Canada Permanent Residency
Canada is a vast and welcoming country. It invites skilled individuals from around the globe to work, study, conduct business, or settle as Permanent Residents. The Canada Permanent Residency (PR) Program offers nearly all the benefits of citizenship. Notably, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) was launched in 1967 to attract global talent.
Since 1988, Canada has welcomed over 200,000 immigrants annually. In 2021, Canada invited 350,000 professionals to become Permanent Residents through various programs. Furthermore, the Canadian government’s immigration plan aims to invite over 1 million new immigrants on PR visas in the next three years. Specifically, the Immigration Levels Plan targets welcoming 465,000 immigrants in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025.
The process of Canada immigration and citizenship includes applying to travel, study, work, or immigrate to Canada. Additionally, it involves applying for citizenship, a permanent resident card, or refugee protection.
The Canada Express Entry System, an electronic scheme implemented in 2015 by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, manages PR visa applications under several distinct programs.
To obtain a Canada Permanent Residency visa, there are various programs available. As a skilled worker or professional, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Federal and Provincial PNP programs.
Understanding Canada (PR) Permanent Residency Visa
The Canada Permanent Residency Visa is granted to skilled foreign professionals, allowing them to study, work, and settle in Canada permanently. This status includes a Permanent Resident Card for the applicant and their accompanying family dependents, who enjoy rights and benefits equal to Canadian citizens. The initial validity of Canada Permanent Residency is for 5 years, with options for unlimited extensions every 5 years. Eligible candidates can apply for Canadian citizenship after residing in Canada for at least 1,095 days within 5 years.
2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) System
Canada uses the 2021 NOC system to categorize occupations based on the training, education, experience, and responsibilities they require. Skilled workers are classified into four TEER categories under the Express Entry system, based on their National Occupational Classification (NOC) and having at least 1 year of continuous work or 1,560 hours.
- TEER 0: Management occupations
- TEER 1: Occupations usually requiring a university degree
- TEER 2: Occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2+ years, or supervisory roles
- TEER 3: Occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Skilled workers under the Federal Skilled Trades Program qualify under specific groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), with at least 2 years of full-time work experience within the last 5 years:
- Major Group 72: Technical trades and transportation
- Major Group 73: General trades
- Major Group 82: Supervisors in natural resources and agriculture
- Major Group 83: Occupations in natural resources and related production
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors
- Major Group 93: Central control and process operators, and more
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) allows skilled workers with at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories within the last 3 years to apply for permanent residency. This program is part of Canada’s economic immigration initiatives, including the Express Entry system.
Pathways to Immigrate to Canada
There are several immigration programs through which individuals can live, work, settle, and sponsor their families in Canada:
- FSWP: Federal Skilled Worker Program
- FSTP: Federal Skilled Trades Program
- CEC: Canadian Experience Class
- QSWP: Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- PNP: Provincial Nominee Program
- AIPP: Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
- RNIP: Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- FS: Family Sponsorship
- Entrepreneur/Self-Employed
- Investor
- Caregivers
Each program has specific eligibility criteria designed for different types of applications. Canaan Services assists individuals in making informed decisions about migrating to Canada by guiding them through the right program and providing support throughout the migration process.
Immigrating through Express Entry
Express Entry is an efficient online system launched in 2015 to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It replaces the manual paper-based system and evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, adaptability, and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
How Express Entry Works
Skilled immigrants applying for permanent residency in Canada under the economic class must create an Express Entry profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The system manages applications for three main programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Provinces and territories can also nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool to meet local labor market needs through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Points-Based Selection Scheme
To qualify for permanent residency, applicants must score at least 67 points based on selection factors set by Canada’s immigration standards. Candidates are ranked in the Express Entry pool based on their CRS score, and regular draws invite top-ranked applicants to apply for permanent residency.
Conclusion
If you are a skilled worker seeking Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada, now is the optimal time to prepare and submit your application. Canaan Services provides expert guidance to navigate your immigration journey, ensuring you choose the right program and assisting you at every step.