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Permanent Residence

Learn about the different programs and their eligibility, so you can become a Permanent Resident of Canada

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Immigrating to Canada as a Permanent Resident means that you will have the same rights and duties as a Canadian citizen, except for two points: you will not be able to vote and to join the army. Apart from that, you will be able to look for a job anywhere in Canada, even in the public sector if you are interested.

With more than 80 immigration programs available, almost everyone's journey to Canada will be unique.

For example, there is the Federal Skilled Worker program (Express Entry), the Provincial Nominee Programs (more than 70 programs), the Start-up Visa program, the Federal Self-Employed program. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also offers multiple avenues to sponsor your family member to become Permanent Residents, such as your spouse/partner, children, parents and grandparents.

Which Permanent Residence Program should I look into?

I am a skilled worker with minimum one year of work experience

With one year of work experience, you could be eligible to one of the federal programs under the Express Entry system, or to one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). You will have to check that your job falls under the eligible NOC (National Occupational Classification) Skill Type/Level.

I studied at the post-secondary level in Canada

If you graduated from a public institution in one of the four Atlantic provinces, you could be eligible to the Atlantic Immigration Program. If you graduated from anywhere else in Canada, you can still be eligible to your province of studies' Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If in addition to your studies, you have a skilled professional experience of at least one year, you can apply to Express Entry.

I have a job offer from a Canadian employer

If you have a Canadian job offer that satisfies to the eligibility criteria, you might be eligible to Express Entry. If you have a job offer from a Designated Employer in one of the four Atlantic Provinces, you can be eligible to the Atlantic Immigration Program.

I have family members in Canada

If one of your family members is currently residing in Canada, and is either (i) a Permanent Resident, or (ii) a Canadian citizen, you could be eligible to being sponsored by them under the Family Sponsorship program. If this relative is not eligible to sponsor you, they still can be of help in the Provincial Nominee Programs, as some streams give additional points for family members in the province.

I am a high net worth individual and want to invest money in Canada

If this is the case, there are lots of opportunities for you. You will have to go through each Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), as each province has its own criteria for minimum investment amount and minimum net worth.

I am an entrepreneur and want to create an innovative company in Canada

If you have an innovative idea that you want to implement in Canada, you can go for the Start-up Visa program. However, you will need the promise of financing from a Designated Organization (Venture Capital Fund, Angel Investor Group, or a Business Incubator).

I am self-employed in Athletics or Cultural activities

If you have at least two years of relevant self-employment experience, you could be eligible to the Self-Employed Persons Program.