Canada PR is a permanent residence status granted to non-Canadian citizens who wish to immigrate to Canada. A Canada permanent resident visa allows its visa holders the right to study, work, and reside in the country for a period of five years. The PR acts as a citizenship pathway for candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Canadian permanent residency is a legal status allowing a citizen who is not a Canadian resident the right to live and work in Canada. A Canada PR visa is issued for five years, after which the visa needs to be renewed. Upon the approval of the Canada Visa, the individual is issued a Permanent Resident card, also known as the Canada PR card. As per the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2024-26, the country aims to invite around 485,000 new permanent residents. Some of the major pathways through which one can apply for Canada PR are as follows:
Canada is known to be one of the top immigrant-friendly countries offering plenty of opportunities for its citizens. The fine quality of life, the satisfactory job market with plenty of employment opportunities, and a diverse and multicultural environment add to the many attributes of immigrating to Canada. As a Canadian Permanent resident, one can study, live and work anywhere across the land of Maple Leaf.
Some of the benefits of the Canadian PR status are as follows:
While Canadian Permanent residency is a temporary immigration pathway, Canadian Citizenship allows citizens to reside in the country permanently.
The key differences between Canadian PR vs. Citizenship are listed in the table below:
Feature |
Canada PR |
Canada Citizenship |
Status |
Permanent resident status |
Complete citizenship status |
Passport |
Requires passport from the country of your origin |
Can become eligible for a Canadian passport |
Residency Obligation |
Must live in Canada for at least 3 out of 5 years |
No residency restrictions |
Right to Vote |
Cannot participate in voting in federal, provincial, or municipal elections |
Can freely vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections |
Political Office |
Cannot hold any political offices |
Can hold political offices |
Job Restrictions |
Jobs with high-level of security clearance are restricted |
Can take up all jobs, including the ones with security clearance |
Jury Duty |
Do not qualify to serve on a jury |
Can qualify to serve on a jury |
Deportation |
Can be deported for serious criminal or violating the PR obligations |
Cannot be deported except for in cases of citizenship fraud |
Travel Rights |
Can travel freely but may require visas for other countries |
Can travel freely with a Canadian passport to many countries without the need of a visa |
Family Sponsorship |
Can sponsor relatives to become PRs, provided the eligibility requirements are met |
It is similar to PR, with the right to pass citizenship to children born outside Canada |
International Mobility |
Travel rights can be restricted depending on the passport of the country of origin. |
Less restrictions to travel internationally |
Access to Social Benefits |
Can avail most of the social benefits, including healthcare |
Can avail all the social benefits, including healthcare |
Eligibility for Citizenship |
Must meet specific eligibility and residency requirements to apply for citizenship |
Already a citizen, need not fulfill any specific eligibility criteria |
Renewal of Status |
PR card must be renewed every 5 years |
Citizenship is indefinite with no need for renewal |
One must fulfill the eligibility criteria given below for Canada Permanent Residency:
Factors |
Requirements |
Age |
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 get the maximum points |
Education |
Education qualifications must be equivalent to the higher secondary education level in Canada |
Work experience |
A minimum of one year of experience is required |
Language ability |
A minimum score of 6 bands in IELTS is required |
Adaptability |
10 additional points are given for a spouse or common-law partner who is applying for Canada PR |
Arranged employment |
10 extra points are given if the candidate acquires a Canadian job offer |
Candidates are required to score a minimum of 67 points through the six factors listed below to qualify for a Canada PR.
The checklist of requirements given below must be met to apply for a Canada PR:
You can apply for Canada Permanent residence by following the five simple steps given below:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for PR
Step 2: Arrange the checklist of requirements
Step 3: Apply for the Canada PR
Step 4: Await the visa application status
Step 5: Migrate to Canada
IRCC issues a Canada PR card that proves your identity as a Canadian permanent resident. The PR card is issued to individuals granted PR status in Canada and can be used as a travel document. Introduced in 2002, the PR Card was brought in as an ID card to facilitate easy verification of a permanent resident. PR card holders can freely travel in and out of the country with a validity of up to five years and in some cases, only for up to 12 months.
Candidates who fall under any of the three criteria given below are required to apply for a Canada PR card:
The steps to apply for a Canada PR Card are as follows:
Step 1: Arrange the documents
One has to arrange the following checklist of documents to apply for a Canada PR Card:
If you are under the age of 18, you must submit:
Step 2: Fill the application form
You can fill in the application via both online and offline modes:
Fill the application online:
One has to fill out a digital (IMM 5444) PRTD (Permanent Resident Travel Document) Form and upload the PDF documents in the official portal.
Note: It is important to type the name mentioned in the passport to digitally sign the application form.
Fill the application offline:
One has to fill out the PDF documents and attach it with the application via mail.
The forms that are required to apply are as follows:
Note: It is important to submit correct and accurate information in the application to avoid legal consequences.
Step 3: Complete the fee payment
One has to complete the required processing fee payment while applying. The total breakdown of the fee structure is given in the table below:
Application Fee | $CAN |
Permanent Resident card | $50 |
Biometrics fees | |
Biometrics (per person) | 85 |
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people) | 170 |
Steps for PR Card fee payment
To pay the fees, you will need:
Follow the simple steps given below to pay the fees:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Step 2: Keep the payment card ready
Step 3: Pay the required fees
Step 4: Wait for the status of your fee payment receipt that will be sent to your e-mail address
Step 5: Attach the payment receipt with the application form
Note: The processing fee must be paid online and cannot be refunded if the application process has already begun or is rejected.
Step 4: Submit the application form
You can submit your application via two modes:
Online: You can submit your application along with the set of documents via the official PR Portal.
Offline: You can post your application in a stamped envelope or via courier services.
Step 5: Wait for the status
You must then wait for the status of your application which will be reviewed and finalized by the IRCC.
If the application is correct and approved:
Note: PR Card cannot be delivered overseas allowing a PR holder to return back to Canada. A PR holder without a status proof outside Canada must apply for the PRTD.
If the application is incomplete:
Applications that are incomplete will be returned back to the applicant.
If the application is refused:
Applications that are refused will be returned with a refusal letter stating the reasons.
If the application is withdrawn:
Applications that are withdrawn will be sent a letter stating the reasons.
The documents required to submit a Canada PR application are as follows:
Canada PR cost includes medical examination fees, English language test, application fees for dependents and spouses, PCC fees, ECA fees and more. The Canada PR fee generally ranges from 2,500 CAD to 3,000 CAD and may vary depending on the number of applicants.
The total cost of the Canada PR application is given in the table below:
Program |
Applicants |
New fees (April 2024 – March 2026) |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee |
Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$575 |
Protected persons |
Principal applicant |
$635 |
Protected persons |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$635 |
Protected persons |
Accompanying dependent child |
$175 |
Permit holders |
Principal applicant |
$375 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) |
Principal applicant |
$635 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$635 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$175 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy |
Principal applicant |
$635 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$635 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy |
Accompanying dependent child |
$175 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) |
Principal applicant |
$950 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$950 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$260 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Sponsorship fee |
$85 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Sponsored principal applicant |
$545 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Sponsored child (principal applicant under 22 years old and not a spouse/partner) |
$85 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$635 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$175 |
Business (federal and Quebec) |
Principal applicant |
$1,810 |
Business (federal and Quebec) |
Accompanying spouse or common-law partner |
$950 |
Business (federal and Quebec) |
Accompanying dependent child |
$260 |
The processing time for the Canada PR visa takes around 6-8 months and may vary depending on the type of immigration program.
The table below has phase-wise processing times for Canada PR:
Phase-wise process timelines | ||||
Phase | Process | Description | Designated Authority | TAT (Turn Around Time) |
Phase 1 |
Step 1 |
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is used to verify your foreign education is valid and equal to a completed credential in Canada. It is valid for 5 years. |
WES | 6-8 Weeks |
IQAS | 20 Weeks | |||
ICAS | 20 Weeks | |||
ICES | 8 – 10 Weeks | |||
CES | 12 Weeks | |||
MCC (Doctors) | 15 Weeks | |||
PEBC (Pharmacists) | 15 Weeks | |||
Step 2 | English or French Language Test | IELTS /CELPIP /TEF | Within 4 weeks | |
Phase 2 |
Step 1 | EOI – Expression Of Interest | IRCC | Your Profile will be valid for 12 months. |
Step 2 | PNP – Provincial Nomination Program | Provincial Authorities | Varies based on Provinces | |
Phase 3 |
Step 1 | Invitation To Apply – ITA | Main Applicant + Spouse + Children | 60 Days |
Step 2 | Passport Submission and PR Visa | Main Applicant + Spouse + Children | Up to 30 days |
Factors Affecting Canada PR Application Processing
The application processing time for a Canada PR Visa can be affected by various factors such as:
The Canada PR card is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed. PR holders who plan to travel outside Canada must check the validity of their PR at the time of arrival in the country. If the card expires or is invalid, carrying IMM 5644 (Travel document) is recommended. The travel document can be applied from outside the country. The card can be renewed after it expires or nine months prior to the expiry date. Applications that are complete with correct information will be granted a new PR card.
To become eligible for a Canada PR Card, one must:
You can follow the simple steps given below to renew the Canada PR card:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible
Step 2: Arrange the requirements as per the “Document Checklist” provided on the official portal.
Step 3: Pay the application fee
Step 4: Submit the application
Step 5: Wait for the renewal status
Obligations for Maintaining Canadian Permanent Residency
The Canadian government set certain obligations that should be met in order to maintain the Canada PR status. It is required for the candidate to physically remain in the country for a specific period of time to maintain the permanent residency status.
One of the major residency requirements is for the candidate to reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days in the 5-year time period or to meet any of the following conditions:
The residency obligations are usually scrutinized when applying for the renewal of the Canada PR card, citizenship or PRTD (Permanent Resident Travel document). If the individuals have been PR holders for less than 5 years are eligible to apply for PRTD or PR card renewal. They are also required to submit proof of residency in the country for at least 730 days.
Note: For individuals with Canadian permanent residence of over 5 years, the residency obligations are calculated based on the five years prior to the date of application.
A candidate's PR status is not directly linked to the expiry of the PR card. One can lose one's PR status only if one voluntarily renounces it or if they are considered inadmissible due to a criminal offense.
Some of the measures you can take before the PR card expires is as follows:
Canada is a land of opportunities for immigrants, offering over 100+ immigration pathways. Students, skilled workers, business people, families, etc., can immigrate to the country and explore the wide range of options. Some of the most prominent immigration pathways offered by Canada are Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Quebec Immigration program, the Business Immigration pathway, Family sponsorship programs, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and more, depending on the type of applicant and the individual requirements. The country aims to issue permanent residence to around 485,000 new immigrants by the end of 2024 and around 1.5 million by 2026 as a part of the Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026.
The country has 100+ immigration pathways for immigrants to migrate and settle in the country. The top 5 mostly preferred immigration routes are listed below:
Express Entry is one of the fastest and most sought-after immigration programs. The program specifically invites skilled foreign workers who are looking to immigrate to Canada. The program follows a points-based system that assesses candidates based on several factors, including work experience, skillset, educational qualifications, age, language proficiency, and others. Candidates are required to create an online profile and those with a high score receive an Invitation to Apply for Canada Permanent residency. Category-based Express Entry draws were also introduced in May 2023 for six specific fields: French language proficiency, Healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), Trade (carpenters, plumbers, and contractors), Transport, Agriculture, and Agri-Food. Regular Express Entry draws are held by IRCC, inviting around 43,454 candidates so far in 2024. The approval time of the Express Entry program takes around 5-8 months.
Eligibility for Express Entry:
The primary eligibility requirement for the Express Entry program is for the candidates to score 67 points out of 100. The points are calculated based on the following factors:
Documents required for Express Entry program
The requirements to apply for the Express Entry program are as follows:
The immigration programs under the Express Entry system are:
The Business Immigration program is for experienced businessmen who are looking to start a business or plan on investing in an existing Canadian business. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria that include proof of personal and business ownership with sufficient funds to invest. Candidates with be assessed based on the ability to set up and successfully run a business in Canada.
The three different categories under the Business Immigration program are as follows:
The Family Class Immigration is for individuals with sponsorship from family members or relatives living in Canada as permanent residents or citizens. To be eligible, one has to submit proof of relationship with the sponsor along with proof stating that the sponsor has enough funds to support the applicant. The sponsor and the applicant are required to attend an online assessment that will assess the eligibility for the Family Immigration program.
The following programs that come under the Family Class Immigration are:
Eligibility to sponsor a family member:
The eligibility criterion to sponsor a family member is as follows:
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is sponsored by the Canadian government for foreign workers who have been employed in the country for a minimum of 12 months. Full-time work experience in a skilled position is required to take part in the CEC program.
There are around 11 Canadian provinces in Canada that regularly conduct PNP draws based on the requirements of the labor market needs of the provinces. The country plans on inviting nearly 117,500 immigrants by 2025 via PNP. Each PNP has its own processing time and eligibility criteria. After receiving a PNP nomination, applicants can apply for the PR.
The list of 11 PNP programs is as follows:
Canada also provides PR for other types of immigrants based on the needs and requirements of the people residing in the country. Such programs include the following:
Canada PR for Caregivers
The Canadian Caregivers’ program is for foreign workers with qualifying experience as caregivers and who wish to permanently move to the country. To be eligible, one must have provided care for people with special needs, children or elders for a minimum of two years.
Caregivers must fulfill the criteria given below to be eligible for the program:
Canada PR on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
The Permanent Residence on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds is for candidates who are eligible for the PR but did not qualify under any of immigration programs. To be eligible, one has to submit proof that taking them out of the country would cause destitution to them and their family.
A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is an identification document that is granted to Canadian permanent residents. The PR card usually includes a photograph of the individual along with their PR status. Permanent residents who are without a valid PR card and are outside the country require the PRTD while traveling to Canada. The card allows single entry with an initial processing time of 6 to 8 weeks.
Who cannot apply for PRTD?
What are the eligibility criteria for PRTD?
Requirements for PRTD
To apply for a PRTD, one has to:
Duration of Stay outside Canada for PR Holders
Permanent residence status holders must physically reside in Canada for at least 730 days in the five years. The 730-day residence period need not be continuous. Candidates can risk losing the PR status if they fail to be present in the country for 730 days.
One must fulfill the PR status requirements and meet certain criteria to be able to maintain their PR status.
Strategies for Maintaining PR Status in Canada
Some of the strategies that one can follow to maintain their PR status in Canada are as follows:
Requirements to Avoid PR Status Revocation
Some of the ways to avoid PR status revocation is as follows:
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