Is it easy to get PR in Canada?

Canada is always a top target for individuals willing to relocate to another country. Canada is a popular destination owing to its immigration friendly policies. The country’s rapid economic development offers numerous job opportunities but the shortage of skills and lack of manpower to contribute to their development is forcing the government to take in more migrants.

Apart from this, the country offers a better quality of life, social security benefits and free education and health care which make it an attractive option for migrants to settle here with a PR visa. As for the question of whether it is easy to get PR in Canada, it is a subjective matter.

No doubt Canada offers various immigration programs through which you can apply for a Canadian PR visa, but each program has its individual eligibility requirements and application procedure. Some popular programs for getting the PR visa are

• Express Entry Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Each immigration program has its own set of criteria. Here are some common general requirements for applicants:

• Above 18 years of age
• Must have the minimum educational qualifications equal to higher secondary education in Canada
• Must have the minimum marks in language proficiency tests such as IELTS or CLB
• Have at least one year of work experience
• Applicants with a valid job offer are given high priority

Points System

Canada follows a points-based system to determine whether you qualify for the PR visa. This is known as the Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS. Based on the details you provide; your profile will be ranked on the following criteria:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language ability
• Adaptability
• Arranged employment

If your profile must be selected, you should be able to get 67 points out of 100 in the CRS.

To increase the chances of success in your PR application, you will need to make some individual efforts:

Do a self-assessment: Use the self- assessment tool in the Express Entry profile to assess your possible CRS score. If you get the minimum required points, you have a good chance.

Check your finances: You need to have a minimum amount of CAD 12,699 if you are applying only for yourself.  For dependents who will be relocating with you, an average additional amount of CAD 3000 is required.

Take your language proficiency test: A good score in a popular English language proficiency test is required. The most popular one is the IELTS test and you should have a minimum score of 6 bands to qualify for a PR visa.

Get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):  You must get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from the World Education Services (WES) or any other assessing authority for your educational qualifications. The ECA helps to verify your educational qualifications gained outside Canada.

Look out for Provincial Nominee opportunities: If you get a provincial nomination you will add 600 points to your Express Entry profile and better chances of getting your PR visa approval. 

It will be easy to get your PR for Canada provided you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process diligently. The help of an immigration consultant can be valuable for getting your PR visa.