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Immigrate to Canada

Permanent Residence Programs

Canada offers one of the world’s most structured and transparent systems for Permanent Residence (PR), designed to attract skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs, and families. Immigration pathways operate at both the federal and provincial levels, with additional pilot programs addressing regional and sector-specific needs.

This page provides a comprehensive overview of Canada’s PR pathways, eligibility factors, application process, Francophone streams, and processing timelines. Each program listed here will later expand into dedicated pages.

Main Permanent Residence Pathways

Canadian PR programs can be grouped into four major categories:

  • Federal Economic Immigration
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
  • Regional & Pilot Programs
  • Francophone & French-Speaking Immigration Streams

Federal Economic Immigration Programs

Express Entry System

Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for skilled economic immigrants. Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invited to apply through regular draws.
Express Entry Programs

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

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

In addition to general draws, Canada also conducts category-based Express Entry draws targeting candidates with skills and attributes aligned to specific labour market needs. These draws allow IRCC to invite candidates who meet defined criteria even if their CRS score is lower than general draw thresholds. Current categories may include:
  • Healthcare and social services
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Skilled trades
  • Transport occupations
  • Agriculture and agri-food
  • Strong French-language proficiency
Category-based draws are adjusted periodically based on economic priorities and workforce demand, making strategic profile positioning and timing increasingly important.
Learn More

Processing Time for PR Applications

Processing times vary depending on the immigration program and application volume.

Check official IRCC processing times

Francophone Express Entry Draws

French-language proficiency can significantly increase Express Entry competitiveness. IRCC conducts category-based draws specifically targeting French-speaking candidates, often with lower CRS cut-offs.

Eligibility Factors Under Express Entry

  • Age
  • Education & credential assessment (ECA)
  • Skilled work experience
  • Language proficiency (English and/or French)
  • Adaptability and settlement funds

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec) operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to meet regional labour market needs. A provincial nomination significantly increases the chance of obtaining PR.

Common PNP Stream Categories:

  • Skilled Worker Streams
  • International Graduate Streams
  • Employer-Driven Streams
  • Occupation-In-Demand Streams
  • Entrepreneur & Business Streams

Regional & Pilot Immigration Programs

Canada operates several pilot programs to support immigration in smaller communities and priority sectors.

Key Pilot Programs

  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
  • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
  • Agri-Food Pilot
  • Caregiver Programs
  • Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

Francophone & French-Speaking Immigration Pathways

Canada actively promotes the immigration of French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec to support bilingualism and regional growth. Francophone candidates benefit from dedicated PR streams, CRS advantages, and targeted draws.

Francophone Provincial Streams

  • Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
  • New Brunswick Francophone initiatives
  • Manitoba & Atlantic Francophone pathways

General Eligibility Factors for PR

  • Medical, criminal & security admissibility
  • Language proficiency (English or French)
  • CRS score or provincial nomination
  • Settlement funds (where applicable)
  • Medical, criminal & security admissibility

Permanent Residence Application Process

  • Eligibility assessment and pathway selection
  • Profile submission (Express Entry or provincial system)
  • Invitation to Apply (ITA) or nomination approval
  • PR application submission
  • Medical, biometric and background checks
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

From Temporary Status to Permanent Residence

Many applicants transition to PR after studying or working in Canada. Canadian education and work experience often strengthen eligibility through:

  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Provincial graduate streams
  • Employer-supported nominations
  • Francophone-focused PR programs

How AMK Global Group Supports PR Applicants

  • Strategic pathway selection
  • CRS score analysis and optimisation
  • Provincial nomination guidance
  • Francophone immigration expertise
  • Compliance-focused application handling
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