What is a Canada PR Visa?
A Canada PR Visa grants immigrants the right to live, work, and stay in Canada indefinitely. To obtain a Canada PR Visa, applicants must apply through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How to Apply for a Canada PR Visa from India in 2024
Canada remains a top destination for Indians seeking better quality of life and career opportunities. With Canada’s goal to welcome 485,000 new immigrants in 2024, and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026, the federal government is actively encouraging skilled immigrants to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery and development.
Benefits:
- Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada for five years.
- Apply for Canadian citizenship after a certain period.
- Access to healthcare and subsidized education.
- Social security benefits.
To become a Canadian permanent resident, the first step is to apply under a suitable immigration program.
Major Canada PR Visa Immigration Programs:
- Express Entry Program
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs)
- Business Immigration Program
- Family Class Immigration
- Quebec Immigration
Applying for Canada PR Visa through the Express Entry Program
The Express Entry program is a fast-track immigration pathway. Processing time is typically 6-8 months. It manages applications for three major federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To be eligible for the FSWP, candidates must score at least 67 out of 100 points on the point assessment grid. Factors include age, language skills, work experience, education, arranged employment, and adaptability.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks profiles in the Express Entry pool. High-ranking profiles receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for a PR Visa from IRCC. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your PR Visa application with the necessary documents.
Required Documents for Canada PR Visa Application:
- Travel documents
- IELTS test report
- Educational credentials with ECA
- Proof of work experience
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate (PCC)
- Proof of funds
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Move to Your Preferred Province
Canada’s provinces and territories can nominate skilled immigrants through PNPs. Here are the major PNPs and their immigration streams:
| Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) | Immigration Streams |
|---|---|
| Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) | Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream, Farmer Self-Employed Pathway, Overseas Graduate Entrepreneur Pathway |
| British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) | BC Skills Immigration, BC Express Entry, BC Entrepreneur Immigration |
| Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) | Skilled Workers in Manitoba, Skilled Workers Overseas, International Education Pathway |
| New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) | NB Express Entry Stream, NB Skilled Workers Stream, NB Business Immigration Stream |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) | Newfoundland Express Entry Skilled Worker, Priority Skills, International Graduate, International Graduate Entrepreneur |
| Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) | Nova Scotia Express Entry, Nova Scotia Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur, Physician, Occupation in-demand, Overseas Graduate Entrepreneur |
| Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) | Human Capital Priorities Stream, Employer Job-Offer, Business Immigration |
| Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) | PEI Express Entry, PEI PNP Skilled Workers Outside Canada, Skilled Workers in PEI, International Graduate, Critical Work, Business Work Permit |
| Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) | International Skilled Worker Program, Saskatchewan Experience Program, Saskatchewan Business Immigration Program |
| Northwest Territories PNP | Employer Driven, Business |
| Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) | Skilled Worker, Express Entry, Critical Impact Worker, Business Nominee, Community Pilot |
How Express Entry is Linked with PNPs
Many PNPs have enhanced immigration streams aligned with the Express Entry program. Candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing an ITA in the next round.
Business Immigration: Start Your Business in Canada
Canada’s Business Immigration programs are designed to attract entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and investors who can contribute to the economy. Available programs include:
- Self-Employed Visa
- PNP Entrepreneur Visa
- Business Visitor Visa
- Start-up Visa
Quebec also offers its own programs for immigrant entrepreneurs and self-employed workers.
Family Class Immigration: Bring Your Family to Canada
Family reunification is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policy. Canadian citizens and permanent residents over 18 can sponsor spouses, dependent children, parents, or grandparents through the Family Sponsorship Program.
Minimum Requirements to Become a Sponsor:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Must prove not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
- Must provide for the basic needs of the sponsored individuals.
Quebec Immigration
Quebec manages its own immigration system, with a focus on French language proficiency. Programs include:
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
- Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program
Costs to Apply for Canada PR Visa from India
Fees include both fixed and variable costs. Fixed fees cover processing fees, right of permanent residence fees (RPRF), and IELTS examination fees, while variable fees include medical exams and police clearance certificates.
Fees for Express Entry Candidates:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD $227 – CAD $322 (INR 14,000 – INR 19,860)
- Application processing fees: CAD $950 (INR 57,940)
- Right of permanent residence fees: CAD $575 (INR 35,068)
- For each dependent child: CAD $260 (INR 15,857)
- IELTS examination fees: INR 17,000
- Biometric fees (per person): CAD $85 (INR 5,243)
Proof of Funds for Express Entry:
Candidates without a job offer must show proof of funds. The amount depends on the number of accompanying family members. These amounts are updated annually by IRCC.
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required (In CAD) | Funds Required (In INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14,690 | INR 8,96,341 |
| 2 | $18,288 | INR 11,15,880 |
| 3 | $22,483 | INR 13,71,847 |
| 4 | $27,297 | INR 16,65,584 |
| 5 | $30,690 | INR 18,72,615 |
| 6 | $34,917 | INR 21,30,534 |
| 7 | $38,875 | INR 23,72,040 |
| Each additional family member | $3,958 | INR 2,41,505 |
Note: Canada Immigration fees and currency rates are subject to change. Consult our immigration consultants for the latest information.
By following these guidelines and choosing the appropriate immigration program, you can successfully apply for a Canada PR Visa from India and embark on a new chapter in your life in Canada.
Also read-
British Columbia Issues Approximately 71 Invitations in Latest BC PNP Draw on 28th May
Latest Alberta PNP- Express Entry stream Draw on 1st May 2024
Manitoba PNP Immigration Draw on 23rd May- Total 253 Candidates received Letters of Advice
New Legislation Proposed for Canadian Citizenship by Descent
