The Canadian Immigration Permanent Residence Program is a system designed by the Government of Canada to allow individuals from around the world to become permanent residents of the country. This program provides opportunities for skilled workers, businesspeople, family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, refugees, and individuals nominated by provinces or territories to live and work in Canada indefinitely, with the potential to eventually apply for Canadian citizenship. Permanent residents enjoy many of the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens, including access to healthcare and education, and the ability to work and travel freely within Canada.
Immigration Pathways
Express Entry
IRCC Processing Time:
12 months
The Canadian Express Entry Program is a streamlined immigration system for skilled workers. Applicants create online profiles and are ranked based on factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency. The highest-ranked candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residency. It aims to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to Canada’s economy.
Family Sponsorship
IRCC Processing Time:
24+ months
The Canadian Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for immigration. Eligible relationships include spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. Sponsors must meet financial requirements and agree to support their family members financially upon arrival. This program facilitates family reunification and integration into Canadian society.
Provincial Nominees Program (PNP)
IRCC Processing Time:
6-18 months
The Canadian Immigration Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their specific economic needs. Each province has its own criteria and streams, targeting skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals. Successful nominees receive a provincial nomination, expediting their pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
Quebec Immigration Programs
IRCC Processing Time:
10+ months
Quebec offers various immigration programs, notably the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) for skilled workers intending to settle in the province. Additionally, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) targets temporary foreign workers and international students already in Quebec. The Quebec Business Immigration Program caters to entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals seeking residency through business ventures in…
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
IRCC Processing Time:
12-18 months
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program in Canada aims to attract skilled workers to rural and northern communities facing demographic challenges. Through employer-driven initiatives, it facilitates permanent residency for foreign workers and their families, addressing labor shortages and fostering regional economic growth while ensuring the vitality and sustainability of these areas.
Typical Processing Times
Processing times for Canadian permanent residency applications vary depending on the immigration pathway chosen and individual circumstances. Generally, Express Entry applications are processed within six months, while processing times for other pathways may range from several months to over a year.