Immigration services
Immigrate to Canada
Canada aims to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025 and plateau at 500,000 in 2026 There are many pathways to immigrate to Canada and secure Canadian permanent residence, however, the Santaga Immigration Team is committed to helping you keep things simple.
Easiest Ways to Immigrate to Canada
It should be noted that there is no one simple way to immigrate to Canada. While some programs may be easier for you to apply to, the process is long and involves many steps.
While immigrating to Canada does require a significant financial and emotional investment, the end result is worth it. Canada consistently ranks among the best countries for quality of life and is known for its positive attitude toward immigration.
These are the four most popular ways for overseas applicants to migrate to Canada:
#1 – Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s fastest and most popular immigration program. Candidates that apply through the Express Entry system can receive permanent residence status as soon as six months.
The Express Entry system involves submitting an online profile that is scored by Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). To submit an Express Entry profile, you must first be eligible under one of Canada’s above three federal streams. The Canadian government then issues invitations to apply for permanent residence to the highest-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool.
The Express Entry process may be the easiest way to come to Canada for certain candidates eligible to submit a profile. It can be difficult to meet the CRS cut-off in the federal draw. However, just by being in the pool of candidates, you could be nominated for permanent residence by a province.
The cost of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is typically about $2,300 CAD for a single applicant, or about $4,500 CAD for a couple. This does not include the settlement funds that must also be shown as part of the eligibility requirement, which will vary by family size.
#2 – Provincial Nominee Programs
Throughout the pandemic, provinces continued to nominate overseas workers for Canadian permanent residence. By 2025, Canada plans to welcome 117,500 new immigrants through PNPs.
There are countless nominee programs offered by Canada’s ten provinces and three territories. Each PNP has its own unique eligibility criteria. Many PNPs require a connection to the province to apply for nomination. However, there are some programs that invite overseas candidates solely based on their ability to respond to the province’s labour market needs.
Each PNP has its own application processing time. After receiving a nomination, PNP candidates must apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. The time it takes to process the permanent residence application will depend on whether the PNP operates using the Express Entry system.
The cost of immigrating to Canada through a PNP is usually the same as Express Entry, with some additional fees, depending on the province. Certain provinces don’t charge a fee to process PNP applications, while others, such as Ontario, can charge up to $1,500 CAD.
#3 – Business Immigration
If you have experience managing or owning your own business, the easiest way to work and reside in Canada could be through a federal or provincial business immigration program.
The federal government offers immigration programs for individuals that plan to be self-employed in Canada or start up a business in Canada.
There are also several PNPs specific to overseas candidates interested in starting a business in a certain Canadian province.
Business immigration programs typically require a significant investment in the company you intend to start in Canada. The amount required will depend on the program you are interested in. Many PNPs have regional entrepreneur programs that require a lower investment for candidates interested in starting a business in a less populated area.
#4 – Sponsorship
If you have a qualifying family member that is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, family sponsorship will likely be the easiest way for you to reside in Canada.
Canada offers several immigration programs that give permanent residents and citizens the chance to bring their family members to the country. This year, Canada plans to welcome 105,000 new permanent residents through family sponsorship programs.
If your spouse, child, or grandchild is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you may be eligible for family sponsorship.
Sponsoring a relative typically costs about $1,135 CAD. Additional fees will apply if the sponsor resides in or intends to reside in Quebec.
The processing time for a sponsorship application will depend on the family member who is sponsoring you. For spousal sponsorship, applications typically take about 12 months to process from start to finish.
Canada Permanent Resident (PR)
A Canadian permanent resident is someone who has been granted permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada.
A permanent resident enjoys many of the same benefits as a Canadian citizen. However, unlike citizens, they must maintain their status by meeting certain requirements like the residency obligation.
Benefits of Canadian PR status
Becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) opens the door to a multitude of advantages, essential for those seeking a new chapter in life. It grants the freedom to live and work anywhere across Canada’s vast and diverse landscape, access to its world-class healthcare and educational systems, and the opportunity for economic prosperity through a variety of career paths.
PR status also paves the way towards Canadian citizenship, allowing for deeper integration into Canada’s multicultural society. Moreover, it includes the ability to sponsor family members, ensuring loved ones can share in the benefits and stability that Canada offers.
For those intrigued by these opportunities, a visit to our page Benefits of Obtaining a Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) will provide a comprehensive understanding of why obtaining Canadian PR is not just a change in legal status, but a gateway to a new realm of possibilities.
What is a Permanent Residence Card?
A Permanent Residence Card (PR Card) is an official document issued by the Canadian government to individuals who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada. It serves as a proof of their status when they travel in and out of the country.
Permanent Residence Card Renewal
Most permanent resident cards are valid for five years, though occasionally PR cards are only valid for one year. The Canadian government encourages permanent residents keep track of their expiration date and apply to renew their Canadian permanent resident card within six months of their card expiring.
What is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)?
If a permanent resident is outside of Canada and wishes to enter Canada they may apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) if they do not have a valid PR card. The PRTD is usually valid for a single entry to Canada, allowing the permanent resident to enter the country before applying for a PR card, or PR card renewal.
Canadian Permanent Residency Obligations
In order to maintain permanent resident status in Canada, a person must meet a residency obligation. The residency obligation refers to a person’s physical presence inside of Canada for a set amount of time. Canada’s residency obligation for permanent residents requires a person to be physically present inside of Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period or to fall under one of several exceptions.
From Permanent Resident to Canadian Citizen
Becoming a Canadian Citizen is a significant step for foreign nationals living in Canada. To embark on this journey, individuals must first have valid permanent resident status. This foundational requirement ensures that applicants are legally recognized residents of Canada.
However, the path to citizenship involves more than just maintaining permanent resident status. Permanent residents aspiring to become Canadian citizens face distinct residency obligations, different from those needed for renewing their permanent resident status. These obligations are designed to ensure that applicants have a strong connection to Canada and have spent a considerable amount of time in the country, contributing to its society and understanding its values.
For those interested in learning more about the process and requirements for becoming a Canadian citizen, our guide: How to Get Canadian Citizenship, covers various aspects of the application process, eligibility criteria, and important considerations for prospective applicants. Consulting this resource can be an important step in understanding the pathway to Canadian citizenship and preparing for the journey ahead.
Renouncing permanent resident status
A Canadian permanent resident does not automatically lose their status when their PR card expires. A permanent resident’s status can only be lost through an official process. If a person wants to renounce their permanent resident status, they may submit an application to voluntarily give up their permanent resident status. This may save time during travels if a person knows they have not met their residency obligation and they intend to travel to Canada.
Is permanent residence the same as citizenship?
Canadian permanent residents are not citizens of Canada. Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for a Canadian passport, among other benefits enjoyed by citizens. Unlike Canadian citizens, they are also certain requirements a PR must fulfill to keep their status.
Can Canadian permanent residence be revoked?
The Canadian government may revoke permanent resident status for one of the following reasons:
- serious criminality;
- if an individual achieved PR status by means of misrepresentation; or
- they are unable to meet their residency obligations
How long is Canadian permanent residence valid?
Unlike temporary status in Canada, permanent residence status does not expire. If a Canadian PR continues to meet their residency requirements, and the government does not revoke their status, they will continue to maintain their status as a PR.
Can a permanent resident leave Canada?
A permanent resident can leave Canada at any time but must continue to meet their physical presence obligations.
How can I become a Canadian permanent resident?
There are many immigration pathways that will enable a person to become a Canadian permanent resident. For example, permanent residence can be achieved through economic immigration, business immigration, sponsorship, or refugee/humanitarian programs.
Complete our free online assessment to find out if you’re eligible for Canadian immigration.
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