Canada Permanent Residence Pathway: A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply: Canada offers several pathways for individuals to obtain Permanent Residence (PR), allowing them to live, work, and remain in Canada indefinitely. For different nationals, including Nigerians, the process involves selecting the most suitable immigration program (there are a handful of them), meeting eligibility requirements, and submitting a complete application. Below is a detailed explanation of the main pathways and how you can apply for Canadian PR.
This post provides essential information about PR in Canada, but it’s important to remember that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) frequently updates pathways, making amendments, and introducing new programs. To ensure you have the latest and most accurate details, it’s wise to consult a trusted travel consultant like EF Global Travels for expert guidance in choosing the best immigration route tailored to your needs.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Eligibility:
At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years. It is suitable if you are experienced and currently have a job. That way, you earn more points to be eligible to apply.
Meet the minimum language requirements. That is, Canadian Language Benchmark 7 (CLB 7) in English or French. This is equivalent to 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or d’Evaluation de Francais (TEF).
Have a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Score at least 67 out of 100 on the FSWP points grid. The points you score are based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Eligibility:
At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years. It is also expected you remain at this job at the time of applying, as that will allow you to earn more points.
Meet language requirements; that is, CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Eligibility:
At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years. It is expected that you have gone to Canada and obtained work experience to make it to the CEC Express Entry route
Meet language requirements. That is, CLB 7 for National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0 or A jobs, and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
How to Apply via Express Entry:
1. Check Eligibility: Use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator to determine your eligibility and CRS score. Use this link to check your eligibility:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score.html
2. Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit your profile online, including details about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors. The link below will guide you in creating your profile.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough, you will receive an ITA during a draw from the Express Entry pool.
4. Submit a Complete Application: After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete PR application, including supporting documents. You will be guided by IRCC on how to submit a complete application once you receive ITA.
Wait for a Decision: Processing times are typically 6 months plus or minus.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a specific province. Canada has 10 provinces, and each province has its streams and criteria.
How to Apply via PNP:
1. Choose a Province: Research the PNP streams available in the province where you want to settle.
2. Apply for a nomination: Submit an application to the province. If nominated, you will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate.
3. Apply for PR: If nominated through a non-Express Entry stream, submit a paper-based PR application. If nominated through an Express Entry-linked stream, you will receive 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
Also Read: Top 12 Reasons for Canadian Visa Refusals and How to Avoid Them
Family Sponsorship
If you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or PR holder, they may be able to sponsor you for PR. Such family members must be legally residing in Canada to qualify to sponsor you for PR. It is expected that such a family member has to demonstrate their relationship to them before IRCC to make the application successful.
Eligibility:
The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and meet income requirements.
Eligible relationships include spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
How to Apply:
1. Sponsor Applies: Your family member submits a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship.html
2. Submit PR Application: Once the sponsorship is approved, you submit your PR application.
3. Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary depending on the relationship.
Study Permit to PR Pathway
Many Nigerians and other nationals use the study permit route as a pathway to PR. After completing a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can lead to Canadian work experience and eventual PR through Express Entry or a PNP.
Steps:
1. Apply to a Canadian School: Gain admission to a DLI and obtain a study permit.
2. Complete Your Program: Graduate from an eligible program.
3. Apply for a PGWP: Work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation.
4. Gain Work Experience: Use your Canadian work experience to qualify for Express Entry or a PNP.
EF Global Travels is here to guide you through your study permit application, from securing admission to completing your visa process. If you’re finding it challenging to navigate the journey, reach out to them today for expert assistance and a seamless experience!
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is designed for skilled workers and international graduates who want to work and live in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island).
Eligibility:
Have a valid job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province.
Meet language, education, and work experience requirements.
How to Apply:
1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a designated employer.
2. Get Endorsed: The employer works with a settlement organization to endorse your application.
3. Apply for PR: Submit your PR application to IRCC.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
This program encourages immigration to smaller communities in Canada.
Eligibility:
Have a valid job offer from an employer in a participating community.
Meet the community-specific requirements.
How to Apply:
1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from an employer in a participating community.
2. Get Recommended: The community recommends you for PR.
3. Apply for PR: Submit your PR application to IRCC.
General Steps to Apply for Canadian PR
Determine Eligibility: Choose the most suitable pathway and ensure you meet the requirements.
Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as passports, language test results, educational credentials, and proof of work experience.
Submit an Application: Apply online or via paper, depending on the program.
Pay Fees: Pay the required processing fees (e.g., PR application fee, right of permanent residence fee).
Wait for Processing: Processing times vary by program.
Complete Medical and Security Checks: Undergo a medical exam and provide police clearance certificates.
Receive Confirmation of PR (COPR): If approved, you will receive your COPR and can travel to Canada to become a PR.
Key Tips for Most Applicants
Language Proficiency: Take an approved language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French) and aim for a high score.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Get your foreign education assessed by a designated organization (e.g., WES).
Proof of Funds: Ensure you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.
Seek Professional Help: Seek expert guidance from a trusted travel agency like EF Global Travels to navigate the process smoothly and successfully.
By carefully selecting the right pathway and preparing a strong application, you can successfully obtain Canadian Permanent Residence and build a new life in Canada.
If you need expert guidance to increase your chances of success, EF Global Travels can help! We specialize in Permanent Residence applications, job search assistance, and visa processing to make your dream of moving to Canada a reality.
Contact us today to get started!
📩 efglobaltravels@gmail.com
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