Imiatlas

🇨🇦 Canada

Canada Permanent Residency: requirements and how to apply

Direct permanent residency pathway based on human capital, age, education, and language skills.

Official Canada permanent residency page

Express Entry (FSW / CEC / PNP)

Direct permanent residency pathway based on human capital, age, education, and language skills.

Typical duration
Permanent (5-year PR card)
Path to permanent residency
Immediate upon arrival

Main requirements

  • CRS cut-off score benchmark
  • CLB 7+ in English or French
  • Minimum 1 year continuous skilled work

Official page

Documents usually needed for Canada

  • Language score report (IELTS General Training, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF Canada)
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from WES or recognized body
  • Proof of settlement funds unless authorized to work in Canada
  • Police clearance certificates for every country lived in for >6 months since age 18
  • Upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) and biometrics
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    Language Testing & Credential Assessment

    Take IELTS/CELPIP and obtain ECA report from WES to establish CRS base score.

    4 - 8 weeks

  2. 2

    Express Entry Profile Submission

    Create IRCC online profile and enter the candidate pool under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

    1 - 2 weeks

  3. 3

    Invitation to Apply (ITA) & Full Filing

    Upon receiving an ITA in an Express Entry draw, submit all police certificates and e-Medical within 60 days.

    60 days submission window

  4. 4

    Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

    Receive passport request, COPR document, and complete virtual landing or border landing.

    4 - 6 months

Other ways to move to Canada

Helpful for your move

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Find a licensed adviser

For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.

General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the official website before applying.