Overview of Main Canadian PR Categories

Express Entry System

Canada's Express Entry system is a points-based immigration pathway for skilled workers. It encompasses three main programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled professionals with foreign work experience who meet criteria for education, language ability, and other factors.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled workers with experience in designated trades.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with Canadian work experience in skilled occupations.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Each PNP has its own criteria for eligibility.

Family Sponsorship

This category enables Canadian citizens and PR holders to sponsor their spouse, partner, children, parents, grandparents, and sometimes other relatives to become permanent residents.

Business Immigration

Includes the Start-up Visa Program, aimed at innovative entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada, and the Self-Employed Persons Program, for those who intend to be self-employed in Canada and have significant experience in cultural activities or athletics.

Eligibility Requirements

While the specific eligibility criteria vary between different Canadian PR pathways, several common factors apply to most applicants:

• Age: There's no age limit for most PR applications, but points systems like those used in Express Entry favor younger applicants.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove their proficiency in English or French through standardized tests like IELTS , PTE Core or TEF Canada.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): For applicants with foreign education, an ECA report is required to verify that their educational credentials are valid and equivalent to Canadian standards.
• Work Experience: Most categories require applicants to have a certain amount of work experience, which varies depending on the specific program.
• Financial Proof: Applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves and their family members upon arriving in Canada, unless they are applying under categories that exempt this requirement (like certain PNPs or Family Sponsorship).
• Health and Character Checks: All applicants must undergo a medical exam and provide police certificates to prove they're in good health and have no criminal record.

Specific Eligibility Criteria

• Express Entry System: Candidates must meet the criteria of one of the three programs under Express Entry. Points are awarded based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors, with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score used to rank potential candidates.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Eligibility criteria vary by province and program. Generally, applicants must have skills, education, and work experience that contribute to the province's economy and must want to live in the province.
• Family Sponsorship: Sponsors must prove their financial ability to support the sponsored family members for a certain period. The sponsored person must be a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, or other eligible relative.
• Business Immigration: For the Start-up Visa Program, applicants must have a qualifying business, secure a commitment from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator), and meet language and financial requirements. Self-Employed Persons must demonstrate relevant experience and the intention to contribute to Canada's cultural or athletic life.

Document Checklist

Common documents required for Canadian PR applications:

• Application Forms: Properly completed for the specific PR category.
• Identity and Civil Status Documents: Passport, marriage certificates, and birth certificates for all family members.
• Language Test Results: IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core or TEF Canada scores.
• ECA Report: If applicable, for foreign educational credentials.
• Work Experience Proof: Employment letters, pay stubs, and other relevant documents.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements or letters from financial institutions.
• Police Certificates: From every country where you've lived for 6 months or more in a row.
• Medical Exam Results: From an IRCC-approved panel physician.

Specific visa categories may require additional documents

• PNP: Nomination certificate from the province.
• Family Sponsorship: Relationship evidence, such as photographs, communication proofs, and financial support evidence.
• Business Immigration: Business plan, proof of business investment, or evidence of cultural or athletic achievements.