Why apply for a Canada PR?
Why apply for a Canada PR?
- Invites Canada PRs in 2024
- Welcoming 1.5 million new PRs by 2026
- 1 Million jobs lying vacant for 100+ days
- Earn 5 to 8 times your current salary
- Access to Universal Healthcare System
- FREE Education for your children
- Retirement benefits
- Easiest path to get Canadian Citizenship
A Canada Permanent Resident Visa grants non-Canadian citizens the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely, with access to social benefits and protection under Canadian law. It is a step toward gaining full Canadian citizenship, though it does not grant the right to vote in Canadian elections.
What is a Canada PR Visa?
A Canada Permanent Resident Visa is a gateway to permanent resident status in Canada. Canada PR Visa is valid for 5 years, and candidates with a Canada PR card can live, study, and work in Canada freely. Based on their eligibility, they can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Do’s and Don’ts of Canadian Permanent Resident:
Dos | Don’ts |
Canada PRs get most of the social benefits to which Canadian citizens are entitled. These include healthcare coverage. | Canada PRs can’t vote or run for any political office. |
Canada PRs can live, study, or work anywhere in Canada. | Canada PRs can’t hold certain government jobs requiring high-level security clearance. |
Canada PRs can apply for Canadian citizenship. | |
Canada PRs will be protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadian law. |
Read more…
What is Canada PR?
Who can be the Permanent Resident of Canada?
A permanent resident of Canada is an individual granted the right to live, study, and work anywhere in Canada through a Permanent Resident Visa. Candidates with permanent resident status in Canada can enjoy many of the rights of Canadian citizens, although they remain citizens of their home countries unless they apply for and are granted Canadian citizenship. It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
Canadian Permanent Resident Vs. Canada Citizenship
The difference between Canada PR and Canadian citizens is given in the table below:
Feature | Canada PR | Canada Citizenship |
Status | Permanent resident status | Full citizenship status |
Passport | Requires passport from country of origin | Eligible for a Canadian passport |
Residency Obligation | Must live in Canada for at least 730 days in 5 years | No residency obligation |
Right to Vote | Cannot vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections | Can vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections |
Political Office | Cannot hold political office | Can hold political office |
Job Restrictions | Some jobs requiring high-level security clearance are restricted | Can work in all jobs, including those requiring security clearance |
Jury Duty | Not eligible to serve on a jury | Eligible to serve on a jury |
Deportation | Can be deported for serious criminality or violation of PR obligations | Cannot be deported. Citizenship is secure except in cases of citizenship obtained by fraud |
Travel Rights | Can travel to and from Canada freely but may need visas for other countries | Can travel to many countries without a visa due to a Canadian passport |
Family Sponsorship | Can sponsor relatives to become PRs, subject to meeting eligibility requirements | Same as PR, but also enjoys the right to pass citizenship to children born outside Canada |
International Mobility | Travel rights can be restricted based on the country of origin’s passport | Enjoy more freedom to travel internationally |
Access to Social Benefits | Access to most social benefits, including healthcare | Access to all social benefits, including healthcare |
Eligibility for Citizenship | Must meet specific residency and other criteria to apply for citizenship | Already a citizen; no application necessary |
Renewal of Status | PR card must be renewed every 5 years | Citizenship is for life; no need for renewal |
Canada PR Process
Canada PR process is an easy 7-step procedure for applicants who meet the eligibility and requirements. Following the 7 steps, you can submit your Canada PR visa application.
A Permanent Resident (PR) visa has become prominent among immigrants who are willing to settle in ‘Maple Leaf country.’ It depends on your path to apply for the Canada PR visa.
Here is the path list that guides you on the Canada PR process.
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Quebec Immigration
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Canada start-up visa program
“Did You Know: You can get a Canada PR Visa without a job offer in Canada.”
Canada PR via Express Entry
Candidates applying for the Canada PR visa through the Express Entry program must use a points-based selection system. The Express Entry System basically consists of three sub-categories:
- Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you are an overseas skilled worker, you can apply for a Canada PR visa under the Federal Skilled Workers Program. The Canadian government initiated this program in 2015 to encourage skilled workers to come and settle in the country.
Canada PR via PNP
Canada offers nearly 80 different Provincial Nominee Programs, or PNPs, which have their individual eligibility requirements. The PNP program allows provinces to meet their individual immigration needs by helping them fill jobs that are in demand and meet labor shortages in their province.
Most PNPs require applicants to have some connection to the province. They should have either worked earlier in that province or studied there. Or they should have a job offer from an employer in the province for a job visa. However, some PNPs require no previous connection to the province you are applying for; you can apply for a Canada PR visa directly to the PNP program of that province.
The popular PNP programs for a Canada PR visa are:
- Saskatchewan PNP
- Manitoba PNP
- Alberta PNP
- Ontario PNP
- New Brunswick PNP
- Nova Scotia PNP
- Prince Edward Island PNP
- British Columbia PNP
Canadian PR Eligibility
- 67 points in Canada points Grid
- Age below 40 years
- IELTS / PTE Score
- Educational Credential Assessment
- Proof of Funds
- Job offer in Canada (optional)
Check your eligibility
Canadian Permanent Resident Requirements
Below is the checklist of Canada PR requirements you need to check before applying for permanent residence in Canada.
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language ability
- Adaptability
- Arranged employment
- Police verification certificate
Application for a Canada PR visa through the PNP program requires the applicants to have some connection to the province. You can either work in that province or study there. You can be eligible if you have a job offer from an employer in the province. To qualify under this program, you should be able to get 67 points out of 100 in the eligibility factors given below:
- Age: Those between 18-35 years get maximum points. Those above 35 get fewer points, while the maximum age to qualify is 45 years.
- Education: Under this category, your educational qualification must be equal to higher secondary education under Canadian standards.
- Work experience: For minimum points, you should have at least one year of full-time work experience. More years of work experience means more points. IRCC use the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to identify and categorize jobs (occupations) and your occupation must be listed based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) as they require: TEER 0, or TEER 1 and 2, or TEER 3.
- Language ability: You must have at least 6 bands in your IELTS test, and the score must be less than 2 years old. You get extra points if you are proficient in French.
- Adaptability: If your spouse or common-law partner is willing to migrate with you to Canada, you are entitled to 10 extra points for adaptability.
- Arranged employment: You can gain a maximum of 10 points if you have a valid offer from a Canadian employer.
How to get a Canada Permanent Residency Visa?
Nigerians applying for a Canada PR visa need to meet all the eligibility criteria and arrange all the requirements. Then, follow the below steps to file your Canada PR visa application from Nigeria.
- Step 1: Complete your language ability tests before starting the application process. Take the IELTS exam and get the required scores. If required, you might need to take a French language test.
- Step 2: Submit your application based on the requirements of the immigration program you have decided on.
- Step 3: Submit all the required documents. Ensure you provide only genuine documents. Remember that the education and work experience documents require authentication.
- Step 4: Gather the required documents for proof of funds to support your stay in Canada. Get your medical checkup and police verification records ready.
- Step 5: Your documents will go through a mandatory examination by an immigration officer. Be prepared to provide any additional information if required.
- Step 6: You will receive confirmation of your PR status and will receive a COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) card.
- Step 7: Apply for your PR card and fly to Canada.
ECA – Educational Credential Assessment
An important step while applying for your Canada PR visa is to apply for the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), which is required if you have done your education outside Canada. The ECA report will show that your educational credentials are equal to Canadian secondary school credentials or post-secondary educational credentials.
The ECA is required if you are applying for a visa through the Express Entry program to prove that your foreign education degree or credential is valid and is equal to a Canadian degree.
The following categories of PR applicants need to get an ECA:
- Applicants who have completed their education outside Canada and are applying for a PR visa under the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
- Applicants who need to earn points for education received outside Canada.
- Applicants whose spouse or partner is coming with them to Canada need to get an ECA for them as well to earn points for their education in the PR visa application.
- An ECA is usually required for your highest level of education; for example, if you have a master’s degree, you will need an ECA for only that and not for your bachelor’s degree. However, if you have two or more credentials, you will need an ECA for both if you need credentials both of them.
You can get your ECA from one of the designated organizations given below:
- World Education Services
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- International Qualifications Assessment Service
- International Credential Evaluation Service
- Medical Council of Canada (the professional body for Doctors)
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (the professional body for Pharmacists)
The IRCC will only accept assessments that are issued on or after the date the organizations were designated to issue ECA reports for immigration applicants.
ECA fees
Services | Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) |
Electronic ECA report provided to you | C$248 |
An official paper report (delivery fees apply) | |
ECA report access by IRCC | |
Electronic storage of your report and verified transcripts for future use | |
Additional Fees | |
Delivery Options | Fees |
Standard delivery (tracking not included) | C$12 |
Courier delivery (tracking included) | |
U.S. and international courier services (per address) | C$92 |
Next-day courier delivery (per address, Canada only) | C$27 |
Add a new credential | C$108 |
Convert ECA to a Document-by-Document evaluation | C$54 |
Convert ECA to a Course-by-Course evaluation | C$108 |
First report (WES Basic) | C$54 |
First report (WES ICAP) | C$33 |
Each additional report | C$33 |
You should choose your organization based on your occupation; for instance, if you are a Pharmacist (NOC code 3131) and need a license to practice, you must get your report from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada
As a Canada PR visa holder, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Can apply for Canadian citizenship in the future
- Can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada
- Eligible for healthcare and other social benefits enjoyed by Canadian citizens
- Protection under Canadian law
You must apply for the Canada PR visa exclusively if you are a student or a worker from a foreign country; it does not automatically make you a permanent resident.
Refugees from another country do not automatically become permanent residents. Their status as a refugee must be approved by the Immigration and Refugee Board. Subsequent to this, they can apply for and obtain a PR status.
Jobs in Canada for Nigerians
StatCan reports that there are 1 million jobs in Canada for overseas skilled professionals. The table below gives you all the information about the top-in-demand occupations in Canada, along with the average salary range.
Occupation | Average Salary in CAD |
Sales Representative | 52,000 – 64,000 |
Accountant | 63,000 – 75,000 |
Engineering Project Manager | 74,000 – 92,000 |
Business Analyst | 73,000 – 87,000 |
IT Project Manager | 92,000 – 114,000 |
Account Manager | 75,000 – 92,000 |
Software Engineer | 83,000 – 99,000 |
Human Resources | 59,000 – 71,000 |
Customer Service Representative | 37,000 – 43,000 |
Administrative Assistant | 37,000 – 46,000 |
IT Jobs in Canada
IT companies in Canada are hiring more foreign workers. As per the recent news, there is high demand for IT professionals under Express Entry. The top IT jobs are listed below:
List of IT jobs | NOC codes |
Developer/Programmer | NOC 21232 |
Business System Analyst/Administrator | NOC 21221 |
Data Analyst /Scientist | NOC 21223 |
Quality Assurance Analyst | NOC 21222 |
Security Analyst/Architect | NOC 21220 |
Cloud Architect | NOC 20012 |
IT Project Manager | NOC 21311 |
Network Engineer | NOC 22220 |
Total cost for Canada PR from Nigerians
The total cost for a Canada PR visa is 2,500 CAD – 3,000 CAD. This cost varies based on the number of applicants.
- Single applicant is 2,340 CAD
- Couple with no kids, it costs 4,680 CAD
- Couple with one kid, it costs 5,285 CAD
It is the sum of your application fees for you and your spouse and dependents, fees for medical examination, English language test, ECA fees, PCC fees, etc.
The table below gives you all the total costs for a Canada PR visa.
Program | Applicants | Current fees (April 2022 – March 2024) | New fees (April 2024 – March 2026) |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee | Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $515 | $575 |
Protected persons | Principal applicant | $570 | $635 |
Protected persons | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 |
Protected persons | Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 |
Permit holders | Principal applicant | $335 | $375 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) | Principal applicant | $570 | $635 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 |
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) | Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy | Principal applicant | $570 | $635 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 |
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy | Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) | Principal applicant | $850 | $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 | $850 | $950 |
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) | Accompanying dependent child | $230 | $260 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) | Sponsorship fee | $75 | $85 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) | Sponsored principal applicant | $490 | $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) | $75 | $85 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 |
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) | Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 |
Business (federal and Quebec) | Principal applicant | $1,625 | $1,810 |
Business (federal and Quebec) | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $850 | $950 |
Business (federal and Quebec) | Accompanying dependent child | $230 | $260 |
Proof of Funds for Canada PR
Canadian PR applicants should also provide proof of funds to prove that they have the required funds to support their stay and that of their dependents once they come to Canada till they can earn their income in the country. Letters from banks where the money is deposited are required as proof. The proof of funds will vary depending on the number of family members of the primary PR applicant (Read More…).
Number of family members | Current Funds Required | Funds required (in Canadian dollars) Coming into effect May 28, 2024 |
1 | CAD 13,757 | CAD 14,690 |
2 | CAD 17,127 | CAD 18,288 |
3 | CAD 21,055 | CAD 22,483 |
4 | CAD 25,564 | CAD 27,297 |
5 | CAD 28,994 | CAD 30,690 |
Canada PR Processing Times
The general processing time for the Canada PR visa is 6 to 8 months. However, the processing time depends on the program under which you made an application. For instance, if you applied under the CEC program, your application will be processed within three to four months (Read more…).
*Note: If you have applied through the Express Entry program, you must apply within 90 days if you get an invitation to apply.
Phase | Process | Description | Designated Authority | TAT (Turn Around Time) | Fees Applicable |
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 | CAD$305 |
[CAD$ 220 for report + CAD$ 85 for international courier] | |||||
CAD$ 275 | |||||
IQAS | 20 Weeks | [CAD$ 260 for report + CAD$ 75 for international courier] | |||
CAD$ 335 | |||||
[CAD$ 260 for report + CAD$ 85 for international courier] | |||||
ICAS | 20 Weeks | CAD$ 345 | |||
[CAD$ 280 for report + CAD$ 75 for international courier] | |||||
ICES | 8 – 10 Weeks | CAD$ 210 + CAD$ 102 for Courier | |||
CAD$ 310 Fee + CAD$ 190 SVR + CAD$ 120 for ECA | |||||
CAD$ 340 Fee + CAD$ 685 Evaluation | |||||
CES | 12 Weeks | IELTS: INR 15,500 | |||
MCC (Doctors) | 15 Weeks | CELPIP: INR 10,845 [plus taxes] | |||
PEBC (Pharmacists) | 15 Weeks | TEF: variable | |||
Step 2 | English or French Language Test | IELTS /CELPIP /TEF | Within 4 weeks | No Fee | |
Varies based on Provinces. | |||||
Application Fees per Applicant – CAD$ 850 | |||||
Phase 2 | Step 1 | EOI – Expression Of Interest | IRCC | Your Profile will be valid for 12 months. | RPRF Fees for Applicant & Spouse – CAD$ 515 |
Step 2 | PNP – Provincial Nomination Program | Provincial Authorities | Varies based on Provinces | Biometrics – CAD$ 85 per person | |
Phase 3 | Step 1 | Invitation To Apply – ITA | Main Applicant + Spouse + Children | 60 Days | Medical Fee – As applicable |
Step 2 | Passport Submission and PR Visa | Main Applicant + Spouse + Children | Up to 30 days | VFS fee as applicable |
Latest Canada Express Entry draws
Draw no. | Date | Immigration program | Invitations issued | Reference Links |
313 | September 09, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 911 | IRCC invites 911 PNP candidates in the Latest Express Entry Draw |
312 | August 27, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,300 | Latest Express Entry Draw issued 3300 ITAs for CEC candidates |
311 | August 26, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1121 | #311 Express Entry Draw invites 1121 PNP candidates to apply for Canada PR |
310 | August 15, 2024 | French language proficiency | 2,000 | IRCC invites 2000 French professionals in the latest Express Entry Draw |
309 | August 14, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,200 | NA |
308 | August 13, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 763 | Canada invites 763 PNP candidates in latest Express Entry Draw |
307 | July 31, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 | Second Biggest Express Entry Draw issued ITAs to 5,000 CEC candidates |
306 | July 30, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 964 | Express Entry Draw invited 964 PNP candidates. Submit your EOI today! |
305 | July 18, 2024 | French language proficiency | 1,800 | 7th Express Entry Draw of July issued 1800 ITAs to French Professionals |
304 | July 17, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,300 | Biggest Express Entry Draw issued PR Visas to 6,300 CEC candidates |
303 | July 16, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | Express Entry Draw invited 1391 PNP candidates. Register your EOI today! |
302 | July 08, 2024 | French language proficiency | 3,200 | 4th Express Entry Draw in July invites 3200 French Professionals |
301 | July 05, 2024 | Healthcare occupations | 3,750 | Canada Express Entry #301 draw invites 3750 candidates to apply for a PR Visa |
300 | July 04, 2024 | Trade occupations | 1800 | Latest Express Entry Draw issued 1800 Invitations |
299 | July 02, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | First Express Entry Draw of July issued 920 ITAs |
298 | June 19, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | Latest Express Entry Draw invites 1499 candidates to apply for Canada PR |
297 | May 31, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | Latest Express Entry Draw invites 3000 Canadian Experience Class candidates. Apply now! |
296 | May 30, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | Breaking news! Canada Express Entry Draw issued 2985 ITAs after a long pause |
295 | April 24, 2024 | French language proficiency | 1,400 | Latest Express Entry Draw invites 1400 French Professionals |
294 | April 23, 2024 | All Program draw | 2,095 | #294 Express Entry Draw invites 2095 candidates |
293 | April 11, 2024 | STEM Professionals | 4,500 | #293 Express Entry Draw invites 4500 STEM professionals |
292 | April 10, 2024 | All Program draw | 1,280 | Latest Express Entry Draw: IRCC invites 1280 candidates in the first draw of April 2024 |
291 | March 26, 2024 | French language proficiency | 1500 | Express Entry category-based draw invites 1500 French-speaking professionals |
290 | March 25, 2024 | All Program draw | 1,980 | Latest Express Entry Draw invited 1980 candidates with a CRS score of 524 |
289 | March 13, 2024 | Transport occupations | 975 | First Category-based Express Entry Draw for Transport Occupations in 2024 issued 975 ITAs |
288 | March 12, 2024 | All Program draw | 2850 | Latest Canada Express Entry draw invites 2,850 candidates to apply for Canada PR |
287 | February 29, 2024 | French language proficiency | 2500 | Express Entry Leap Year Draw: Canada invites 2,500 candidates on February 29, 2024 |
286 | February 28, 2024 | All Program draw | 1,470 | General Express Entry draw issued 1,470 ITAs with a CRS score of 534 |
285 | February 16, 2024 | Agriculture and Agri-food occupations | 150 | Express Entry Draw invites 150 candidates in Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations |
284 | February 14, 2024 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | Express Entry invites 3,500 candidates in a healthcare category-based draw |
283 | February 13, 2024 | All Program draw | 1,490 | Latest Canada Express Entry Draw invited 1490 candidates to apply for Canada PR |
282 | February 1, 2024 | French Language Proficiency | 7,000 | Biggest Express Entry Draw! 7,000 ITAs issued in French Language Category |
280 | January 23, 2024 | All Program draw | 1,040 | Latest Express Entry Draw invites 1040 candidates to apply for Canada PR |
279 | January 10, 2024 | All Program draw | 1,510 | First Express Entry Draw of 2024: Canada invites 1510 Skilled Workers |
Total ITAs issued till now in 2024
107,298 Invitations Issued from Jan 2024 to date in 2024
Express Entry/ Province Draw | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | Total |
Express Entry | 3280 | 16110 | 7305 | 5780 | 5985 | 1499 | 25,516 | 65,475 |
Alberta | 130 | 157 | 75 | 48 | 139 | 73 | 63 | 685 |
British Columbia | 974 | 812 | 634 | 170 | 308 | 287 | 484 | 3669 |
Manitoba | 698 | 282 | 104 | 363 | 1565 | 667 | 287 | 3966 |
Ontario | 8122 | 6638 | 11092 | 211 | 0 | 646 | 5925 | 32634 |
Prince Edward Island | 134 | 223 | 83 | 66 | 6 | 75 | 86 | 673 |
Saskatchewan | 13 | 0 | 35 | 15 | 0 | 120 | 13 | 196 |
Total | 13351 | 24222 | 19328 | 6653 | 8003 | 3367 | 32374 | 1,07,298 |
