To be eligible to apply for a Canada PR under the Express Entry system, you will need a minimum of 67 points out of 100. These points are calculated on various factors, which include your age, work experience, education, language skills, adaptability, etc. 

The maximum points you can obtain for these factors are as follows:

Canada Express Entry Eligibility | 67 points on 6 factors 

 

The minimum requirement states:

• The candidate has to be proficient in any of the two Canadian Federal Languages, English or French, in both written and spoken terms.
• Possess a complete foreign or Canadian education credential, with an ECA (Education Credential Assessment) by an approved institution. 
• Have at least 1 year of continuous experience in one profession, marked by NOC O, A and B. 

Once you meet the requirement, you can fall under three categories.

• Have an occupation that qualifies under 50 eligible occupations. 
• Have an “Arranged employment” or a job offer.
• Have a Canadian Ph.D. or 2 years study in the country under a Ph.D. program at a recognized institute. 

Scoring 67 points does not grant you the PR visa, but makes you eligible to apply to the Canada PR through the Express Entry system. 

You are then required to choose the right immigration program for yourself based on your profile traits.

Immigration programs under the Express Entry system are:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Federal Skilled Workers Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Program

If you are accepted into the Express Entry pool, you are not guaranteed to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. For an invitation, you need to have a high CRS Score.

Check my CRS Score

• All forms for immigration and permanent residency are properly filled up and signed. 
• Proof of work experience
• Language test results
• An educational certificate that states credible Canadian education or education in a foreign country
• Assessment of your foreign education from an authorized and approved agency
• 2 mailing labels, self-attested
• Photocopy of your passport information and date pages

If you are applying with arranged employment, you need to submit:

• Employee’s offer with the photocopy of your work permit. 
• The opinion letter of your arranged employer from the human resource team, stating you are indeterminately staying as a permanent resident; or social development.

The application process for a permanent visa under the Federal Skilled Worker program is carried out in the following steps :

Step 1: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

An applicant has to get Educational Credential Assessment or ECA to prove that their foreign education is on par with the Canadian level.

Step 2: Language Proficiency Report

After that, the candidate needs a language proficiency report with the IELTS score. This demonstrates if the English skills of the applicant are as per Canadian Benchmark Level (CLB) 7 or not.

Step 3: Express Entry Application

Once the candidate has both the documents, they can create an online Express Entry profile. Making an online profile shows an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada.

Step 4: CRS Score

The candidate receives a score after filling the application form, which serves as a cut-off to assess applications. If you have the required CRS score, you become eligible for the Canada PR visa.

Check your CRS Score!

Step 5: Express Entry Draw

After that, the applicant must wait for the Express Entry draw, held at regular intervals. Candidates who are above a specific rank get an invitation for PR.

Step 6: Invitation To Apply (ITA)

If you are above the rank, you will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA). After receiving it, you have 60 days to apply for PR.

Step 7: Final PR Application

You can send in the final Canada PR application with the required documents. The authorities aim to process a majority of these applications within six months. If you get approved, you will receive your PR authorization.

 

Other costs include:

• Language Proficiency Test Cost: Rs. 15,500
• Medical Test Cost: Rs 5,500
• Police Clearance Certificate: Rs 500
• Biometric: INR 4,700
• Proof of Funds:

IRCC Express Entry Proof of Funds Requirement in 2024

For more details: Cost for Canada PR Visa in 2024 (with Family) from India

It takes usually 6 months on average to process your Canada PR visa application from India after you’ve received the ITA (Invitation to Apply). Processing time may vary depending upon the immigration program you have applied for.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system to assess your profile and rank it in the Express Entry pool.

Points are allotted to the following categories: 

• age 
• level of education
• official language proficiency
• second official language
• Canadian work experience.

The CRS system is used to identify highly skilled candidates from the Express Entry pool of applications. They are then invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada by the Canadian government. Applicants with the highest-ranking scores are considered to be the best choice.

CRS considers 3 different factors to allot points for your profile. 

Below is a breakdown of how points are allotted for each factor.

1. Core or Human Capital Factor (your age, education, experience, etc. with or without a spouse or common-law partner)
2. Skill Transferability Factor (Canadian work experience or foreign work experience, language ability, etc.)
3. Additional Factors (Canadian job offer, provincial nomination, etc.)

Applicants with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply to become permanent residents of Canada. Knowing your CRS score will also help you understand which of the different immigration programs you can apply for. If you attain the cut-off score, you can get a PR (Permanent Residency) visa for Canada.

You are required to have a good CRS score in order to obtain a Canadian Permanent Resident visa in 2024. To know your score, use the calculator below.

Technically, there is no age limit, but the CRS system that allocates points is dependent on age. If you are less than or equal to 17 or more than or equal to 45, you earn 0 in this segment. However, you can earn points in other categories and still qualify for the visa.

The system has four major sections, and a candidate gets scored out of 1,200 points based on them. They are:

Core or Human Capital Factors:

The core and human capital factors include parameters like age, education, work experience in Canada, and language proficiency skills. These factors prove essential for the success of immigrants after moving to the country.   

Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors:

This category includes factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience of the spouse or common-law partner who is accompanying the candidate.

 Skills Transferability:

The skills transferability section provides points to the candidate on education, foreign work experience, and certificate of qualification for people involved in trade occupations.

Additional Points:

The last section of additional points awards 600 additional points to a candidate who has a Provincial nomination. There are other factors also like valid job offers and post-secondary education from Canada, which can help win additional points.

You are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship when you :

• are a permanent resident of Canada
• are physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the last five years before the date of application
• have met all other conditions

The interview is required or waived in accordance to judge the truthfulness of the candidate, verify the work experience, clarify any inconsistency in the application, and remove any security concern for the Canadian citizens.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

If you want to live in Alberta in Canada, you can apply for AINP. Once you receive the nomination from the province of Alberta, you can apply for a permanent residency visa through the Federal Government as a provincial nominee. 

Streams and subcategories of ANIP:

• Work Experience Stream
• Employer Driven Stream
  • Skilled Worker 
  • International Graduate
  • Semi-skilled worker
• Strategic Recruitment Stream
  • Engineering Occupation
  • Compulsory and Optional Trade
• Self-employed farmer stream

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)

If you want to live in Vancouver or any part of British Columbia, you can apply for BC PNP. Upon successfully being nominated by the province you can apply for PR for Canada. 

The 2 main components of BC PNP are:

• The strategic occupation component
  • Skilled worker
  • International Graduate
  • International post-graduate pilot project
  • Designated health professionals
  • Entry-level and semi-skilled
• Business Immigration component
• Business Skills Category
• Regional Business Category
• Strategic Projects Category
• Business Succession Plan Buy-Out Subcategory

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

If you are interested in living in the Manitoba province, here are the options for you.

• Foreign Nationals Currently Working in Manitoba Category
• Skilled Workers Overseas Category
• Immigration Program for Business Category
• Manitoba Young Farmer Nominee Program
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

This program is meant to allow those who can help to grow the economic immigrant and labor market structure of the province, Newfoundland.

Here are the categories :

• NLPNP – International Graduate Category
• NLPNP – Entrepreneur Category
• NLPNP – Skilled Worker Category

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

If you want to settle in New Brunswick, and you are a qualified business professional or skilled worker as per Canadian standard, you can apply under the NBPNP program.

Here are the categories for an application:

• Skilled Worker Applicants with Family Support
• Skilled Worker Applicants with Employer Support
• Business Applicants

Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)

These are the different categories to apply under if you want a PR for Nova Scotia. 

• Skilled Worker Stream
• Physician Stream
• International Graduate Entrepreneur
• Entrepreneur Stream
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream; and the
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream
• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream

Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

The following stream of entries is available if you are willing to apply for permanent residency in the Northwest Territories:

• Entry Level/Semi-Skilled Occupations Stream
• Skilled Worker Stream
• Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream
• Business Stream

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

If you want to move to Ontario with PR for Canada, here are the options for you: 

General Category:

• Employer/ Foreign Worker Stream
• Business and Individual Investor Stream

International Student Category:

• International Students with a Job Offer Stream
• International Ph.D. Graduate Stream
• Pilot International Masters Graduate Stream

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)

There are 2 special categories if you want to enter Canada under the PEI PNP. 

• The PEI PNP Business Impact Category
• PEI PNP Labour Impact Category

Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)

The categories are:

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
• Quebec Investor Program
• Quebec Experience Program
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Quebec Self-Employed

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

The categories under which you can get in Canada through SINP is as follows: 

• Skilled Workers
• Farm Owners / Operators
• Entrepreneurs
• Family Referral
• Long Haul Truck Drivers
• Young Farmer Stream
• Health Professions
• Hospitality Sector Pilot Project
• Students

Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

There are three different categories under which you can get permanent residency in Canada through nomination from Yukon. 

• Business Program
• Skilled Worker Program
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The eligibility criteria depend on the provinces applied to.

2 primary factors that provinces look for are:

• People who will significantly contribute to the growth of the economy.
• If you are inclined towards settling in the province concerned. 

Other miscellaneous reasons for consideration of the nominee are: 

• Whether you have a job offer or not 
• Your education 
• Your language skills, that is, English/French 
• Work experience matters

The documents required for the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) depend on the specific qualifying criteria.

Some basic documents required are:

• General application form of the primary applicant.
• Form attested by the spouse and other dependents.
• Recent color photographs
• Valid passport
• Identity proof
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Language skills results
• Proof of fund
• Medical certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Documents that support the spouse and other dependents.

This is the step by step guide to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program of different provinces of Canada.

Step 1: Submit your express entry profile.

You have to first create an account and also an express entry profile. You will be accepted in the pool of profiles once you meet the express entry criteria and qualify under any of the three immigration programs run by the government. 

In case a province has nominated you:

• Answer ‘yes’ in the ‘Nomination and Selection’ portion. 
• If your previous answer is yes, choose the territory or province. 

Step 2: Get your nomination confirmed

Once you apply for a province nomination, the nomination is confirmed electronically. After your profile is submitted or the application is made, contact the territory or province directly. You need to tell them,

• Your express entry number
• Job Seeker validation code

There are two possible outcomes. If you accept the nomination, you will receive a letter in your account, confirming your nomination. Your profile will be included in the express entry pool and get 600 points. 

In case you click on ‘do not accept,’ you become ineligible for the program unless you are approved by another province. 

Suppose you don’t have an express entry program nomination.

You will have two options:

• Apply to a province or territory that you like
• Wait for a province or territory to find you eligible and contact you directly. 

Step 3: Receive an invitation for permanent residency to apply for

To get permanent residency, you need to first get invited to apply. If the province invites you, there will be an invitation to your account. You get 60 days to apply for permanent residency online. 

Step 4: Fill up your application

If you are invited for permanent residency, you will receive a letter stating which program you can apply for, how many points you have received, the deadline for submission, and the next steps to the process.

Once this is done, fill up your application form online, upload the required documents, and pay the application fees. 

Step 5: If the nomination is withdrawn

This is not essentially a step if you have submitted the application.

However, if the province withdraws your nomination: 

• You can decline the invitation
• Withdraw your current profile and apply it with a new profile.

The PNP costs depend on the respective program.

The provincial application fee structure is given in the table below:

Here’s the processing time for the 2 types of PNPs:

Via Express Entry: 6 months

Via Non-Express Entry: 1-2 years

Here are the major two advantages:

• Your application for Canadian Immigration Visa is fast-tracked
• You can qualify for Permanent Resident Visa

No, it does not. Before IRCC issues the visa, they keenly follow these statutory requirements: 

• Health 
• Security 
• Originality of documents

In order to be eligible to apply for the CEC category, one must meet the following guidelines. 

Work Experience

You must have worked for 1 year in Canada or part-time with an equal duration within 3 years from the date of application. 

The skilled worker experience can be categorized under:

• Managerial jobs (0 skill level)
• Professional jobs (Type A skill)
• Technical jobs and skilled trades (Type B skill)

Your job can fall under NOC 0, A, or B. 

Education Requirements for CEC Immigration

There is no minimum level of education required for CEC immigration. However, if you want to increase your CRS score, you have two options in your education experience that can do so.

• You can get points for certificates, degrees and diplomas from a Canadian university, if you have gone to school in Canada. 
• If you have completed foreign education you can gain points through the foreign credential or ECE report. 

Language Requirement for CEC

You can take the IELTS or TOEFL to meet the Language Requirement for CEC.

The minimum level of language requirement  is:

• For NOC 0 or A employment Canadian Language Benchmark 7 

or

• For NOC B, Canadian Language Benchmark 5

Once you pass the test, mention the test results in your profile for Express Entry. 

The language tests you take are valid for 2 years from the date of the published result.

The following documents are required:

• Identity and Civil Status Documents
• Information of Dependents
• Travel Documents and Passports
• Documents proving training and qualifications
• Proof of Work Experience
• Language Proficiency test results
• Non-accompanying Family Member Declaration 
• Police certificates and Clearance
• Receipt of fee payment  
• Passport size photos

Here are the steps to apply for CEC:

Step 1: Apply online. 

Step 2: The application will then be reviewed by a Canadian Immigration visa officer. 

Step 3: You may or may not be asked to appear for a personal interview.

Step 4: You will be asked to take a medical exam according to the terms. 

Step 5: Once you pass all the above steps, you will be asked to pay the permanent residency fee. 

Step 6: The authority will issue your PR card. 

Note: If you are within Canada and applying from there, your application will be sent to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO). In case you are applying from another country, Ottawa Case Processing Pilot Center will receive your application.

The processing fees are as follows:

• Principal Applicant: $2075
• Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner: $1325
• Dependent child under the age of 22/ dependent over the age of 22 with disabilities: $225 for each dependent

It usually takes 6 months to process completed applications.

No, any individual who is eligible under the Canadian Experience Class is required to issue an expression of interest to become a permanent resident under the Express Entry Immigration Selection System effective from January 1, 2015.

Not necessarily. If an international student has graduated from an approved Canadian post-secondary educational institution and gathered the work experience, it is not mandatory  that the field of work has to be related to the field of education.

Quebec has a different procedure of selection. If any candidate has gained work experience in Quebec and intends to settle there, then, he/she needs to apply under Quebec Experience Class.

You can apply for the QSW visa if:

• You hold a Quebec Selection Certificate, provided by the government of Quebec. 
• You can submit a permanent residency application with police verification.

In the case of QSW, you need to score a certain number of points in the different categories in order to qualify. The minimum point requirement without a spouse is 50 and with a spouse is 59. Follow the table below to understand the requirement. 

 

Education eligibility: 

There is no hard and fast rule for the educational background but the points will vary. For example, in the case of general secondary education, you receive 2 points, and university post-graduation, you receive 14 points.

Language: 

You shall speak any of the two Canadian Federal Languages, English and French. The level of your writing, listening, speaking, and reading capability will help you score points. 

Connection to Quebec: 

If you have studied in Quebec with a DEP/AEC of 900 to 1800 hours and worked in a related field within 6 months of the course completion, you will earn 5 points. If you have a university degree in Quebec or DEP/AEC with more than 1800, you can also earn 5 points. If your family members stay in Quebec, you can earn 3 points. 

Work Experience: 

If you have a valid job offer in Montreal metropolitan or any other part of Quebec, you stand to get some points.

The comprehensive checklist of documents required for the Quebec immigration skilled worker program are:

Documents for identity and civil status:

 The documents which are required for this purpose are:

• Passport
• PAN Card
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Voter ID
• Aadhar Card

For permanent residency, you need to submit these documents with your application form.

However, the passport is the most globally recognized mandatory document. Therefore, we recommend you to submit your passport.

Documents of work experience:

These documents provide proof of your employment for the last ten years.

The following documents act as your employment proof:

• Letters of experience from your present and previous employers.
• Appointment letters issued by your current and previous employers.
• Letter of revision issued by your previous employers.
• Pay-slips for the last six months.

Documents proof for language proficiency:

You need to prove your language proficiency in English or French. The following exam scores are accepted as proof of proficiency:

• For proficiency in the English language:  The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• For proficiency in French: est d'Évaluation de Français (TEF)

These tests assess you in four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and hearing skills.

The following table is the minimum scores that you need to get in each section:

 

Your test scores need to be taken in the last 24 months. Irrespective of these exams, your employee might ask you to take another language proficiency test.

Documents of proof of travel

When applying for a permanent residence visa, you need to have a valid passport or a travel document from the Government of your country. Your passport is your ticket for traveling abroad. You need to submit your passport details like - passport number, date of issue, place of issue, expiry date, etc.

It’s best to keep every page of your document scanned. 

Documents of proof of marriage and children

A marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for dependent children are required.  

Police clearance certificate

This document ensures you do not have a criminal or terrorist background in your country.

• You need to provide a police clearance certificate from every country that you have stayed in for more than 6 months.
• This certificate will be held invalid if it is collected more than 6 months before your application date.

Financial evidence

You need to provide evidence that you have enough finances to allow you and your family to settle in Quebec.

The prices vary depending on several factors.

The following table will give you an estimate of the financial proof that you need to show:

Step 1: Get your application package 

It should have: 

• The forms that need to be filled out.
• A guide to help you fill-up the forms.

Step 2: Fill out print and sign the form. 

Step 3: Pay your application fee. 

This includes.

• Processing fee for your application and application for anyone else you included.
• Permanent residency fee. 
• Biometric fee
• Third-party fee. 

Step 4: Send your application.

An immigration officer will review your application. If it is incomplete, it will not get approved. 

Step 5: You will be asked in for a biometric exam.

Step 6: An interview may be needed. 

Step 7: You get your PR card.

There are several costs involved in immigration through the Quebec Skilled Workers program.

Let’s begin with the application fee:

• Principal Applicant: $785
• Spouse: $168
• Dependent Child(each): $168

We then have the Visa fees:

• Principal Applicant and Spouse: $550 CAD
• Dependent: $150 CAD

Following this, we have the Right to Permanent Residence Fee:

• Principal Applicant and Spouse: $490 CAD

There are also costs involved for medical examinations, police clearance certificates and language testing.

It usually takes up to 6 months to process completed applications.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program selects immigrants who want to settle in the province. If the federal immigration authorities come to believe that the candidate doesn’t want to settle in Quebec, then no application will be issued. However, it is also a fact that QSWP guarantees the applicant the same Canadian rights so that they can move around without any impediments.

MIFI must be notified if and when there is any change of address. The candidate can submit a request of transfer of territory for treatment of the application if the processing time is shorter than the estimation.

Details of any change must be notified within 30 days of the occurrence of the change. Certain changes include: change of address, the transition of job, change in education and can alter points.

• You need to receive a job offer in Atlantic Canada from a designated employer.
• You can be temporarily living in Atlantic Canada for education and be a recent graduate. 

In case you receive a job offer:

• Make sure to ask for a confirmation of the designation. 
• Ask your employer to be designated for the program, if they are already not.

Atlantic International Graduate Program Eligibility:

• Degree or diploma or any other credential from one of the publicly funded institutes in the Atlantic province.
• You shall live in the province for at least 16 months within the 2 years of your course. 
• An essential language course in English and French. 
• Prove that you can support yourself and your family while staying in Canada. 

Atlantic High-Skilled Program Eligibility: 

• You must have worked in a management, technical/skilled or professional job for a year, at least. 
• Canadian high school diploma or equivalent degree is important.
• Language test in French or English to prove efficiency. 
• Prove that you can support yourself and your family while staying in Canada. 

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program Eligibility:

• Make sure to have worked in a job that needs high school education and/or at least a job-specific training for a year or more. 
• Canadian high school diploma or equivalent degree is important.
• Language test in French or English to prove efficiency. 
• Prove that you can support yourself and your family while staying in Canada.

Language Test Results

You have to take a language proficiency test to prove your knowledge and adaptability.

ECA

You need an Educational Credential Assessment report if you have studied outside Canada. It shows that your foreign education holds up to Canadian standards.

Proof of funds

Before you arrive in Canada, you need to prove that you will be able to support yourself and your family. 

Other documents

Each program has an application guide with a list of all the documents and forms you must submit. Use the list to make sure you have all of the documents.

Step 1: Get the application forms that need to be filled up. 

Step 2: Get a job offer.

Step 3: Meet the above-mentioned eligibility requirements. 

Step 4: Get an Atlantic province to endorse you. 

Step 5: Fill up the form with the details and submit your fees. 

Step 6: Wait for an immigration officer to review your application.

Step 7: Receive your PR card.

 

Note: Dependent children are exempt from paying the Right of Permanent Residence fee.

6 months

The processing time for AIPP applications is 6 months. The applicant must file the PR application within six months of getting the endorsement certificate. Employers that need to fill an immediate job vacancy have access to a temporary work permit, so the skilled immigrant can come and work right away while waiting for the application to be processed.

Note: In case the Permanent Residency Visa gets delayed, the applicant is granted a Temporary Work Permit (TWP) for a year.

After completion of permanent residency application, the candidate needs to submit it to IRCC. AIPP applications take about 6 months to be processed/evaluated. Along with the PR application, the applicant needs to submit the endorsement letter and other important documents.

Yes, it is. The candidate must receive a job letter from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada to take part in the pilot program.

No, it is optional. Although, a candidate is eligible for one if he or she meets all specifications of permanent residency under AIPP Canada.

To apply for a PR in Canada based on skilled trade: 

• You must meet the level of the language ability required (English or French). 
• You must have the required work experience (2 years full time or equivalent part-time work).
• You must be skilled in a trade that meets the requirements of the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
• You must have a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification from the required Canadian authority.

Experience in Skilled Trade

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada created a list of skilled trades eligible under the National Occupation Classification: 

Major Groups:

• Group 72: Electrical, Industrial and Construction trades 
• Group 73: Maintenance and Equipment Operation trades
• Group 82: Technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and such productions and supervisors for that.
• Group 92: Processing, Utility and Manufacturing Supervisors, and Central Control Operators. 

Minor Groups:

• Group 632: Cooks and Chefs 
• Group 633: Bakers and Butchers 

Besides, Skill Type B occupations are a further subdivision of the Major Groups' skilled trades. You should have performed the essential and principal duties of a particular experienced business as per the NOC's 'lead statement.' Furthermore, you must be qualified to practice the profession independently. 

Education requirement

There are no express requirements of education for a Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, if you wish to earn points for a better Express Entry Rank, you can do that: 

• If you have achieved an academic credential from a secondary institution or a post-secondary institution in Canada. 
• If you have received an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization in Canada (the designation authority is Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).

Language proficiency

You have to prove your ability in either of the two Federal Languages, English, and French by taking the appropriate test and scoring the minimum result required. The test verifies your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. 

Required Funds

You must show enough funds in your bank account for a successful application. The funds shown should be enough to sustain yourself and your family in Canada.

However, you do not require to show funds: 

• If you have a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer.
• If you currently work in Canada (legally).

• Correct application forms, signed and duly completed
• Canadian government processing fees
• Documents showing identity and civil status
• Travel documents and passports
• Evidence of work experience
• Education training/professional qualifications evidence
• IELTS or CELPIP or TEF or TCF Canada results
• Arranged Employment, if applicable;
• Points claimed if any
• Canadian educational credential assessment;
• Police certificates and clearances;
• Proof of settlement funds.

Step 1: Finding your NOC (National Occupational Qualification)

In order to be eligible for the Canadian express entry program, check out if your employment falls under NOC 0, A, B, or D. These are the only eligible categories. 

Step 2: Assess your educational credential. 

There are IRCC approved third parties who assess your foreign education. Based on the assessment, you will know which category to apply for. 

Step 3: Take your English/French language test

In order to receive a PR in Canada through express entry, you need to be proficient in one of the two federal languages, namely English or Fresh. Get your assessment done and score well. The test should be an IRCC Approved one.

Step 4: Calculate the total Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

Understand how to calculate the CRS score and calculate it yourself. You can also take a third party’s to help for the total process. 

Step 5: Get into the Express Entry pool

Once the above steps are done, you need to send your application and get into the Express Entry Pool. 

To create your Express Entry profile, you need to enter the following information:

• Personal Reference Code
• First, middle, and last name
• Gender
• Marital status
• Date, country, and city of birth
• Number of dependent family members
• ID documents data
• Settlement funds amount
• Education Credential Assessment date, reference number, and result.
• Education history
• Language test date, results, and reference number
• Work history and (NOC) codes for work experiences
• Passport or travel document number, expiry date
• Province Choice
• Provincial Nomination details, if applicable
• Details of representative (if applicable)
• Details of valid employment offer (if applicable)

Step 6: You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

You will receive a mail to your account, asking you to apply. You will get a time period of 60 days to fill up other documents and apply. 

Step 7: Document Checklist

Once you receive the ITA, you will have to upload the required document. Make sure to get them without much hassle. 

Step 8: Acknowledgement of Receipt and passport request

You will get an acknowledgment of receipt of the document. You will be asked to share your passport. 

Step 9: Prepare for your stay in Canada

You are now ready to move to Canada.

Application fees:

Pay the application fee once you are selected for a Canada PR visa

• Single applicant fee: 825 for CIC + 500 (Right to PR Fee) = CAD 1325 (Including visa fees and PR fees)
• Couple Applicant Fee: (825 *2) = CAD 2650 + 500 (Right to PR Fee)
• Dependent fee for Child: CAD 225 for each child

Other fees are:

• Language exam fees (IELTS): INR 15,500, approximately
• Translation fee if document not in English or French 
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees:
  • $240+$10 ($10 Courier charges approx)
  • $240+$85 for Fast Express courier charges. ($85 for Fast Express Courier charges)
• Medical exam: INR 3,000 (varies depending on your source city)
• Police certificate: INR 500 (varies depending on your source city)
• Biometric Fee CAD 85 for a single applicant
• Biometric Fee CAD 170 for two or more applicants
• Extra processing charges for provincial nominee program

Once you receive an invitation to apply, you need to show proof of funds to sustain in Canada. You should be able to produce proof of funds of at least CAD 12,960  per single applicant. This can be in the form of PFs, PPFs, FDs, and savings account statements.

Most completed applications are processed within 6 months.

Yes, it is possible. Only under certain circumstances:

• Security Issues
• Human Rights Violations 
• A crime of driving while drunk or drugged
• Medical issues (although, some applicants are allowed) 
• Lack of finance 
• Misrepresentation (by providing false information or withholding information) 
• Failure in complying with a provision of IRPA 
• Having a family member who is inadmissible 

If you do not fall under any of the above categories, you can apply for a PR in Canada.

As mentioned in the experience section, there are major and minor groups of professions that come under skilled trade. 

• Major Group 72: Electrical, Industrial and Construction trades 
• Major Group 73: Maintenance and Equipment Operation trades
• Major Group 82: Technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and such productions and supervisors for that.
• Major Group 92: Processing, Utility and Manufacturing Supervisors, and Central Control Operators. 
• Minor Group 632: Cooks and Chefs 
• Minor Group 633: Bakers and Butchers

Currently, the passing mark for the category is 67. IRCC holds the authority to change the marks depending on the requirement of the country

There are several tests for English and French that are IRCC approved. The English tests are: 

• IELTS
• CELPIP

French Courses are:

• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada

It is important to earn language points for several reasons: 

• Language proficiency has more than 30 points for all the major programs for Permanent Residency. CBL7 in French and CBL 5 in English in all abilities/sections is required. 
• Without a English test of less than CBL5, if you have CBL7 in French, you can get 15 points. 
• You can get additional 100 points from skill transferability.  

You can check your Express Entry eligibility online. Fill up the required details and calculate your points. You need to be sure of your eligibility for at least one program.

Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages the Express Entry program by the Canadian government to allow skilled workers from all over the world to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Express Entry itself is an application management program for three immigration programs. 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) proactively assesses, recruits, and selects immigrants who are skilled and/or possesses the relevant qualifications under federal economic immigration programs.

There are three categories under Express Entry. 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

If you qualify under any of these, you can apply for express entry.

Anyone who is a skilled worker under the recognized category of Canada, and/or has an educational qualification mentioned by the express entry guidelines is eligible for Express Entry. You also need to pass the language test either in French or English to be eligible.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program requires a job offer, but most of the other programs do not ask you for a job offer.

The express entry process can be completed within six months or less.

It depends on where you want to live or if you have a job offer. For PNP, job offers are mandatory but not for express entry. However, most people who receive PR get a job offer.

Chances are that Canada may reduce the CRS score requirement if they want to have more applicants applying for PR in the country. 

How do I increase my CRS score?

• Apply at an early age
• Get a Canadian job offer
• Complete one more education program
• Apply for provincial nominee program
• Gain more work experience. 
• Do a temporary course in Canada that qualifies.

There is no age limit for the Express Entry, but the point awarded for age comes to 0 once you turn 47.

Your express entry profile expires after 12 months, and then you can apply again. Applying more than once in the same period does not increase your chances.

At the bottom of the “Application/profile details” screen, you can find, “View submitted application.” On the “Express Entry Profile” page, click update to change the mistakes.

• You must have a job to enter the Express Entry Pool.
• Anyone can be part of the Express Entry Pool.
• The Federal Skilled Worker Program occupation list is applicable here.
• Express entry is the one possible way to become a Canadian economic immigrant. 
• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) lets the candidate see their points and assess how many more points they need. 
• You have plenty of time to apply once you receive an ITA.
• You don’t need to pass any language test in order to get into the pool. 
• You can provide wrong information in your Express Entry. 
• You cannot update your Express Entry profile for more points once you have done the submission. 
• The immigration process is easy with Express Entry.

Express Entry is not a typical immigration program. This is the most simplified and fast immigration selection system in Canada. It is actually an online platform to manage Canada’s immigration application. Eligible candidates have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This can be done by submitting an online profile.

Profiles are then ranked according to a point-based system (Comprehensive Ranking System)
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR will be sent to the candidates with the highest-ranking. Applicants have to apply within 60 days of receiving ITA Profile submission has to be under any one of the following federal skilled immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canada Experience Class
• Streams under Provincial Nominee Programs

The family sponsorship stream is not a point-based immigration program. This immigration route allows you to sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada.

After obtaining Permanent Resident status, your family members and relatives can also 

• Work in Canada
• Study and live in Canada

Family Sponsorship program allows you to support :

• Your spouse/live-in partner/common-law partner
• Your children
• Parents
• Qualified family members

Eligibility:

You are eligible to apply for the Family Sponsorship program when you are :

• A Canadian citizen OR
• A person registered in Canada as an Indian as per the Canadian Indian Act OR
• A permanent resident of Canada

Quebec has its own immigration program. This allows them to select skilled immigrants who can boost the economic development of the province. For the Quebec immigration program, you have to get a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). It is a permit to live as a permanent resident in the province.

Eligibility:

To apply as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, you have to :

• Obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate from the Government of Quebec
• Submit a permanent residence application along with a police clearance certificate

Application Procedure:

Application for Quebec skilled immigration consists of 2 stages :

Stage 1: Submit an application to the Government of Quebec for a CSQ.

Stage 2: The Province of Quebec sends you a CSQ if you are selected. Then you have to apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for PR.

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is for skilled foreign workers and international graduates. This program also helps you to apply for a pathway to permanent residence in Canada.

Eligibility:

Eligibility criteria for this pilot program are :

• You must be a recent graduate from a public-funded institution in Atlantic Canada 
• A skilled worker who meets the program requirement
• You must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada
• You genuinely wish to work and live in one of the four Atlantic Provinces

Canadian Business Immigration Program is designed to create new opportunities in local markets. It allows skilled immigrants to work and live in Canada. It is perfect for entrepreneurs, businessmen, and self-employed.

There are 4 major categories under the Business Immigration Program :
  
A. Self-employed Program

You can apply under this stream when you :

• Have at least 2 years of experience in your field
• Meet tertiary or skills requirement
• Are aged between 18 – 35 years
• Show proficiency in Canada’s official languages
• Have the adaptability to assimilate into Canadian society

B. Start-up Visa

The Canadian Start-Up Visa program grants permanent residence to qualified immigrant entrepreneurs.
Applicants of the Start-Up Visa program must meet these basic eligibility requirements :

• Have a qualifying business
• A Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from a designated entity
• Sufficient available and transferable settlement funds (amounts change each year)
• Proficiency in English or French language equal to Canadian Language Benchmark level 5

 C. Business Visitor Visa

This visa is a temporary one. It is for individuals who want to come to Canada and conduct business internationally. Such visa-holders cannot enter the Canadian labor market directly.

You are eligible to apply for Canada Business Visitor Visa when you :

• Don’t plan to stay for more than 6 months in Canada
• Have no plans to enter the Canadian labor market
• Place of your main business outside of Canada
• Meet Canada’s basic entry requirements
• Have funds to support your stay and return journey

D. Entrepreneur Visa Program
 
This program is curated for entrepreneurs. The applicants must be willing to establish or invest in a business in Canada.

Application eligibility criteria for Entrepreneur Visa are :

• Owning a lawful and profitable business 
• Controlling at least 25% of the capital equity
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in running a business within 5 years of application date
• Willing to create employment in Canada
• Having a net worth of $300,000

A study visa is majorly granted to bachelor’s degree and master’s degree students. This visa is ideal for students willing to pursue their higher studies in Canada.

Eligibility

You can apply for Canadian Study Visa if you :

• are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• meet English Language skills requirement
• financial provision to pay tuition fees
• enough fund to support yourself and your dependant family members (if any) in Canada
• meet health and character requirements

Work permit grants temporary immigration to Canada. You can extend your work permit visa to stretch your stay. After having relevant work experience in Canada, you can also apply for Canadian PR.

Eligibility

You can apply for a work permit when you :

• You will leave Canada after your work permit expires
• Have enough money to support your stay in Canada and return journey to home
• Meet health and character requirements

Canada showcases an appreciable number of refugee sponsorship and asylum seeker programs. Private citizens and communities can take a direct part in such programs. The Canadian government provides safety and protection to its refugees and asylum seekers.

Such programs offer shelters to people who may face :

• The risk of death and/or
• Cruelty and/or
• Torture upon return to their country

Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds apply to people with exceptional situations. Such people are not eligible to apply for PR in normal situations.

Influencing Factors

Factors that are assessed for the H&C application are:

• How well settled the applicant is in Canada
• General family connections to Canada
• The best interests of any children involved (if any)
• What could be the consequence if the immigration department does not grant the PR

Application Conditions

Other conditions that apply to humanitarian and compassionate grounds are as follows :

• H&C applications are considered along with the application for PR status in Canada
• H&C requests from temporary resident applicants are not acceptable
• Only one humanitarian and compassionate grounds application is accepted at a time
• The following factors are not considered as H&C grounds:
  • Persecution
  • Risk to life
  • Cruel and unusual treatment
  • Punishment
• Cannot apply for H&C grounds if the applicant has a pending refugee claim
• H&C application cannot be made within a “one-year bar” if any. The bar does not apply when :
  • You have children under 18 years. He/she would be seriously affected if you are removed from Canada.
  • You or one of your dependents are suffering from a life-threatening medical condition. The condition cannot be treated in your home country.