Your Guide to Permanent Residency in Canada: Insights for Pakistani Applicants

Are you from Pakistan and seeking permanent residency in Canada? While the procedure is pretty complicated, if one is guided correctly, it can actually turn out to be pretty easy. That is exactly what this guide is for—to assist you with everything you want to know about obtaining permanent residency in Canada, right from the eligibility criteria to the application process, more precisely for a Pakistani applicant. We strive to make it clear, concise, and informative in style and tone—that is, very casual and friendly.

Understanding Permanent Residency in Canada

Permanent residency in Canada—life, job, and studying anywhere in the country. You have many rights and privileges like a citizen of Canada: you have access to health and social services; the only difference is that you cannot vote or stand for any political office.

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada

Healthcare

Get access to world-class health care: As a permanent residency in Canada, you can obtain medical treatment under Canada’s world-class health care without the high costs associated with health care in many other countries.

Education

Canada offers an excellent place for learning. You will pay low tuition fees and get access to scholarships and financial aid as a permanent resident.

Path to Citizenship

Permanent residency is the step toward attaining Canadian citizenship. You can apply to become a Canadian citizen after you have stayed in Canada for some time.

Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada

Express Entry

Express Entry is one of the most popular ways through which skilled workers migrate to permanent residency in Canada. It’s an online application management system for three federal economic immigration programs:

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

First of all, you have to create an online profile describing yourself regarding the requirements asked, such as skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, etc. After that, your profile will be ranked against a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System, or CRS.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program authorizes each province and territory of Canada to nominate persons who wish to immigrate to Canada and reside in the province concerned. Each province is further fixed with distinct requirements and streams aimed at different skills and qualifications. For example, if you have skills in demand in one province or another, you may be nominated, and this would boost your CRS score dramatically.

Family Sponsorship

In case you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residency. This program is open to spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

Start-up Visa Program

This Start-up Visa Program is for immigrant entrepreneurs who have the necessary skills and potential to build businesses in Canada. You will need to demonstrate a qualifying business, a letter of support from one of the designated organizations by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and meet language and settlement fund levels.

Eligibility Criteria

Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Work Experience: A minimum of one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in skilled work in the last ten years.
• Language Ability: You need a minimum score of CLB 7 either in English or French.
• Education: You must have an equivalent foreign degree, diploma, certificate, or skill to a Canadian one.
• Proof of Funds:  You must be able to take care of yourself and your family in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Nomination from a Province: You must get a nomination for some province in Canada.
• Intention to Reside: You have to intend to stay in the province nominating you.
• Work Experience and Skills: This depends on the province and stream one applies to.

Family Sponsorship

• Relationship:  You need to have a qualifying relationship with the sponsor—spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent.
• Sponsorship Agreement: The sponsor needs to agree that he will support you financially if necessary.

The Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The Government of Canada has provided an eligibility tool that will help you find out if you are eligible for one of the programs.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

First, gather all your documents for application. These entail proof of work experience, language test results, educational credentials, and evidence of sufficient funds. All documents should be error-free and up-to-date.

Step 3: Create an Online Profile

In the case of Express Entry, an online profile is created and all information requested therein filled. For PNP, the application process is outlined by the province to which a person is applying.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit application along with all the necessary documents. Pay the applicable fees and then await a decision.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you have applied through Express Entry, and in case your profile is competitive, then an Invitation to Apply may be sent to you for permanent residence. You will need to send a complete application within 60 days of getting an ITA.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

We will process your application and let you know the decision. If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent residency in Canada visa, if required.

Tips for a Successful Application

Improve Your CRS Score

• Language Skills:  Improve your English or French language proficiency.
• Education: Obtain additional educational credentials.
• Work Experience: More skilled work experience, especially in Canada.

Stay Informed

Stay up-to-date with the most recent developments in immigration policies and programs. You can find the latest information on the IRCC website.

Be Honest and Accurate

In both your profile and in your application, be sure to enter all information truthfully and accurately. Misrepresentation will prevent you from reapplying for several years.

FAQs

How often are Express Entry draws held?

Express Entry draws typically happen every two weeks, but the frequency and size of the draws may vary.

What is the minimum CRS score needed?

The minimum CRS score varies for every selection. The higher your score, the greater the chance.

What is the minimum CRS score needed?

Yes, you can at any moment change your profile in case of a change in your situation—for instance, achieving higher scores in your language tests, or more work experience.

Conclusion

Permanent residency in Canada is attainable immediately for Pakistani applicants if prepared for it in the proper way. Thus, knowing the right routes, eligibility, and follow-up with the application procedure will help you get through. You can help yourself by drawing upon this guide as you move on to start a new life in Canada.