting PR through other programs. A work permit allows you to work in Canada temporarily for a specific employer or occupation.
To get a work permit, you need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the government. An LMIA is a document showing a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian worker can do the job.
You also need to meet certain eligibility requirements based on your country of origin, occupation, education, language skills, and health and security status. You need to apply for a work permit before you enter Canada or at a port of entry if you are eligible.
A work permit usually lasts for the duration of your job offer or contract, up to four years. You can extend or change your work permit if you meet certain conditions. You can apply for an open work permit for any employer in Canada if you are eligible.
Study Visa
A study visa is another indirect way to get PR in Canada for students who want to pursue their education in Canada. A study visa allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for up to six months per course or program.
To get a study visa, you need to have an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada that offers an eligible program of study. You also need to prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. You must also meet certain health and security requirements and show that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your studies.
A study visa also allows you to work part-time on-campus or off-campus during your studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. If you meet specific criteria, you can also apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after completing your studies. A PGWP allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your program.
Having Canadian education and work experience can help you qualify for PR through programs like Express Entry or PNP.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a way to get PR in Canada for skilled workers and international graduates who want to live and work in one of the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
To apply through the AIPP, you need a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. You must also meet specific requirements for education, language, and work experience, depending on the stream you are applying for. There are three streams under the AIPP: the Atlantic High-Skilled Program, the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program, and the Atlantic International Graduate Program.
You also need a settlement plan outlining how you will adjust to life in Canada and access support services. You must also have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.
You can apply for PR online or by mail after you receive an endorsement letter from the province that confirms your eligibility. The processing time for AIPP applications is usually 12 months or less.
As you can see, there are many ways to get direct PR in Canada in 2023. The best option for you depends on your skills, qualifications, goals, and preferences. You can use online tools like the Come to Canada tool or the CRS calculator to check your eligibility and score for different programs.
You can also consult a professional immigration consultant or lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you avoid any mistakes or delays. Getting PR in Canada can be a life-changing opportunity that offers many benefits and possibilities for you and your family.