Canada Permanent Residency is among the most popular visa categories providing 5 years multiple entry visas for skilled professionals and students. Given the sparse population, the Government of Canada has set up several immigration channels to ensure a streamline PR process for Canada.

This article will talk about the different categories of how to get permanent residency in Canada, their eligibility, application process and essential documents.

Canada Immigration Visa assures permanent residency and facilitates qualified applicants with almost equal rights and obligations as Canadian citizens. The PR visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed after completing 3 years stay.

To apply for the Canada PR process, you need to qualify the following criterias:

• Must have a score more than or equal to 67 out of 100.
• You must have your occupation listed in the demand list of Canada.
• Have a high score in the IELTS exam.
• Present an important paper regarding language proficiency, education, employment and others.
• Have appropriate funds in your account.

The process is quite simple and involves only three steps. Moreover, once confirmed, you only have to present it to the Canadian Embassy in India for stamping. The process involves:

• Step 1: Analyse different factors that make you eligible for the Canada PR process. It includes your WES education assessment, score, etc.
• Step 2: Apply for the process using an electronic portal named Express Entry. The selection process will depend on your ranking.
• Step 3: Later, you will receive an ‘Apply invitation’, so fill up the application and submit it along with essential documents.

PR process for Canada requires you to present the following documents:

• Education Transcript
• Qualified WES Report
• IELTS Score Card
• Identity Proof
• Medical & Police Clearance Certificate
• Official passport
• Work experience letter

You can apply for Canadian Immigration through any of the following programs. They are -

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. Quebec Skilled Worker Program
3. Provincial Nominee Program
4. Family Sponsorship
5. Business Immigrant
6. Canadian Experience Class

Keep reading to know which category applies to you. The process involving how to get permanent residency in Canada will vary depending on it.

Canada introduced the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) in 1967 to welcome immigrants from all over the globe. The program selects immigrants based on the world's first points system, objective criteria to determine one's candidature based on age, education qualification, language skills, work experience, vocation, etc.

Generally, the Canadian government invites candidates obtaining the highest CRS score to apply for Canada PR from India and other countries every 2 weeks. After applying, applicants receive PR status within 6 months.

Eligibility Criteria for Federal Skilled Worker Program

Potential candidates have to meet the following minimum requirements -

• 1 year paid skilled work experience in any of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) job groups within the last 10 years
• Student work experience, if any -
  • Paid by commissions or wages
  • No gaps in employment
• Must clear English or French approved language tests and obtain at least 7 Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all the abilities
  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Speaking
  • Listening
• Applicants should obtain at least 67 points under the FSWP's 100-point grid

On fulfilling these parameters, one can enter the Express Entry pool.

How to Apply for Canada PR from India via Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Express Entry invitation is valid for 60 days only. Therefore, applicants must fill up the online PR application form following the steps below.

• Step 1: Sign in to your respective account.
• Step 2: Click the PR application link under Express Entry.

While filling up the form, individuals must attach all the required documents and provide only accurate information. Further, one must fill up all the mandatory fields and save the online form.

Documents Required for Canada PR via Federal Skilled Worker Program

Individuals should submit the following documents to proceed with the application procedure.

• Duly signed and accurately filled application form
• Canadian government processing fees
• Identification and civil status documents
• Passport and travel documents
• Education or professional qualification training proof
• Proof of work experience
• CELPIP or IELTS and/or TEF or TCF Canada results or Canadian educational credential assessment

Note: This list is indicative. Several Canadian Immigration Visa Offices may claim additional documents to avoid delays or refusals.

This immigration program is for skilled workers who want to settle in Quebec. However, the province has a set of rules to select eligible applicants. Therefore, immigrants have to apply for Canada PR under this program in 2 stages -

• Apply for the Government of Quebec to obtain Quebec Selection Certificate.
• Applicants selected by the Province of Quebec and provided a CSQ can apply for Canadian PR.

These steps will make you eligible for obtaining the application for permanent residency only.

Eligibility Criteria for Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

• Individuals must fulfil the following parameters to qualify for the program.
• Applicants should be under 40 years.
• Bachelor's degree in any stream is essential.
• Applicants need to have at least 2 years of working experience.
• Individuals must obtain at least 60 points (without a spouse).
• Applicants may clear language ability tests in English or French.

Apart from these, individuals must be in good health and should not have any criminal records. Additionally, a Quebec diploma or degree is beneficial for PR application but not mandatory.

How to Apply for Canada PR from India via Quebec Skilled Worker Program?

Follow the steps below to apply for Canadian PR.

• Step 1: Individuals need to confirm their candidature based on the eligibility parameters.
• Step 2: Applicants should submit all the documents required for the process.
• Step 3: Selected immigrants have to fill up the application form online with accurate information and may have to furnish additional documents if necessary.

Note: The document verification and processing time can take up to 17 months.

• Step 4: Immigration officers will provide a CSQ which may take up to 3 months.

After receiving the CSQ, the Federal Government issues a Canada PR visa.

Documents Required for Canada PR via Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Quebec Immigration Worker Program demands the following documents.

• Identity proof and civil status
• Work experience
• Proof of language skills
• Travel history
• Proof of marriage, if applicable
• Police clearance certificates
• Documents stating the financial status
• Passport

Applicants must submit these documents along with the application form.

Individuals can opt for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to accelerate the immigration process. This program performs under the joint venture between the Canadian and provincial governments. The PNP comes with terms and conditions, based on which the authorities nominate applicants. 

Provinces currently participating in the PNP are-

• Alberta
• Manitoba
• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Ontario
• Saskatchewan
• Prince Edward Island
• Yukon

Eligibility Criteria for Provincial Nominee Program

Individuals can apply as a provincial nominee if they -

• Fulfil the basic requirements of one of the provinces or territories non-Express Entry streams
• Get selected under the stream

In case one does have a nomination, he/she can follow the instruction set by the provinces.

How to Apply for Canada PR from India via Provincial Nominee Program?

Applicants can opt for either of the application processes -

1. Express Entry System

• Step 1: Create an Express Entry profile.
• Step 2: Submit essential documents.
• Step 3: Receive the Notification of Interest (NOI) after selection.
• Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Express Entry stream.

2. Non-express Entry System (paper-based)

• Step 1: Select a suitable PNP and apply for nomination.
• Step 2: Create the Express Entry profile if nominated.
• Step 3: Submit the EOI under the non-Express Entry stream.
• Step 4: Provide a paper application for a Permanent Residency visa to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after receiving a nomination letter.

Documents Required for Canada PR via Provincial Nominee Program

The followings are the essential documents necessary to proceed with the PR process for Canada via PNP.

• General application form of the applicant attested by the spouse and other dependents
• Colour photographs of the applicant (latest)
• Proof of identification
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Language proficiency reports
• Proof of fund
• Valid passport
• Medical certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Documents in support of spouse and other dependent

Applicants need to submit these documents alongside their application forms.

Under the Family Sponsorship Program, Canadian or permanent residents of a minimum of 18 years can sponsor family members for immigration. It requires signing an agreement to confirm the sponsor's financial worth to support the family member for a period of 3-10 years on arrival. The agreement is based on factors like the family member's age and the nature of the relationship.

Eligibility Criteria for Family Sponsorship

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident has to fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

• The sponsor should be at least 18 years old
• Should be registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or a permanent resident living in the country
• Should be capable of supporting the family member financially
• The sponsor cannot receive any social assistance other than disablement

Family Members Allowed for Canadian PR

• Spouse or common-law partners
• Grandparents
• Parents
• Dependent children (under 22 years old)
• Adopted children under 18 years old and unmarried

How to Apply for Canada PR from India via Family Sponsorship?

To apply for the Family Sponsorship program, individuals must follow the steps provided below.

• Step 1: Fill up the application form with accurate details. 
• Step 2: Pay application, biometric and third-party fees online.
• Step 3: Submit the application form.

Documents Required for Canada PR via Family Sponsorship

Family Sponsorship Immigration requires the following documents.

• Background verification documents
• Passport
• Travel history
• Spouse or sponsored relative's documents like a marriage certificate or other proof of relationship
• Proof of income of the sponsor
• Filled up the application form and consulate fees

Under this category, individuals are selected to contribute to Canada's economy through investments and managerial skills based on their worth. One can choose from the 3 types of Business Immigration programs. They are-

• Immigrant Investor Program (minimum net worth of CAD$ 800,00)
• Entrepreneur Program (minimum net worth of CAD$ 300,000)
• Self-Employed Persons Program

Eligibility Criteria for Business Immigrant

1. For Start-up Visa Program

• Must be capable of communicating in English or French
• Should have a commitment of support from a recognised Canadian business incubator, venture capital fund, or an angel investor group
• Must be financially stable to support the cost of living

2. For Self-Employed Individuals

Applicants must meet any of the following criteria.

• Experienced enough to make a potential contribution
• Experience in farm management and should be capable of buying or managing a farm in Canada

How to Apply for Canadian PR from India as a Business Immigrant?

There are 4 steps to apply for a Permanent Residency in Canada for Business Immigrants.

• Step 1: Set up a business in Canada.
• Step 2: Apply for a work permit from the following options -
  • LMIA-based work permit
  • Intra-company transferees
• Step 3: Operate the business.
• Step 4: Apply for PR if -
  • Obtained a minimum of 7 CLB score in language skill tests
  • Should be at least high-school qualified
  • Must not have any medical condition

Documents Required for Canada PR as a Business Immigrant

Canada Business visa demands the following documents.

• Background verification documents
• Documents from the organisation currently employed at
• Proof of stay (not beyond the approved time)
• Medical documents
• Passport
• Travel history
• Accurately filled application form
• Consulate fees

This category applies to temporary foreign workers and students from overseas planning to opt for Canadian PR.

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Experience Class

The minimum requirements are -

1. Applicants should -

• Complete at least 2 academic years in a Canadian post-secondary educational institution
• Obtain a minimum 1 year of skilled professional or technical work experience within the last 3 years before applying

2.Applicants should fulfil the language levels in the following abilities -

• Writing
• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking

How to Apply for Canada PR from India via Canadian Experience Class?

Once the applicants receive the invitation for PR visa applicants, they can follow the following steps to proceed with the PR process for Canada.

• Step 1: Create an Express Entry profile.
• Step 2: Complete the profile with accurate details and National Occupational Classification (NOC) job title and code.

Note: Applicants get 60 days to complete and submit the application form.

Documents Required for Canada PR via Canadian Experience Class

Potential applicants have to submit the following documents.

• Valid passport
• Language test reports
• Canadian educational credential report
• Provincial nomination (if applicable)
• A written job offer from any Canadian organisation
• Income proof
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical exam reports
• Latest photographs of the applicant

After submitting a visa application and receiving an acknowledgement receipt with the tracking number, applicants can use the 'Track Your Application' service. The service provides details regarding the current location of the application.

After assessing the application, the Canadian Visa Office affixes a visa counterfoil to the applicant's passport. Then, the authority returns the passport to the Canada Visa Application Centre.

Individuals can track their application status in the following ways-

• Visit the official website of VFS Global and provide the applicant’s Tracking ID number and date of birth.
• Applicants can visit the Canadian Government website to check application status based on the category of Immigration.
• Send emails to info.canada@vfshelpline.com.
• Call on 18002668858, 022-67866002, 912262018404 to track their applications.
• Visit the Visa Application Centre.
• Individuals can also track their application status via webchat.

Alternatively, applicants can simply track their application status via SMS service against additional charges. Applicants have to visit the Visa Application Centre and collect their passports. However, in case of rejection, the Visa Office will send a letter stating the reason.

A PR visa holder can utilise the following benefits -

• Apply for Canadian citizen in future
• Free to live, study and work anywhere within the country
• Protected under Canadian laws
• Eligible for social benefits like health care and more

Moreover, as Canada recognises dual citizenship, individuals do not have to give up on their other passports.