How to apply for a Canada PR Visa? Know the key eligibility and requirements for the Canada PR process to live in Canada permanently.
Why apply for a Canada PR?
Canada PR (Permanent Residency) grants non-Canadian citizens the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely, with access to social benefits and protection under Canadian law. It is a step towards gaining full Canadian citizenship, though it does not grant the right to vote in Canadian elections.
- Welcoming 2 million new immigrants by 2028
- 1 million jobs projected in the next 3 years
- Earn 5 to 8 times your current salary
- Get Canadian Citizenship in 3 years
- FREE Education for your children
- Invest in INR and earn in CAD
- Retirement benefits
- Access to the Universal Healthcare System
Read more...
What is a Canada PR Visa?
A Canadian Permanent Resident Visa is a gateway to permanent resident status in Canada. It is valid for 5 years, and candidates with a Canada PR card can live, study, and work in Canada freely. Based on their eligibility, they can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Do’s and Don’ts of Canadian Permanent Resident:
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Canada PRs get most of the social benefits to which Canadian citizens are entitled, including healthcare coverage. | Canada PRs can’t vote or run for any political office. |
| Canada PRs can live, study, or work anywhere in Canada. | Canada PRs can’t hold specific government jobs requiring high-level security clearance. |
| Canada PRs can apply for Canadian citizenship. | |
| Canada PRs are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadian law. |
*Willing to migrate to Canada on a PR visa? Get in touch with our experts to get FREE counselling.
Can Indians become Permanent Residents of Canada?
Yes, Indians can become permanent residents of Canada and are eligible to apply for a Canada PR Visa from India if they meet the eligibility criteria. Canada PR (Permanent Residency) is a legal status granted to immigrants, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. PR status is different from Canadian citizenship, but it offers many similar rights and privileges, with certain exceptions like voting rights and holding high-level security jobs.
*Check your eligibility to become a Permanent Resident of Canada with the Y-Axis CRS Points Calculator, instantly for FREE.
Canadian Permanent Resident Vs. Canada Citizenship
The difference between Canada PR and Canadian citizens is given in the table below:
| Feature | Canada PR | Canada Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Permanent resident status | Full citizenship status |
| Passport | Requires a passport from the country of origin | Eligible for a Canadian passport |
| Residency Obligation | Must live in Canada for at least 730 days in 5 years | No residency obligation |
| Right to Vote | Cannot vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections | Can vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections |
| Political Office | Cannot hold political office | Can hold political office |
| Job Restrictions | Some jobs requiring high-level security clearance are restricted | Can work in all jobs, including those requiring security clearance |
| Jury Duty | Not eligible to serve on a jury | Eligible to serve on a jury |
| Deportation | Can be deported for serious criminality or violation of PR obligations | Cannot be deported (except fraud-related revocation cases) |
| Travel Rights | May need visas for other countries | Broader visa-free travel with Canadian passport |
| Family Sponsorship | Can sponsor relatives to become PRs | Can sponsor and may pass citizenship to children born abroad |
| International Mobility | Depends on origin passport | Higher mobility with Canadian passport |
| Access to Social Benefits | Access to most social benefits, incl. healthcare | Access to all social benefits, incl. healthcare |
| Eligibility for Citizenship | Must meet residency & other criteria | Already a citizen |
| Renewal of Status | PR card renewed every 5 years | Citizenship is for life |
Canada PR Process
The Canada PR process is an easy seven-step procedure for applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. After following the seven steps, you can submit your Canada PR visa application.
A Permanent Resident (PR) visa has become prominent among immigrants who are willing to settle in ‘Maple Leaf country.’ It depends on your path to apply for the Canada PR visa.
Here is the path list that guides you through the Canada PR process.
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Quebec Immigration
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Canada start-up visa program
“Did You Know? You can get a Canada PR Visa without a job offer in Canada.”
Canada PR via Express Entry
Candidates applying for the Canada PR visa through the Express Entry program must use a points-based selection system. The Express Entry System consists of three sub-categories:
- Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you are an overseas skilled worker, you can apply for a Canada PR visa under the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
Canada PR via a Provincial Nominee Program
Canada offers nearly 80 different Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), each with its own eligibility requirements. PNPs allow provinces to fill in-demand jobs and address labour shortages.
Most PNPs require some connection to the province (work, study, or job offer). However, some PNPs require no previous connection; you can apply directly.
The popular PNP programs for a Canada PR visa are:
- Saskatchewan PNP
- Manitoba PNP
- Alberta PNP
- Ontario PNP
- New Brunswick PNP
- Nova Scotia PNP
- Prince Edward Island PNP
- British Columbia PNP
Market Background & Trends
- Immigration Target: 500,000+ new immigrants annually.
- High-Demand Sectors: Tech, healthcare, education, skilled trades.
- Aging Population: Drives demand for younger skilled workers.
- Key Pathways: Express Entry and PNPs.
- Diversity Focus: Encouraging diverse immigration for growth.
- Digital Processes: Streamlined online applications.
- 75% of population growth via immigration.
- Express Entry processing time: ~6 months.
- PNP invitations rising annually.
Jobs in Canada for Indians
StatCan reports that there are 1 million jobs in Canada for overseas skilled professionals. The table below lists top in-demand occupations and average salaries.
| Occupation | NOC Code | Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Engineers | 21399 | 118,136 |
| Chemical Engineers | 21320 | 135,405 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 | 120,841 |
| Database Analysts | 21223 | 109,748 |
| Dentists | 31110 | 150,000 |
| Electrical Engineers | 21310 | 125,242 |
| General Practitioners and Family Physicians | 31102 | 200,000 |
| IT Project Managers | 20012 | 117,048 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 116,218 |
| Medical Laboratory Technologists | 32120 | 97,298 |
| Medical Radiation Technologists | 32121 | 101,106 |
| Medical Sonographers | 32122 | 101,106 |
| Network Administrators | 22220 | 85,933 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 100,000 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 | 80,000 |
| Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses | 31301 | 85,000 |
| Software Developers | 21232 | 119,845 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 | 95,000 |
| Web Developers | 21234 | 96,820 |
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada
- Strong Career Prospects: High demand & competitive salaries.
- High Quality of Life: Safe environment & universal healthcare.
- World-Class Education: Excellent schooling for children.
- Inclusive Society: Welcoming, multicultural communities.
- Pathways to Residency: Express Entry & PNPs.
- Work-Life Balance: Reasonable hours, good leave.
Canada PR Eligibility
- Age – 18–45 for maximum points.
- Education – Higher education improves eligibility.
- Work Experience – Min 1 year skilled work in last 10 years.
- Language Proficiency – CLB 7+ in IELTS/CELPIP or French tests.
- Proof of Funds – As per IRCC guidelines.
- Adaptability – Spouse’s profile, relatives, or Canadian experience.
- Job Offer (Optional) – Increases points.
- Medical & Security Clearance – Must pass checks.
Canada PR Requirements
Application through PNPs often requires a provincial connection (work, study, or job offer). Ensure your documents meet Canada PR checklist standards.
- Age: 18–35 scores the highest; 45 is the upper limit.
- Education: Must be equivalent to Canadian higher secondary or above.
- Work experience: At least 1 year; NOC TEER 0–3.
- Language ability: IELTS 6 bands (min), test < 2 years old.
- Adaptability: Up to 10 points for spouse/common-law partner.
- Arranged employment: Valid Canadian job offer boosts points.
ECA – Educational Credential Assessment
An important step while applying for your Canada PR visa is to apply for the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you completed education outside Canada. The ECA report shows your credentials are equal to Canadian secondary or post-secondary credentials.
The ECA is required under Express Entry to prove your foreign credential is valid and equal to a Canadian degree.
The following PR applicants need an ECA:
- Education completed outside Canada applying under the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
- Applicants who need points for education received outside Canada.
- Spouse/partner accompanying you—ECA is needed to claim their education points.
- Usually only your highest credential needs an ECA; if claiming “two or more credentials,” assess both.
Designated ECA organizations:
- World Education Services
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- International Qualifications Assessment Service
- International Credential Evaluation Service
- Medical Council of Canada (for Doctors)
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (for Pharmacists)
IRCC accepts assessments issued on or after the date of designation for immigration applicants.
ECA fees
| Services | Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) |
|---|---|
| Electronic ECA report provided to you | C$248 |
| An official paper report (delivery fees apply) | |
| ECA report access by IRCC | |
| Electronic storage of your report and verified transcripts for future use | |
| Additional Fees | |
| Delivery Options | Fees |
| Standard delivery (no tracking) | C$12 |
| Courier delivery (with tracking) | |
| U.S. & international courier (per address) | C$92 |
| Next-day courier (per address, Canada only) | C$27 |
| Add a new credential | C$108 |
| Convert ECA to Document-by-Document | C$54 |
| Convert ECA to Course-by-Course | C$108 |
| First report (WES Basic) | C$54 |
| First report (WES ICAP) | C$33 |
| Each additional report | C$33 |
Choose the organization based on occupation. Example: Pharmacists (NOC 3131) needing licensure should use the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.
Total cost for Canada PR from India
The total cost for a Canada PR visa is 2,500 CAD – 3,000 CAD (varies by number of applicants).
- Single applicant: 2,340 CAD
- Couple (no kids): 4,680 CAD
- Couple with one kid: 5,285 CAD
Includes application fees (applicants & dependents), medicals, English test, ECA, PCC, etc.
The table below gives you all the total costs for a Canada PR visa.
| Program | Applicants | New fees (April 2024 – March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | Principal applicant & spouse/common-law partner | $575 |
| Protected persons | Principal applicant | $635 |
| Protected persons | Accompanying spouse/common-law partner | $635 |
| Protected persons | Accompanying dependent child | $175 |
| Permit holders | Principal applicant | $375 |
| Caregiver pilots (HCP & HSW) | Principal applicant | $635 |
| Caregiver pilots (HCP & HSW) | Accompanying spouse/common-law partner | $635 |
| Caregiver pilots (HCP & HSW) | Accompanying dependent child | $175 |
| H&C / Public policy | Principal applicant | $635 |
| H&C / Public policy | Accompanying spouse/common-law partner | $635 |
| H&C / Public policy | Accompanying dependent child | $175 |
| FSW, PNP, QSW, AIP & most economic pilots | Principal applicant | $950 |
| FSW, PNP, QSW, AIP & most economic pilots | Accompanying spouse/common-law partner | $950 |
| FSW, PNP, QSW, AIP & most economic pilots | Accompanying dependent child | $260 |
| Family reunification | Sponsorship fee | $85 |
| Family reunification | Sponsored principal applicant | $545 |
| Family reunification | Sponsored child (PA under 22, not a spouse/partner) | $85 |
| Family reunification | Accompanying spouse/common-law partner | $635 |
| Family reunification | Accompanying dependent child | $175 |
| Business (federal & Quebec) | Principal applicant | $1,810 |
| Business (federal & Quebec) | Accompanying spouse/common-law partner | $950 |
| Business (federal & Quebec) | Accompanying dependent child | $260 |
Proof of Funds for Canada PR
Canadian PR applicants should also provide proof of funds to show they can support themselves and dependents upon arrival in Canada until they earn an income. Letters from banks where the funds are held are required as proof. The amount varies by family size (Read More...).
| Number of family members | Proof of funds |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| If more than 7, add per extra member | $4,112 |
Canada PR Visa Processing Times
The general processing time is 6 to 8 months. Timelines vary by program. For example, CEC applications may be processed in about 3–4 months (Read more...).
*Express Entry: If you receive an ITA, you must submit your application within 90 days.
Canada PR by investment
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Latest Canada Express Entry Draws
| Draw no. | Date | Immigration program | Invitations issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 390 | January 07, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class | 8,000 |
| 389 | January 05, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program | 574 |
| 388 | December 17, 2025 | French language proficiency | 6,000 |
| 387 | December 16, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 |
| 386 | December 15, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 399 |
| 385 | December 11, 2025 | Healthcare and Social services occupations | 1,000 |
| 384 | December 10, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,000 |
| 383 | December 08, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,123 |
1,52,171 Invitations Issued in 2025
| Express Entry/ Province Draw | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry | 5821 | 11,601 | 13,261 | 1246 | 2511 | 7,405 | 7,558 | 6,417 | 10,018 | 15,647 | 12991 | 19,522 | 1,13,998 |
| Manitoba | 325 | 117 | 219 | 4 | 118 | 528 | 86 | 114 | 4258 | 891 | 82 | 668 | 7,410 |
| British Columbia | 10 | NA | 13 | NA | 108 | NA | 17 | 16 | NA | 485 | 24 | 432 | 1,105 |
| Ontario | 4 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3791 | NA | 468 | 4536 | 1680 | NA | 2049 | 12,528 |
| Alberta | NA | 551 | 17 | 246 | 414 | 291 | 433 | 693 | 2819 | 2635 | 1232 | NA | 9,331 |
| Prince Edward Island | 22 | 87 | 124 | NA | 168 | 52 | 39 | 132 | 129 | 319 | 190 | 179 | 1,441 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | NA | NA | NA | 256 | 733 | NA | 509 | 433 | 570 | 225 | 330 | NA | 3056 |
| New Brunswick | NA | NA | 498 | 477 | NA | 608 | NA | 1052 | NA | 522 | 35 | 110 | 3302 |
| Total | 6,182 | 12,356 | 14,132 | 2,229 | 4,052 | 12,675 | 8,642 | 9,325 | 22,330 | 22,404 | 14,884 | 22,960 | 1,52,171 |
How can Y-Axis help you?
Y-Axis, the world’s best overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services based on your interests and requirements. Our services include:
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- Free eligibility check via Canada Immigration Points Calculator
- Expert guidance for Canada Immigration
- Coaching services: CELPIP, IELTS
- Free career counseling — book your slot
- Complete guidance for Canada PR visa
- Job search services to find related jobs in Canada