In recent years, Canada has actively welcomed international citizens to study, work and obtain permanent residency (PR). As a leading nation in technology, education, and healthcare, Canada continues to attract top talent across various skill sets. The Canadian government also consistently accepts applications from individuals with high Canada PR points, from international students seeking education at prestigious universities to skilled workers looking to advance their careers.
Interestingly, the Canadian government aims to increase its immigrant population to 1% between 2021 and 2023, which translates to 401,000 immigrants in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. This goal is intended to bridge the gap of international citizens and maintain Canada's competitiveness in the global market.
If you're a student from Nepal interested in studying in Canada and applying for PR, this blog can provide helpful information. We have outlined Canada PR requirements, the best courses in Canada to obtain PR, Canada PR points, Canada PR English requirements (including IELTS score), and the easiest ways to obtain PR in Canada.
What is a PR in Canada?
A Permanent Resident (PR) in Canada is someone the Canadian immigration authorities have granted permanent residency status. To be eligible for Canadian PR status, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:
- A valid passport
- An Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Proof of financial support
- Language proficiency test results, such as IELTS
- A job offer from a Canadian employer
- Provincial Nomination Certificate (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
- Medical examination report
- Photographs
- Police verification document
- Letter of Reference (LOR) as per Canada PR requirements
How to apply for Canadian PR?
There are several ways to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR), and the process varies depending on the immigration program that you are using through. Here is a general overview of the steps to apply for Canadian PR:
- Determine your eligibility: Before applying for Canadian PR, you must ensure that you can apply under one of the immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee Program.
- Complete an Express Entry profile: If you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class, you must create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. This profile will ask you to provide information about your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the eligibility criteria for an immigration program, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC. The ITA will include information about how to complete your PR application.
- Submit your PR application: Once you receive an ITA, you must complete and submit your PR application within 60 days. Your application will include supporting documents, such as your language test results, education credentials, and work experience letters.
- Wait for processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed by IRCC. The processing time varies depending on the program and the application volume.
- Complete medical and background checks: As part of the PR application process, you must undergo medical and background checks to ensure that you are admitted to Canada.
- Receive your PR status: If your application is approved, you will receive your Canadian PR status and can begin living and working in Canada as a permanent resident.
Canada PR points calculator
How many points are needed to qualify for Canadian PR? To be eligible for the Express Entry program, applicants must obtain a minimum of 67 points.
If applicants score below 67 points, they will not qualify for the Express Entry program. However, there are ways to improve one's score, such as improving language skills, obtaining another diploma or degree, or obtaining an offer of employment in Canada.
The Canadian immigration system calculates an applicant's Canada PR score based on six key factors, which include:
Language Testing for Canada PR Points Calculator
Language skills points ( first official language - maximum 24 points)
|
First official language |
Speaking |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
|
CLB level 9 or higher |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
CLB level 8 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
CLB level 7 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Below CLB level 7 |
Not eligible to apply |
Not eligible to apply |
Not eligible to apply |
Not eligible to apply |
Language skills points ( Second official language - maximum 4 points)
|
Second official language |
Maximum Canada PR Points |
|
CLB 5 in all of the four abilities |
4 |
|
CLB 4 or less in any of the four abilities |
0 |
Education points (max. 25 points)
Work experience for Canada PR Points (max. 15 points)
|
Experience |
Maximum Canada PR Points |
|
1 year |
9 |
|
2-3 years |
11 |
|
4-5 years |
13 |
|
6 or more years |
15 |
Age points (max. 12 points)
|
Age |
Canada PR Points Calculator |
|
Under 18 |
0 |
|
18-35 |
12 |
|
36 |
11 |
|
37 |
10 |
|
38 |
9 |
|
39 |
8 |
|
40 |
7 |
|
41 |
6 |
|
42 |
5 |
|
43 |
4 |
|
44 |
3 |
|
45 |
2 |
|
46 |
1 |
|
47 and older |
0 |
Arranged employment in Canada pr points (max. 10 points)
Applicants can receive the maximum points if they possess a job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year.
Adaptability points (max. 10 points)
|
Adaptability |
Maximum 10 points |
|
To be eligible for Canadian PR, the language proficiency of your spouse or partner must be at CLB 4 or higher in either English or French (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). The language test results must also be valid when applying for Canadian PR. |
5 |
|
Your past studies in Canada. |
5 |
|
If your spouse or partner has previously studied in Canada with an excellent academic score, taking at least 15 hours of classes per week, they may be eligible for Canadian PR. |
5 |
|
Your past work experience in Canada (at least one year of full-time work in Canada) |
10 |
|
Your spouse's past work experience in Canada (at least one year of a full-time job in Canada) |
5 |
|
Arranged employment in Canada |
5 |
|
Relatives (you or your spouse's relative who fits the following criteria: a) living in Canada b)18 years or older c) a Canadian permanent resident or citizen |
5 |
What is CRS Score (Comprehensive Ranking System)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is developed by the Canadian government and immigration officials to evaluate and rank immigration candidates. While a minimum score of 67 PR points is required to apply for the Express Entry program, the CRS score ultimately determines whether an applicant will receive a Canadian PR Visa.
CRS Score Criteria
The CRS score will include 600 standard points and an additional 600 points for meeting the following criteria.
|
Standard CRS points |
Additional CRS points |
|
Skills and experience factors |
Canadian degrees, certificates or diplomas. |
|
Spouse factors - language skills and education, |
a valid job offer, and strong French language skills |
|
Skills transferability, including work experience and education, |
a nomination from a territory or province and a sibling living in Canada who is a citizen/ pr |
|
Total CRS Score - Standard CRS points + Additional CRS points |
|
|
Talk to an ExpertFAQs
What is a Canada PR Points system?
A Canada PR Points system is a points-based system that determines an individual's eligibility for permanent residency in Canada. It assigns points based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
What are the PR Requirements for international students in Canada?
To qualify for permanent residency in Canada as an international student, you must meet the minimum requirements, such as having a valid study permit and graduating from a designated learning institution. You may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, have relevant work experience, and meet the eligibility criteria under one of the immigration programs, such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program.
Can international students apply for permanent residency in Canada after graduation?
Yes, international students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for permanent residency in Canada after graduation. They can apply under various immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
What is the Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. International students who have completed their studies in Canada and have relevant work experience can apply for permanent residency under this program.
Can I apply for Canada PR while still studying in Canada?
Yes, you can apply for Canada PR while still studying in Canada if you meet the eligibility criteria and have the required work experience. However, you must have a valid study permit and meet the minimum requirements under the immigration program you apply for.
What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration program allowing Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals with the required skills and experience to meet their labour market needs. International students who have graduated from a designated learning institution in a specific province or territory can apply for permanent residency under the PNP if they meet the eligibility criteria.
