North America
Canada Permanent Residency
Multiple federal and provincial routes into Canadian permanent residency — including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, and business pathways.
- Status
- Permanent residency
- Main routes
- Express Entry, PNP, Family, Business
- Family
- Included
- Path to citizenship
- 3 years of residence
- Processing
- 6–18 months (case-dependent)
About the program
Canada offers one of the world’s most structured and transparent permanent-residency systems. Express Entry is the federal points-based system managing skilled-worker applications across the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class streams.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow individual provinces to nominate candidates who meet local labour-market needs. Family sponsorship and business-immigration streams are also available.
Available routes
Ways to obtain Canada residency.
Pick the path that fits your profile — investment, work, family, or lifestyle.
Route
Express Entry
Federal points-based system for skilled workers and professionals.
Route
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Provincial nomination streams aligned to local labour needs.
Route
Family sponsorship
Spouses, children, parents, and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs.
Route
Business immigration
Start-up Visa, Self-Employed, and selected provincial business programs.
Route
Atlantic Immigration Program
Route for skilled workers and graduates headed to Atlantic provinces.
Key benefits
What you actually get.
Permanent residency
Full right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
Universal healthcare
Access to Canada’s public healthcare system after residency enrollment.
Path to citizenship
Canadian citizenship available after 3 years of residence in 5.
Family included
Spouses and dependent children immigrate together.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
- Qualifying work experience, education, or family tie
- Language proficiency (English and/or French)
- Clean criminal record and medical clearance
- Sufficient settlement funds (most economic streams)
Required documents
What we will need from you.
- Passport copies
- Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
- Work-experience letters
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exam results
- Proof of settlement funds
- Civil status documents
How it works
Step by step, from first call to permit.
- 01
Consultation
Eligibility assessment and route selection.
- 02
Documentation
ECA, language tests, and supporting evidence.
- 03
Profile or application
Create Express Entry profile or file PNP/other application.
- 04
Invitation / nomination
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) or provincial nomination.
- 05
Full application
Submit full documentary application for permanent residency.
- 06
Approval & landing
Receive Confirmation of PR and land in Canada to activate status.
Common questions
About Canada residency.
- Express Entry can issue an Invitation to Apply in weeks once your profile is competitive. Full processing typically takes 6–12 months from ITA.
Other programs
Explore more residency options.
Ready to plan your Canada residency?
A free consultation to identify the right route and prepare a realistic timeline.