Stay in Canada as a Permanent Resident

Stay in Canada as a Permanent Resident

If you would like to stay in Canada on a permanent basis, you will need to become a permanent resident. You can become a permanent resident through several programs, including economic class programs, sponsorship programs, and business immigration programs.

Economic Class Applications Express Entry

If you have work experience in a managerial or professional position, or in a technical job or skilled trade, you can apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. 

Requirements:

  • You must show that you have at least one year of experience in a skilled occupation of skill type 0, or skill levels A or B.
  • You must show that while working in your primary occupation you performed the duties set out in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC.
  • Meet minimum language requirements in English or French.
  • In order to show that you meet the minimum language requirements you will be required to take either the IELTS or CELPIP tests to show proficiency in English, or the TEF or TCF to show proficiency in French.
  • Provide evidence of your educational degree.
  • For education completed outside of Canada, you will be required to obtain an educational credential assessment from a designated organization.
  • You must show that you have the required funds for you and your family to settle in Canada.

If you have work experience in a skilled trade occupation, you can apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Requirements:

  • Have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply.
  • Meet all minimum job requirements in the skilled trade according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC), except for the requirement to obtain a certificate of qualification.
  • Have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year, or a certificate of qualifications (from a Canadian province or territory) in one of the skilled trades.
  • Show that while working in your primary occupation, you performed the duties set out in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC.
  • Meet minimum language requirements in English or French.

If you have worked in Canada for at least one year, you may apply for the Canadian Experience Class to become a permanent resident.

Requirements:

  • Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the three years before you apply.
  • Have accumulated your work experience by working in Canada legally.
  • Meet minimum language requirements necessary based on your NOC code.

All Canadian provinces and territories have their own programs to facilitate the immigration of individuals to that province or territory. These programs are prepared in agreement with the federal government, and allow for the provinces and territories to nominate and support individuals in their applications for permanent residence. If you have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to any Canadian provinces or territories, you may be nominated to become a permanent resident.

An applicant interested in a provincial nominee program can submit an application to the provincial nominee program directly. An applicant can also be selected by the province if he or she has made an application for Express Entry and declared interest in the province.

Each of the provinces and territories has its own immigration programs and criteria for the PNP.
PNP Programs for each province and territory:

  • Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
  • BC Provincial Nominee Program
  • Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
  • New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
  • The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program
  • The Northwest Territories Nominee Program
  • The Nova Scotia Nominee Program
  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
  • Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program
  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
  • Northwest Territories Nominee Program
  • Yukon Nominee Program

Requirements:

  • You must have an intention to live in the province in which you apply.
  • Meet the requirements set by that province.

If you have experience as a caregiver, whether inside or outside of Canada, we can assist you in making an application to the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot programs, which allow for you to simultaneously apply for a work permit and permanent residence in Canada.

Requirements:

  • Have a qualifying job offer.
  • Show that you have the past experience and education to be able to do the job that you have been offered as set out in the NOC job description.
  • Meet minimum language requirements.
  • Have completed post-secondary credentials equal to completed Canadian credentials of at least one year.

Sponsor your spouse, partner or child

To become a sponsor, you must be:

  • At least 18 years old.
  • A Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident living in Canada.
  • Provide all other documents to support your sponsorship application.
  • Meet other eligibility requirements