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If you plan to move to Canada you have to pay several immigration fees to process your application to become a permanent resident. As of April 30, 2024, here are some of the current permanent residency fees increases:
| Fee: Economic Immigration (Including Express Entry)* | As of April 30, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Your application (includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee) | $1,525.00 |
| Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | $950.00 |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575.00 |
| Include your spouse or partner (includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee) | $1,525.00 |
| Include a dependent child (without right of permanent residence fee) | $260.00/child |
| Permanent Resident Card | $50 (no increase) |
| Permanent Resident Travel Document | $50 (no increase) |
| Citizenship – application fees Adult (18 and over) Minor (under 18) | $630 $100 |
| Biometrics: Per person Per family (2 or more people) | $85.00 $170.00 |
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the fee increases account for inflation since the last increase in 2022. Permanent resident fees increase every two years and consider the rising cost of delivering programs and services. The next fee increase will be in 2026.
At this time, the fees will not increase for the following:
When calculating how much money you’ll need to move to Canada, remember to add these immigration fees to your budget. Canada’s immigration fees are less expensive than countries such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, but these fees still add up.
The Right of Permanent Resident Fee is a separate fee all permanent resident applicants must pay when their application is approved. But to avoid processing delays, you can submit this fee while you pay your application fees. And if your application is not approved, the IRCC will give you a full refund.
You can pay your Canada immigration fees online. Use the online form to indicate your country and the forms that you are submitting. IRCC will calculate the total fees that you owe.
Canada leads the way globally as a preferred immigration destination. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hopeful people apply to immigrate to Canada. However, understanding Canada’s many immigration programs can be confusing. Many people rely on consultants for help to immigrate to Canada. However, it’s important to understand how to select an immigration consultant. Discover what to know and how to avoid immigration fraud.
The primary way for skilled immigrants to live permanently in Canada is through the Canadian Government’s Express Entry program. There are three immigration programs under Express Entry, and each has different requirements.
You can visit the Government of Canada site to see if you are eligible for Express Entry. It takes about 10 – 15 minutes to find out if you are eligible and answer questions about your:
After you respond to the questions, you will:
When you complete the steps, you will receive a confirmation that your profile is complete.
The Canadian government determines how many Express Entry applicants will be admitted to Canada each month.
You can also hire an Immigration Consultant to help you apply to immigrate to Canada. An experienced consultant knows about the many streams and programs available for people looking to immigrate to Canada. With more than 100 Canadian immigration programs, they can help you select the right program.
The Government of Canada has important tips if you decide to hire a representative to help you with your immigration process:
Immigration consultants must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Review these helpful tips to ensure you select a qualified representative.
2. Ask the representative about their training and experience.
3. Find out how long they have been in business and ask for references.
4. Discuss the services they provide and their fee.
5. Get a written contract and read it carefully before you sign it. Ensure the contract lists all the services they will give you and clearly states the fee you discussed.
Also, if you use a representative who works in Canada, you can contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can tell you if they have received complaints about a citizenship or immigration consultant, lawyer, or other representative.
Ready to take control of your financial journey in Canada? Join our expert-led online webinar! Learn essential banking tips to build a strong financial foundation. Hear from David Frattini, Managing Partner at Prepare for Canada, and Neil Dhanani, Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, as they guide you through everything you need to know.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you plan to immigrate to Canada, it’s vital to avoid fraudulent activity. Immigration fraud can have devastating consequences from delays to deportation. Here are some tips to avoid the risks:
Learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud.
If you’re having problems with your representative, see:
Source: Government of Canada
It’s smart to make a checklist of the important documents to carry when you move to Canada. Whether you are immigrating permanently, studying, or working in Canada, these documents will help you to enter Canada, open a bank account, drive, rent a house, and even access healthcare. This comprehensive list of documents outlines what you will require and why you need them. Ensuring you have the right documents for permanent residence (PR) can minimize delays and avoid complications as you settle in Canada. Without the right documents, you may face challenges finding a job, enrolling your children in school, or even renting a place to live.
It’s important to keep all your documents safe and keep digital copies.
You will require specific documents to complete the immigration process and PR in Canada. The PR documents you require vary based on the immigration program you’re applying for. However, here are some of the essential documents you will need.
Passports show your biographical information for you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children. Passport photos must comply with Canadian passport photo specifications.
You’ll need a birth certificate or an equivalent document from your birth country for yourself and each family member travelling with you. Birth certificates serve as proof of your date and place of birth. If you do not have a foreign birth certificate, the date of birth indicated on your foreign passport or travel documents will establish your date of birth. You will need a birth certificate to get a Social Insurance Number, enroll your children in school, or apply for government services.
If you identify a dependent child as “adopted” you will require a certificate from a national authority to show that the adoption is legal and approved.
If you declare yourself married, you will need a valid marriage certificate issued by a government authority under the law of the country where you were married.
A divorce certificate and legal separation agreement are necessary if you declare your marital status divorced.
Carry your educational certificates and official transcripts. These documents prove your education qualifications and you may require them to attend Canadian schools or for employment. And, don’t forget any school records you have for your children!
You may need an education evaluation or credential recognition from an evaluation service, academic institution, or professional association. Such evaluations can help you to find work more easily. You may also require them if you plan to work in a regulated occupation or attend post-secondary schools in Canada.
Many professional associations, universities, colleges, and assessment agencies require the school you attended to send your academic records directly to them. They may not accept the original or a copy of academic documents. You may have to get your documents translated into English or French, depending on the language requirements of the province you are moving to. It’s a good idea to find out what documents the professional association, academic institution, or credential assessment agency requires before you come to Canada. This will also save you time and money and avoid costly delays.
It is helpful to bring samples of your professional work to showcase when you attend job interviews in Canada. Bring your resumé or curriculum vitae. However, you may have to use your existing resume as the foundation to write a Canadian-style resume.
Canadian employers often request references from former employers before they offer you a job. So, it’s helpful to bring reference letters with contact information. An official reference must be a printed letter on company letterhead and include:
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you have young children who are immigrating to Canada with you, consider carrying their education documents as well. Your children may have to complete a math and English language skills assessment when you enroll them in school. The assessment results will identify what grade level your child is at and what support they may need to achieve success in school. It’s helpful if you can provide your child’s previous report card or other documents to help place them into the right grade.
Continuing to care for your health when you move to Canada is vital. Health-related documents such as medical records, vaccination records, prescriptions, etc, are helpful when you seek a medical doctor or apply for health insurance.
If you need to complete an International Medical Exam (IME) it’s helpful if you can bring any medical reports or test results for any previous or existing medical conditions.
Most people seeking permanent residence in Canada will require an IME. If you do not have adequate immunization records, you may have to start an immunization schedule based on your age and risk factors. This applies to adults and children. Immunizations are not mandatory in Canada. However, children and adolescents who attend school in Ontario and New Brunswick must have proof of immunization.
For the IME, it is not mandatory to show proof of vaccination. However, proof of previous vaccination is helpful, including vaccination against illnesses such as tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, COVID-19, and others.
While you can apply for public health insurance when you arrive in Canada, some provinces have a waiting period before you can receive provincial health care coverage. Buying private health insurance to cover expenses in case of a medical emergency during your first few months in Canada is a smart idea. Without medical health insurance, you could face a large bill for medical treatment or emergency surgery. Having to pay a hefty medical expense is not how you want to begin your new life in Canada. It’s much better to purchase insurance for peace of mind.
Proof of funds show you have enough money to support yourself for at least the first three months in Canada. It can take three to six months to find a job in Canada, and you will need to have money for living expenses until you have a stable income.
You’ll need a list of effects when you land at the airport. It’s also helpful to have certificates of valuation and authenticity (including photos) for jewelry, valuables, and belongings you carry.
Foreign income is taxable in Canada.
When you land at the airport in Canada, you will meet with an immigration officer from the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA). The officer will check that you enter Canada on or before the expiry date on your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR); this date cannot be extended. If there are no problems, the officer will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
When landing at the airport, you require your:
While the immigration officer may not ask you for proof of funds, it’s helpful to have.
The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your Canada permanent resident card will be mailed to the address you provide. You can notify IRCC if you change your address before you receive your PR card using this online address notification service. The time to process your PR card can vary. However, you can check the IRCC website for current processing times.
If you plan to drive in Canada, you can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. Permanent residents can use the IDP for a defined period (usually 60 – 90 days depending on the province). Be sure to check the specific IDP requirements of the province you are moving to. Some provinces in Canada may allow you to exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Canadian driver’s license, while others may require you to take a driving test.
If you have a good driving record in your country of origin, you may be able to get a better auto insurance rate in Canada. Bring a copy of your international automobile insurance to show your driving record.
With this comprehensive list of documents for PR in Canada, you can begin to gather and organize them for your convenience. Having these documents before you move will minimize potential delays and help you settle when you arrive.
The PR process in Canada is designed to help immigrants come to the country as easily as possible. Immigrating to Canada is not hard if you understand the Permanent Residence, or PR process in Canada and how to apply. How your Canadian journey will unfold depends greatly on how you decide to pursue your PR in Canada. In this article, you’ll learn about the PR process and how to apply for Canada’s PR status.
The Canadian government can give Permanent Residence status to someone who is not a Canadian citizen. As a PR, it means that you have the right to live and work in Canada for as long as you wish. And, once you have your PR, it cannot be taken away from you unless you commit a serious crime. As long as you follow all the laws, you will be eligible to renew your PR when it expires.
There are many benefits when you obtain PR status. For instance, you’ll have access to Canada’s healthcare system and Canadian government benefits for immigrants and residents. Some of these services include access to free healthcare, and permission to live, work, or visit any part of Canada.
The Canadian government currently has over 80 ways to immigrate to Canada! Each of these pathways is designed for specific groups of people. Below is an overview of the most common ways to apply for Canada PR and follow the PR process in Canada.
Express Entry is an online immigration system used to manage any applications under the:
You can apply for PR through Express Entry if you meet the criteria for any of these programs.
In simple words, Express Entry is a system used to get skilled workers to Canada. These workers could already be living in Canada on a work permit or they could be skilled workers from another country. Each of the programs under Express Entry has its own criteria. You can learn more about the minimum requirements for each Express Entry program by clicking here.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry, you will be put into a pool with thousands of other candidates from around the world. At this point, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your CRS score considers factors such as:
Your CRS score can be anywhere between 0 and 1200. A minimum CRS score will vary from time to time but anywhere above 500 is usually a good score.
The minimum CRS scores fluctuate because you are ranked against other candidates in the Express Entry Pool. You will be invited to apply for PR only if you score higher than most other candidates. So, some people don’t like the Express Entry system because it is highly competitive.
You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you rank about the cut-off. Once you get your ITA, you are eligible to apply for a PR in Canada. If you rank below the cut-off, you need to improve your CRS score. Some ways to increase your score include:
Another way to boost your CRS score is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
If you fall below the CRS score cut-off in the Express Entry Pool and don’t receive an ITA, you could apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada.
The PNP allows provinces to nominate certain people in the express entry pool to immigrate to their province. The nominees will get their PR but once they immigrate to Canada, they can only land in the province that nominated them. Furthermore, they must live in that province for a period, usually two years.
If you get nominated by a province through PNP, you get an additional 600 points added to your Express Entry Profile. This guarantees that you will receive an ITA for permanent residency in Canada. Using this PR process in Canada is a great way to boost your CRS score.
Each province has its PNP. For example, Alberta’s PNP program is called the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). However, Quebec does not have a PNP. Quebec has its own requirements for immigrants who want to settle in Quebec.
When you look to immigrate through PNP, you have to stay alert. PNPs are not always open for every province. Rather, they open periodically. You will have to stay on the lookout with your application prepared so that once the PNP for your preferred province opens, you can apply right away.
Canada’s family sponsorship program is a program to unite family members. If you have a spouse, children, parents, or grandparents living outside of Canada, you can bring them to Canada through the Family Sponsorship program.
You are eligible to sponsor a family member if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident above the age of 18. If you sponsor a family member, you agree to pay for all their expenses for a certain period. If you follow this PR process in Canada, you’ll have to show proof of funds before you can sponsor a family member.
Once you sponsor your family, they will earn PR status and are free to live and work in Canada.
The Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Program (AIPP) addresses labour shortages and attract workers to the four maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. So far, the program has done just that, and it has been a huge success.
There are three programs that fall under the AIPP including the Atlantic:
Eligibility for each of these programs revolves mostly around education, work experience, and language ability. For the AHSP and AISP programs, you will also need a Confirmation of Designation letter from your employer. This letter indicates that the employer meets the requirements to hire you. This is different from a work permit because the employer doesn’t need to pay any fees and you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
To learn more about these programs and whether or not you are eligible for each one, click here.
The AIPP is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada. There are few requirements and there is no competitive pool where candidates are ranked against each other. All you need is a job offer from an employer in one of the four provinces and meet the minimum program requirements. If you meet the requirements, you are eligible to follow this PR process and immigrate through AIPP.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada, it’s important to understand the PR process in Canada and how to apply. With this knowledge, you can choose the best option and start your promising Canadian immigration journey.
Express Entry Canada is easily the most popular route to immigrate to Canada. In the draw for June 2021, there were more than 160,000 applicants in the Express Entry pool. And, the government plans to welcome 400,000 new immigrants. A majority of those will enter through the economic class programs among which is Express Entry.
You can qualify for express entry based on a points-based selection process. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) award points based on important factors for Canada. For example, the program addresses labour shortages in Canada. It does this by providing a steady stream of qualified candidates who are most likely to succeed in Canada, at least economically. Candidates are placed in an Express Entry Pool and the most qualified (based on points) are invited to apply for Permanent Residence (PR).
Candidates in the express entry pool are ranked on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System. You get points for things such as:
You can get more points if you:
The total number of possible points is 1,200. Use this free tool to calculate your total points before you enter the pool.
Successful candidates (and their family members) will address critical labour and demographic gaps and:
The Express Entry Canada program offers many benefits including:
Speed: It is truly express and applications can be quickly processed within six months or less.
Job Offer: You do not require a job offer, although it can help when applying for express entry. Many people get into Canada and register with the Canada Job Bank.
PR: When you apply through Express Entry Canada, you get Permanent Residency. And, you can settle in any province of your choice if you were not nominated under the provincial programs. Also, you and your dependents can enjoy Canadian healthcare, education, and other government benefits.
Ready to take control of your financial journey in Canada? Join our expert-led online webinar! Learn essential banking tips to build a strong financial foundation. Hear from David Frattini, Managing Partner at Prepare for Canada, and Neil Dhanani, Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, as they guide you through everything you need to know.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARAs with most things that have advantages, there are some drawbacks. This program is based on the number of points you receive. But, great candidates do not always get invited to apply for PR for many reasons. For example:
Age: Candidates age 45 and above do not get any points for their age.
Marital Status: Married candidates get more points for their spouse’s qualifications even if they’re the ones applying. But, single people don’t get this benefit.
Points and Date: If multiple people have the same total points, the system selects applicants based on the date and time they submitted a profile.
To apply for express entry, you need to provide the following documents:
Language Proficiency Documents: To show proof of your English or French language ability and meet the requirements. You can take one of these approved tests.
Tip! Even if your first language is English, you can get up to 50 points by showing a strong proficiency in French.
Educational Credential Assessment: You get points for your education. But if you studied outside Canada, you have to prove that your education is valid and equal to a Canadian program. Any of these organizations can evaluate your credentials. You will require this if you apply through the Federal Skilled Worker express entry route.
Provincial Nomination: If you have been nominated by a province or a territory and have a certificate, you get 600 points. You can get nominated based on your education, work experience or provincial needs.
Offer of Employment: You can get up to 200 points for a Canadian job offer, This depends on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of the offer. For an offer to be express entry valid, it must be:
Most job offers will need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA shows that no Canadian or PR can do said job. Find a list of jobs that are LMIA exempt here.
If you are invited to apply for PR from the pool, you need to create your profile and submit these documents:
Police Certificates: For you and every member of your family over 18. But if you have a criminal record you may not be able to enter Canada.
Medical Exams: To show the state of your health (and that of your family members).
Proof of Funds: The amount depends on the size of your family. But if you’re applying under the Canadian experience class or you have a valid job offer, you are exempt from this.
Birth Certificate: If you declare dependent children.
Marriage Certificate: If you declare that you’re married.
Divorce Certificate and Legal Separation Agreement: If you’re divorced.
Death Certificate: If you’re widowed.
Adoption Certificate: If any of your dependent children are adopted.
Use of a representative form: If you hire a representative.
Common-Law Union Form: If you declare a common-law relationship.
If you have to provide other documents you will see them in your checklist. Some examples include:
Have you made up your mind about applying to immigrate to Canada? If so, then there are three more steps before you’re on your way. Let’s get into them below:
You need to find out if you’re eligible to apply for the express entry program and answer questions about your nationality, age, and other criteria. Find out if you are eligible here.
When done, you will get a personal reference code. Keep this code because you will need it when you fill in your profile.
If you are eligible, you can fill out an express entry profile. To do this you need to create or sign in to an account. You will also need information from your application documents (see above) and your NOC job title and code.
Once you create your profile, it is valid for 60 days. After 60 days, you’ll need to create another profile again. After you submit your profile, IRCC will recommend you to your appropriate immigration program.
Once you’re in the pool, be sure that your documents are valid and ready. You will only have 90 days to submit once are invited to apply. You can also do things to increase your points. For example, you can:
Increasing your points is important because the candidates who rank the highest get picked first. Also, be sure to update your profile if any of your information changes. Every two weeks, the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for PR based on the instructions of that round, such as the:
You can find previous instructions here.
IRCC will notify you if you are invited to apply for PR. IRCC will also tell you the next steps to follow and what program you can apply for. Then you can provide documents in your express entry profile.
Do not provide false information. Doing so can prevent you from being admitted to Canada. In addition, your application may be refused, and you may even be banned from entering Canada for five years.
To apply for PR you need to:
If your application is approved, you’ll get the following:
One of the routes to permanent residence (PR) in Canada is through the Startup Visa program. This route can be less competitive and simpler than for example the Express Entry program. With a short processing time of about 12 – 16 months, it can take less time to obtain PR than some of the usual and more popular routes. Ideally, this program is for you if you’re an innovative entrepreneur looking to build a business and create jobs in Canada.
I recently came across the refusal and approval data for study permit applications for citizens of different countries looking to come to Canada. I was surprised by the high rates of refusals for some of them. Instantly I was able to deduce two things:
This got me thinking; what visa pathway is more welcoming? One answer that I arrived at is the startup visa since it has had the lowest application rates. Of the 2,750 startup visas earmarked annually since 2013, less than 5,000 visas have been issued in total. In other words, less than 50% of the total available visas have been issued.
One reason for the low demand is the way the program has been advertised, typically with the goal of targeting startups who would rather move to Silicon Valley but might have problems with the US H1B visa. This would have been fine and good if Canada could compete on all the US offerings. But since it can’t it would mean that those startups would likely choose the US over Canada and that’s not how we see an innovative country.
Ironically, that loophole is favourable to applicants since it means increased access to entrepreneurs looking to move to Canada. It also means that there are some advantages unique to the startup visa applicants get when applying through this route.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARThere are several benefits that applicants get when they apply for the startup visa program. For example, some of the benefits include:
You’re probably wondering now if this Startup Visa is so great, why don’t more people apply? There are some drawbacks, for example:
To apply for a startup visa, you must meet these requirements:
Have a qualifying business: As a startup visa applicant, you need to have a business that would qualify for a letter of support from one of the designated organizations. A business will qualify if each of the applicants (up to five co-founders) holds more than 10% of the company’s total shares at that time.
Meet the language requirements: You need to meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark 5 to be eligible for this category. Applicants that score a minimum of 5 in each of the four testing categories of the IELTS can apply. Your communication skills are important to help you work in Canada.
Get a letter of support from a designated organization: The letter of support shows that an investor will support your business idea. The organization you apply to will depend on the stage of growth and industry.
Bring enough money to settle: Depending on the number of family members you are travelling with. You will need to show proof of settlement funds for your first year in Canada.
Develop a business idea: Some of the organizations have their own templates where you can answer specific questions about your business or idea. Others will request a detailed plan about your proposed activities and your experience
Submit your specific idea or business plan to your selected incubator, angel investor, or venture capital firms: You should look at the track record of the organization you decide to apply to and consider these questions:
This information will inform your pitch and how you approach them. You can also apply to more than one incubator with the same or different ideas.
Get a letter of support: Once your business plan has been approved by your designated organization, the organization will then issue you a letter of support. The duration to secure a letter from an organization is anything from 10 days to four months depending on the organization you are dealing with and their admission cycles.
Fill out the application form: It’s simple, and easy to complete.
Gather all the documents listed in the documents checklist: The documents are all the forms and evidence that you require for your application. These include but are not limited to the application forms for you and your dependents, your previous travel experience, your proof of settlement funds, your language test results, your letter of support, your dependents’ identity documents, and others.
Pay your application fees: and remember to include your payment receipts when you mail your application.
Startup visa Canada is ideal if you’re seeking a less competitive route to move to Canada. With an entrepreneurial spirit, this program is a great way to gain permanent residence and contribute to the Canadian economy.