A Canada PR Visa is granted to immigrants who possess the right to work and reside in Canada indefinitely. To obtain a Canada PR Visa, a prospective candidate must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) Canada.
Canada is a preferred destination for Indians seeking to relocate permanently for improved quality of life and enhanced career opportunities. Furthermore, India has been a significant source of skilled immigrants who have moved to Canada and attained Canadian permanent residency.
Immigration plays a crucial role in Canada's recovery from the pandemic. The country has revealed its immigration level plans, which include welcoming 395,000 new immigrants in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. This demonstrates the federal government's commitment to attracting more skilled immigrants to contribute to the nation's economic growth.
If you aspire to become a Canadian permanent resident, the initial step is to apply through a Canadian immigration program that permits you to apply for a Canada PR Visa from India.
Each immigration program that offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada has distinct requirements and application procedures. It is essential to select the appropriate immigration program based on your skill set.
The following are the primary immigration programs for Canada PR Visa:
The Express Entry program offers a rapid immigration pathway for individuals aspiring to obtain a Canada PR Visa, with an application processing time of approximately 6 to 8 months. It serves as an application management system that regulates and oversees the profiles of immigrants who have applied for a Canada PR Visa through three principal federal economic immigration programs
To qualify for the FSW, which is the primary source of skilled immigrants, you must achieve a score of 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP point assessment grid. The following factors are considered when assigning scores in the 67 points calculator for the PR Visa:
Utilizing the ranking system known as the Comprehensive Rankings System (CRS), all profiles are ranked within the express entry pool. Profiles with higher rankings are subsequently issued an Invitation To Apply (ITA) to submit their PR Visa application to Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Once you receive your ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your PR Visa application along with all the necessary documents.
Some of the essential documents you must include with your Canada PR Visa application are:
Once your application has been submitted along with your biometrics and has been successfully evaluated by IRCC, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) via mail. You can obtain your PR Visa card at the point of entry into Canada.
Provinces and territories across Canada offer an immigration initiative that allows them to nominate skilled immigrants for permanent residency in their respective regions; these initiatives are known as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
| Provincial nominee program (PNP) | Immigration options |
|---|---|
| British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) |
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| Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) |
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| New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) |
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| Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) |
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| Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) |
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The process for obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada is lengthy, typically taking about one year to finalize. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide that you are required to follow.
Step 1: Take a language test
It is essential to undertake a language test and aim to achieve the necessary and highest possible scores. Commonly accepted language tests include IELTS and PTE, among others.
Step 2: Gather your foreign credential assessment
If your intention is to pursue studies at a foreign institution, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report. This report evaluates whether your educational qualifications are equivalent to Canadian standards.
Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile
Upon receiving your language proficiency results from tests such as IELTS or PTE, you are required to submit your application through the Express Entry system. Your profile will be evaluated by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which allocates points up to a maximum of 1200.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply for Canada PR
After establishing your Express Entry profile and meeting all necessary criteria, you should expect to receive an invitation to apply for Canadian PR. Candidates who achieve the highest scores in the Express Entry pool are invited to submit their applications.
Step 5: Apply for Canada PR
Once you have received your invitation, you may proceed to complete the application process and meet the remaining requirements. Post that will get COPR.