If you are a citizen of Pakistan, your vision being to resettle in Canada for a better future, then permanent residency in Canada can be the right path for you. The blog will now give all the requisite information to help you secure permanent reside
ncy in Canada, targeting audiences particularly in Pakistan. The guide is, in a very casual and helpful way, designed to make things clear and comprehensible.
Understanding Permanent Residency in Canada
Permanent residency in Canada allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, without any time restrictions. You’ll be accorded nearly the exact rights and privileges of any Canadian citizen, including access to health care and social services, plus the ability to sponsor your relatives to permanently stay in the country as well.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada
- Healthcare: Access to excellent universal healthcare in Canada
- Education: Quality education in Canada for your children.
- Employment: One has the right to work for any employer anywhere in Canada without obtaining a specific work permit.
- Social Services: One can avail of many social benefits and services.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Can apply for Canadian citizenship once the residency requirements are completed.
Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada
There are many ways through which permanent residency in Canada could be attained in Canada. Mentioned below are the most popular ones:
Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is the online application method for overseas skilled workers. It is designed to be based on a points-based ranking system that includes consideration for age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The higher your score, the better the chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This is for skilled workers with overseas work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): for skilled workers in a skilled trade.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): for individuals with Canadian work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
It allows each province and territory of Canada to nominate individuals for permanent residence, based on the need for their skills, work experience, and potential contribution to the local economy. As each province has its requirements and streams, research into those in your preferred province would be necessary.
Family Sponsorship
You could also be sponsored for permanent residency if one of your close relatives, such as a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent, is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa Program is for entrepreneurs who have the potential to build innovative companies capable of competing globally. This is an immigration program under which permanent residency is offered in exchange for an innovative business idea. A qualifying business, a letter of support from one of the designated organizations, and fulfilling the language and financial requirements are demanded by this visa.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria to move to permanent residence in Canada differ based on the pathway chosen to pursue. However, here are some common ones:
Work Experience
You must have relevant work experience in a skilled occupation. For the Express Entry system, this usually means having at least one year of continuous full-time or the equivalent part-time paid work experience in a National Occupational Classification skill type 0, A, or B job.
Language Proficiency
This calls for proficiency in one of the official languages, either English or French. You are required to take an approved language proficiency test, either IELTS if your language to be assessed is English or TEF if it is French, and obtain the minimum required scores. Higher scores in language can drastically make you gain points in the Express Entry points system.
Education
You need to have a Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment report showing your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian educational standards.
Other Factors
- Age: The Express Entry system rewards more points to candidates of younger age.
- Adaptability: You will also be granted points for language proficiency in either English or French of your spouse or your relative living in Canada.
- Job Offer: While this is not a requirement, an available valid job offer from a Canadian employer can substantially add to your points.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada
Step 1: Choose Your Pathway
Choose an immigration program that suits your qualification and your case. This will determine the requirements and the steps to follow accordingly.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Put together all of your documents, such as your passport, language test results, ECA report, proof of work experience, and others that might be required. You have to get all the documents ready in advance because sometimes it takes a while.
Step 3: Create Your Profile
If you are applying via Express Entry, create an online profile with all relevant information about yourself related to your skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other personal information. You will get a score for the information provided.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you are eligible and your score is above the cut-off in the points system, then you will be issued an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Your application must be submitted within the deadline from its receipt of the ITA.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Apply for permanent residency in Canada with all necessary supporting documents. Apply and pay the amount of fees required for the application. You also need to have a medical check and police clearance done. Your application will take up to six months to get processed.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Improve Your Language Skills
With higher marks in language tests, you will receive more points. You can prepare for language courses and take the exams again to improve your scores.
Gain More Work Experience
Additional work experience skilled in occupations in demand in Canada can add extra points to your profile.
Pursue Further Education
Education credentials at higher levels award more points. Get further certifications or another degree.
Secure a Job Offer
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer will boost your points significantly. Network and actively look for jobs in Canada.
Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Research those PNPs that match your skills and work experience, since being nominated by a province can add colossal points to your application.
Common Questions About Permanent Residency in Canada
How Much Does It Cost to Apply?
This includes language tests, ECA fees, medical examinations, and application fees, all part of the permanent residency applications. This can run up to a cost of CAD 2,000-3,000 or more, depending on the pathway and individual circumstances.
How Long Does the Process Take?
It depends on the pathway and how complete one’s application is. Most Express Entry applications are processed in six months, while most others take longer.
What Happens If My Application is Denied?
If your application is refused, the reasons will be made known to you. You can reapply once these issues are overcome or your qualifications improved. You should also seek professional immigration advice if you are unsure of your options.
Conclusion
Permanent residence in Canada is, therefore, very bright opportunity to be emigrated to by many Pakistanis. The understanding of different pathways, meeting eligibility criteria, and careful steps of application may help an applicant increase the chances of success. Canada is full of opportunities, offers a bright future, and permanent residency in Canada is your way to start a new life.
Be it better career prospects, higher education, or an improved quality of life, Canada is ready to welcome you. Begin the journey today, take the first step in making your Canadian dreams real.