Canada is a land of opportunities and natural beauty. It is also one of the countries with the most welcoming immigration processes for foreigners who want to migrate to Canada for a better future and career opportunities.
Relocating to Canada comes with many processes and requirements that you must meet before getting permission to legally enter the country, especially for foreigners who have never traveled abroad or visited Canada before. In this post, you will learn how to apply for Canada permanent residence from outside Canada.
Getting a Canada permanent residency means you can live, work, and study anywhere in the country and also enjoy other social benefits, healthcare, and a clear pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen. But how do you apply for Canadian PR from outside the country? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process involved in applying for PR from outside the country.
What Is Canadian Permanent Residence?
Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) is a status that allows foreign immigrants to live and work in Canada without time restrictions. As a PR holder, you get most of the rights and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen, except for voting rights. It also paves the way for citizenship after a few years of residency.
Benefits Of Canadian Permanent Residence
Canadian permanent residence offers a lot of benefits that make it attractive to immigrants all over the world. Some of these benefits include:
- Access to Universal Healthcare: PR holders have permission to access and enjoy the Canadian public healthcare system.
- Education: Children of PR holders can attend Canadian schools, and adults can benefit from local tuition rates at universities.
- Work Anywhere in Canada: PR holders have the right to work in any province or territory.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, PR holders can apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Travel: PR allows easier travel to and from Canada, and PR cardholders can travel to many countries visa-free.
Eligibility For Canadian Permanent Residence
Before you start the application process, it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. Which depends on the immigration program you choose. Here are some of the eligibility criteria:
- Age: Younger applicants between the ages of 18 and 35 years have a higher chance of being accepted.
- Education: As it is said that education is the key to success, if you have at least a higher level of education, it can increase your points.
- Proof Of Work Experience: Having skilled work experience is one of the most important. requirements, as it can open employment opportunities for you.
- Proof Of Your Language Skills: Proof of language skills in English or French (IELTS for English or TEF for French) is also an advantage.
- Health And Security: You must pass medical checks and also have a clean criminal record.
- Adaptability: Showing your ability to adapt to Canadian culture and society too can help increase your chances.
- Proof Of Your Ties To Your Home Country: You must also be a legal resident of a country other than Canada.
Required Documents To Apply For Canada Permanent Residence
Once you confirm you are eligible to apply for Canada residency you will need to gather relevant documents to support your application. These may include:
- Passport
- Education certificates
- Work experience letters
- Language test results
- Medical examination
- Proof of funds
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates
- Police clearance certificates
The specific documents required may be different from these ones because it also depends on the immigration program you choose.
Types Of Canada Immigration Programs
The Canadian government offers several immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members to the country. The most common programs for immigrants outside Canada include:
1. Express Entry System
One of the most popular ways of getting Canadian PR is through the Express Entry system. This system is a point-based program that ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.
How Express Entry Work:
Express Entry is divided into three categories:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
How to Apply Through the Express Entry System
- Entry Profile: Create an express entry profile, and enter your details such as age, education, work experience, and language test results.
- CRS Score: You will receive a CRS score that is used to score and rank applicants.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your score is high enough, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent residency.
- Submit Your Application: Once you receive the ITA, submit your full PR application with supporting documents.
- Wait for Processing: The application process usually takes about six months.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each Canadian province and territory has its own provincial nominee program (PNP), which allows them to nominate candidates who meet their specific needs. If you want to live in a specific province, applying through their PNP can boost your chances.
How PNP Works:
- Candidates can either apply through the Express Entry PNP stream or directly to a province.
- Each province has its eligibility criteria based on labor market needs.
- If nominated by a province, you will receive extra points on your CRS score, improving your chances in the Express Entry pool.
How to Apply Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Province: Identify and choose which province you want to live in.
- Check Eligibility: Each province has different criteria, so review the eligibility for your chosen province.
- Apply for Nomination: Submit an application directly to the province or through Express Entry.
- Receive Provincial Nomination: If nominated, you will receive additional CRS points.
- Apply for PR: After receiving the nomination, submit your application for permanent residence.
3. Family Sponsorship Program
If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or PR holders, they can sponsor you for permanent residence. family sponsorship is another immigration program to reunite with your loved ones in Canada.
Eligibility For Family Sponsorship:
To be sponsored, you must be:
- A spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child.
- A parent or grandparent (under certain conditions).
- The family member sponsoring you must meet income requirements and agree to financially support you for some time.
How to Apply for Family Sponsorship
- Sponsorship Application: Your sponsor in Canada will have to submit an application to sponsor you.
- Complete Your Application: You will need to submit your own PR application along with your sponsor’s documents.
- Submit Supporting Documents: You will have to submit evidence of proof of relationship, financial statements, and background checks.
- Processing Time: Family sponsorship can take 12 months or more to process.
4. Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
This program is specifically for individuals who wish to settle in the province of Quebec. It allows Quebec to select skilled workers based on their criteria, which are independent of federal programs like Express Entry:
Quebec Criteria:
- Work experience.
- Education.
- Language proficiency in French.
- Financial self-sufficiency.
Applicants must apply to the Quebec government for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) before applying to the federal government for permanent residence.
How to Apply for Family Sponsorship Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
- Submit Application: Apply to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIDI) for a CSQ.
- Assessment: MIDI will assess your application based on factors like your skills, education, and language proficiency.
- Interview: You may be required to attend an interview.
- Selection Criteria: The QSWP has specific selection criteria, including points for factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Quebec Immigration Website: Visit the MIDI website for detailed information and application forms.
5. Humanitarian And Compassionate (H&C) Applications
The humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) program is for immigrants who would not normally be eligible for permanent residence in Canada but who face exceptional circumstances and some considerable factors.
H&C Factors:
- How settled the applicant is in Canada.
- Family ties to Canada.
- Best interests of any children involved.
How to Apply for Humanitarian And Compassionate (H&C)
- Submit Application: Submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the appropriate application form.
- Medical Examination: You will have to undergo a medical examination to make sure you meet Canada’s health requirements.
- Background Check: A background check will be done on you to be sure you do not pose a security threat.
- Await Decision: After your application, IRCC will review your application and make a decision.
6. Refugee And Asylum Program
This program is aimed at protecting refugees and asylum seekers who face persecution in their home countries. The refugee and asylum program has two main categories:
- Resettled Refugees: Individuals referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another referral organization.
- Inland Refugee Claimants: Individuals who seek protection once they are in Canada.
How to Apply for Refugee And Asylum Program
- Application: Submit your application Online or in person for the program you want, either as a resettled refugee or inland refugee, and your location.
- Application Fees: Pay the required application fees.
- Processing Time: The processing time for refugee and asylum claims depends on how long the verification can take.
- Permanent Residence: If your claim is successful, you may be eligible for permanent residence in Canada.
Permanent Residency Application Processing Time
Processing times depend on the program and country of origin. But on average:
- Express Entry: Six months.
- PNP: 6-18 months.
- Family Sponsorship: 12 months.
Conclusion
Applying for Canadian permanent residence from outside Canada might seem complicated, but with the right guidance, it becomes an easy and stress-free process. Assess your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, and follow the steps outlined in this post, and you can increase your chances of successfully immigrating to Canada and starting a new life.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for Canadian PR without a job offer? Yes, you can apply through Express Entry or PNP without a job offer, though having one can improve your chances.
2. How long does it take to process a Canadian PR application? Express Entry applications usually take around six months, while PNP and Family Sponsorship can take longer.
3. What is the minimum CRS score required for Express Entry? The required CRS score varies with each draw, but a score above 450 generally improves your chances.
4. Is language proficiency mandatory for Canadian PR? Yes, you must show language proficiency in English or French through tests like IELTS or TEF.
5. Can I apply for PR while outside Canada? Yes, You can apply for Canadian PR from outside the country using online platforms.