Introduction
To apply for permanent residence in Canada, first you need to make sure you’re eligible. Canada welcomes immigrants under several programs, each with their own criteria.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This program is for those with skills, work experience, and language abilities that will contribute to Canada’s economy. To qualify:
- You must have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in the last 10 years in one of Canada’s target occupations. Target occupations are managerial, professional, technical and skilled tradesperson roles that are in demand.
- Meet the language requirement by taking an approved language test and achieving a minimum score. The score required depends on the skill type of your target job.
- Have enough funds to settle in Canada, currently at least $12,960 for a family of 1-2 and $16,135 for a family of 3 or more.
Canadian Experience Class
If you have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, you may be eligible for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class. You must:
- Have gained your experience in Canada with proper work authorization (work permit) in a skilled occupation.
- Achieve a minimum language score on an approved language test, depending on your target occupation.
- Intend to continue working in Canada, but not necessarily in the same job.
- Have enough settlement funds.
As long as you meet one of the programs’ criteria, you can then proceed to the application process. Double check which documents you’ll need and start gathering them. With a bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to calling Canada home!
Choose Your Immigration Program
To apply for permanent residence in Canada, the first step is choosing which immigration program is the best fit for your situation.
There are several options to consider:
1. Express Entry
Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Express Entry uses a points-based system to assess candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, etc. and ranks them relative to other candidates. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
PNPs allow participating provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Each PNP has their own eligibility criteria based on local labor market needs. Candidates need to apply to the PNP of the province they want to settle in.
3. Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members to immigrate to Canada including spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. The sponsor must meet certain income requirements and commit to providing financial support for the relative they are sponsoring.
4. Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
This program considers applicants who do not qualify under traditional immigration programs. Applicants must demonstrate that their circumstances warrant an exemption from normal requirements due to humanitarian and compassionate considerations. Factors like establishment in Canada, hardship in the country of origin, health conditions, family in Canada, etc. are considered.
Gather Documents for Your Permanent Residence Application
To apply for permanent residence in Canada, you’ll need to gather several important documents to include in your application. Having all the necessary paperwork ready will help ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible.
1. Proof of identity
You’ll need to provide government-issued ID for yourself and any family members included in your application, such as passports, birth certificates, or national ID cards. Make sure all documents are current and not expired.
2. Language test results
If you need to prove your language ability in English or French, include the results of an approved language test like the IELTS or CELPIP. Your test scores must meet the minimum level required for the immigration program you’re applying under.
3. Proof of funds
To show you can support yourself and your family after you immigrate, provide bank statements, investment statements, pay stubs, tax returns, or other financial documents demonstrating you meet the minimum fund requirement.
4. Job offers or experience
If you have a Canadian job offer or job experience that qualifies you for express entry, provide a copy of the offer letter from your employer or documents outlining your work experience, education, skills, and credentials.
5. Relationship status documents
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, provide a marriage or common-law relationship certificate to prove your relationship status. For dependent children, submit birth certificates showing your relationship.
6. Medical exam results
Undergo an immigration medical exam from an approved doctor. The exam checks for health conditions that could cause an excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services. Include the report provided by the doctor with your application.
7. Police certificates
Obtain police certificates from each country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18 to show you have no criminal record. The certificates must be issued within the last 12 months at the time you apply.
Submit Your Application and Fees
Once you’ve gathered all the required documents for your permanent residence application, it’s time to submit everything to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This final step requires paying the necessary fees and ensuring your application is complete before mailing it in.
1. Application Forms
Double check that you have filled out all the necessary application forms completely and accurately. For most permanent residence programs, you will need to submit Form IMM 0008, Application for Permanent Residence. Be sure to use the most up-to-date version of the form from the IRCC website. Submit one form for yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, and any dependent children.
2. Fees
Application fees must be paid for each applicant. Fees can be paid by credit card, certified check, money order, or bank draft. As of 2021, the fee for a principal applicant is $1,325 CAD. Fees for spouses and dependent children are $475 CAD. These fees may change, so check the IRCC website for the latest amounts.
3. Mailing Your Application
Once you have the forms completed, documents gathered, and fees paid, you are ready to mail your permanent residence application. Use a sturdy envelope and send by registered mail or courier to ensure tracking and delivery confirmation. Mail the application to the IRCC Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The exact mailing address can be found on the IRCC website.
4. Next Steps
After mailing your application, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt letter from IRCC, usually within 2 weeks. This confirms they have received your application. The processing time will vary depending on the specific permanent residence program, but most applications currently take 12 months for a final decision. You will be contacted if any further information or documents are needed to process your application.
Prepare for the Next Steps After You Apply
Once your application has been submitted, there are a few next steps to be aware of in the process.
1. Wait for Acknowledgment of Receipt
Within a few days of applying, you’ll receive an email acknowledging IRCC received your application. This means they’re reviewing your application and documents to ensure everything is in order before processing begins.
2. Medical Exam
If you haven’t already completed your medical exam, you’ll receive a letter from IRCC within 30 to 90 days of applying with further instructions to complete it. The exam checks for any health conditions that could pose a risk to public health or safety or cause excessive demand on health and social services.
3. Background Checks
Both you and any family members 18 years of age or older included in your application will go through security and criminal background checks. IRCC will check records in Canada and possibly other countries where you’ve lived.
4. Interview
Some applicants may be required to attend an interview to verify information provided in the application and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the program. Interviews can happen up to 18 months after applying. Be prepared to answer questions about your work experience, language ability, settlement plans, etc.
5. Decision Made
Once all background checks and medical exams have been completed and reviewed, a final decision will be made on your application. This can take 6 months to 2+ years depending on the specific program. You’ll receive either:
- An approval letter: Congratulations! Your application has been approved. Next steps will be provided to finalize your permanent residence.
- A refusal letter: Unfortunately, your application has been denied. The letter will provide reasons for the refusal and options to appeal the decision if applicable.
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Conclusion
The key during this waiting period is patience. Processing times can vary, but you can check the IRCC website for the latest updates. While waiting, ensure your passport and other documents remain valid, and notify IRCC of any changes to your application information. With luck, you’ll receive that approval letter and can finally become a permanent resident of Canada!