Types of Canada Permanent Visas and How to Apply

Moving to Canada is a dream for many people around the world. With its beautiful landscapes, welcoming culture, and high quality of life, it’s no wonder why Canada ranks as one of the top immigrant destinations globally.

One of the most common paths to Canadian permanent residency is through economic immigration programs. These visas are a great option if you have in-demand skills and work experience.

This comprehensive guide will explain the main types of Canadian permanent resident visas and how to apply for each successfully.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The points-based system that evaluates education, work experience, language ability, etc.
No job offer required – can immigrate through Express Entry pool
A minimum of 67 points out of 100 required

The Federal Skilled Worker Program uses a comprehensive ranking system to evaluate applicants for permanent residence. You’ll get points based on your education, work experience, language ability, age, and arranged employment. While a job offer isn’t required, having one can help improve your ranking. You’ll need at least 67 points out of 100 on the ranking grid to qualify. This program is managed through Express Entry, which operates the pool of selected candidates.

Here’s a quick overview of applying through Express Entry:

Create an Express Entry profile and complete the assessment.
Enter the Express Entry pool and get ranked
Improve your ranking with a job offer, higher language score, etc.
Get invited to apply for permanent residence if your score is high enough
Submit your application within 60 days

The Express Entry system makes immigrating to Canada much faster and more straightforward compared to before. Be sure to calculate your points and competitiveness before applying.

Provincial Nominee Program

Nominated by a province based on local labour needs
Each province has its criteria – check the PNP site
Receive 600 bonus points toward Express Entry ranking

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants based on local economic needs. Each region has eligibility criteria based on skills, work experience, education, language ability, etc. The main benefit of provincial nomination is receiving 600 additional points on your Express Entry ranking. This effectively guarantees an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

To immigrate through a PNP:

Research PNPs and find one that matches your occupation
Apply to the province directly and get nominated if approved
Enter the Express Entry pool and get invited to apply.
Submit your application within 60 days.

The PNP allows provinces to select candidates who align with local economic priorities. It’s an excellent pathway for Express Entry candidates who may not have enough points otherwise.

Canadian Experience Class

For skilled workers with recent Canadian work experience
12 months of skilled work in Canada within the last 3 years
Meet language and education requirements

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream targets skilled foreign workers with experience in Canada. To qualify, you must have 12 months of skilled Canadian work experience within the last 3 years. The work must be full-time (or equivalent part-time) and meet certain skill types 0, A, B, or C per the National Occupational Classification. You’ll also need 1 year of skilled work experience from outside Canada.

Here are the main steps to apply through the CEC program:

Have qualifying Canadian work experience
Take approved language tests and meet requirements.
Enter the Express Entry pool and complete the profile
Get invited to apply based on CEC criteria
Submit e-application within 60 days

The CEC offers a straightforward path to PR for those already working and established in Canada. It’s ideal for temporary foreign workers and foreign graduates who want to transition to permanent status.

Self-Employed Persons Program

For experienced self-employed individuals
Must have relevant self-employment experience
Submit a detailed business plan.

Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program aims to attract immigrant entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate a business in Canada.
You’ll need relevant self-employment experience to qualify, such as managing your business or working as a high-level professional like a doctor or consultant. You must also submit a detailed business plan showing your financial resources and job-creating ability.

Key steps to immigrate as a self-employed person:

Show experience managing a business or practising as a professional
Research which provinces accept entrepreneurs
Prepare a comprehensive business plan with financial details
Apply to the province and get nominated
Apply for permanent residence if approved

Bringing your business to Canada can be very rewarding. In your application, demonstrate your entrepreneurial abilities and job creation potential.

Family Sponsorship Programs

For reuniting family in Canada
Spouses, common-law partners, and dependents
Minimum income requirements for sponsors

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for immigration to Canada. This includes spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. To be eligible, the sponsor must meet minimum income requirements and commit to providing financial support for the sponsored relative(s) as needed.

Here is an overview of the family sponsorship process:

Determine your eligibility to sponsor relatives
Complete the required forms and include support documents.
Mail application to the central intake office in Canada
Wait for approval and issuance of permanent resident visa
Sponsored family members can then apply for a Canadian visa.

Many people apply for Canadian immigration to reunite with loved ones. Before applying, make sure the sponsor meets all requirements.

Business Immigration Programs

For established entrepreneurs and investors
Options: Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed, PNPs, etc.
Involve investment, business plans, and job creation.

Canada offers business immigration pathways for accomplished entrepreneurs, investors and business owners. The Start-Up Visa program requires support from a designated organization and an accepted business plan. The Self-Employed class requires experience and a plan to buy or start a business in Canada. There are also PNPs tailored to business immigrants with investment capital or niche expertise.

Typical application steps include:

Determine the best business visa class for you.
Obtain support from a designated agency or province (if required)
Provide a detailed business plan and evidence of funds.
Apply and get nominated or approved.
Obtain a permanent resident visa.

Bringing an established foreign business or startup idea to Canada can be rewarding. Focus your application on job creation, business development, and other economic benefits for Canada.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

For skilled workers who want to live in rural Canada
Currently open in select communities
Must have a job offer in the region to qualify

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot aims to spread the benefits of immigration to smaller communities in Canada.

It’s open to candidates who want to live and work in select rural and northern regions. You’ll need a valid job offer from an employer within the eligible communities to apply. You can qualify through the pilot’s Express Entry stream or base Provincial Nominee Program.

Here is an overview of applying through this pilot program:

Find job opportunities within the list of eligible communities
Obtain a job offer from an employer in the region
Apply either through Express Entry or the PNP stream.
Get PR approval and land in Canada.

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot makes it possible to get PR and build a life in beautiful small-town Canada. If you are interested in this unique program, consider taking advantage of it.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot

For skilled workers who want to live in Atlantic Canada
Must have a job offer in one of four provinces
Employer sponsorship required

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program aims to bring skilled immigrants to Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
To qualify, you’ll need a job offer from an employer in one of these provinces who agrees to sponsor you. This is an excellent pathway for those who want to live on the east coast of Canada.

Key steps for this program include:

Get a job offer from an approved employer
Apply through the AIP stream of Express Entry
Include employer support and endorsement
Obtain permanent residency if approved

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot provides a great opportunity to connect with employers in Canada’s beautiful eastern provinces. Consider applying if you’re interested in settling down in that region.

Canada’s economic immigration pathways offer excellent options for skilled workers, entrepreneurs and families. But make sure to pick the right program and submit a strong application. Doing plenty of research beforehand and getting professional guidance can help ensure success. Double-check that you meet all the eligibility criteria, and take time to gather high-quality supporting documents.

Permanent residency can provide a path to an amazing life in Canada. Stay organized, meet all requirements, and highlight your strongest assets during application. You’ll put yourself in a great position to get approved and start your new future in Canada!

Keep visiting workliveincanada for the latest tips and news on immigrating to Canada. Good luck!