PR in Canada

Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, offering high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and beautiful natural surroundings. After completing your studies in Canada, many students choose to stay and build a career, but how can you make this transition? For many, applying for permanent residency (PR) is the next logical step. This blog will guide you through the process, eligibility criteria, and the various pathways available for international students to obtain Canadian PR.





Why Opt for Canada PR After Study?





Canada offers several reasons why international students choose to apply for permanent residency after their studies:






  1. High Quality of Life: Canada consistently ranks as one of the best places to live globally due to its excellent healthcare, education system, and vibrant, multicultural cities.




  2. Work Opportunities: A PR status allows you to work anywhere in Canada and take advantage of the diverse job market.




  3. Pathways to Citizenship: With PR, you are one step closer to obtaining Canadian citizenship, offering long-term benefits for you and your family.




  4. Immigration-Friendly Policies: Canada's immigration system is known for its relatively transparent and fair processes, which aim to support skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students looking to stay and contribute to the country’s economy.





How to Get Canadian PR After Study





Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada after completing your studies is achievable, but it requires you to meet specific criteria and follow the immigration process. So, the question is, "How can I get PR in Canada after study?" There are various pathways you can explore, such as the Express Entry System, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Let’s break down the most common options available.





1. Express Entry System





The Express Entry System is the most popular and fastest pathway to obtaining Canadian PR for skilled workers, including international students. If you want to know how to get PR in Canada after study, this is often the first route to consider.





Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry:






  • Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a recognized language test like IELTS or CELPIP (English) or TEF (French).




  • Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada (post-study work experience counts here).




  • Education: You must have completed a recognized educational program, such as a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate.




  • Age: Applicants between 20-29 years of age typically score the highest points, though those in other age brackets can still apply.




  • Other Factors: You will also need to score well in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors like adaptability, skills, and employment opportunities.





How Express Entry Works:






  1. Create a Profile: Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked based on your CRS score.




  2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough, you may receive an ITA, inviting you to apply for permanent residency.




  3. Submit Your Application: Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your PR application with supporting documents, such as proof of work experience, education credentials, language test results, and medical exams.




  4. Approval and PR Status: If your application is successful, you will receive your Canadian PR.





2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)





Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an important program that allows international students to stay and work in Canada after graduation, often serving as the first step toward permanent residency. How to get Canadian PR after study using the PGWP is an effective strategy, as it helps you accumulate Canadian work experience, which is vital for PR pathways like Express Entry.





Eligibility Criteria for PGWP:






  • Full-time Study: You must have studied full-time in Canada in a program that lasted at least 8 months.




  • Designated Learning Institutions (DLI): The institution where you studied must be a DLI recognized by the Canadian government.




  • Time Frame: Your PGWP can last anywhere from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the duration of your study program.





How PGWP Leads to PR: Once you have the PGWP, you can work in Canada full-time and gain work experience in a skilled occupation. This work experience can help you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system. Having Canadian work experience can significantly increase your CRS score, improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.





3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)





If you are unable to gain enough points through the Express Entry System, or if you want to explore another option, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another viable path to Canadian PR.





How PNP Works:






  • Nomination by a Province: Certain provinces in Canada have their own immigration streams that allow them to nominate international students for PR. If you study in one of these provinces, you may be eligible to apply for the PNP.




  • Eligibility: The requirements for the PNP vary from province to province, but generally, you need to have a job offer from a local employer or meet certain educational and work experience criteria.




  • Application Process: After being nominated by a province, you can submit your PR application through the Express Entry system or directly through a provincial application.





Common Provinces with PNP for International Students:






  • Ontario: Ontario’s PNP offers several streams for international graduates who have a job offer from an Ontario employer.




  • British Columbia: British Columbia offers a Graduate Stream for students who have completed studies at a recognized post-secondary institution in the province.




  • Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers opportunities for international students who have studied in Saskatchewan.





4. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP)





The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) is a great option for international students who have studied in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.





This program allows graduates to apply for permanent residency with a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces. How to get permanent residency in Canada after study through AIPP requires you to meet educational and work experience criteria, in addition to having a job offer.





Canada PR Requirements for International Students





To summarize, here are the basic Canada PR requirements for international students:






  1. Eligibility for Work: You must have legal status to work in Canada, either through a PGWP or post-study work opportunities.




  2. Skilled Work Experience: The Canadian work experience you gain will play a vital role in your PR application, whether through Express Entry or other programs.




  3. Language Proficiency: Good proficiency in English or French is essential for PR applications.




  4. Provincial Nominee Programs: If you studied in a province with a PNP, you may be eligible for a nomination.




  5. Application to PR Programs: Depending on your eligibility and work experience, you can apply to the Express Entry system or other provincial pathways for PR.





Conclusion





Canada’s immigration system offers multiple pathways to permanent residency for international students, making it an attractive option for those looking to settle and build a future in the country. Whether you’re using the Express Entry system, applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or utilizing a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the route to Canadian PR after study is attainable with the right planning and eligibility.





Remember that the rules for PR in Canada for international students are constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest immigration policies. By gaining Canadian work experience, improving your language skills, and following the appropriate steps, you can pave the way for a successful PR application and enjoy all the benefits of living in Canada as a permanent resident.


PR in Canada

Canada remains one of the top destinations for individuals and families looking to start anew or improve their living standards. For Indian nationals, Canada offers a wide range of immigration programs, with Permanent Residency (PR) being one of the most sought-after options. However, the process of applying for Canadian PR from India involves several steps, each with associated costs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the total cost for Canada PR from India, breaking down various fees and expenses that applicants should be aware of.





1. Introduction to Canada PR from India





Canada's immigration system, particularly the Express Entry system, offers an efficient way for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and family members to gain permanent residency. Permanent residency (PR) allows individuals to live, work, and study in Canada with access to public healthcare and other benefits. However, applying for a Canadian PR comes with a set of fees, which vary based on the applicant’s specific circumstances.





The cost of obtaining Canada PR from India includes application fees, medical examination costs, police clearance fees, biometrics, and more. Understanding these costs is essential for planning the immigration process without unexpected financial surprises.





2. Overview of Canada PR Visa Fees





The fees for obtaining Canada PR vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s age, family size, and type of immigration program (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, etc.). The cost typically includes:






  • Application Fees: The primary cost involved in applying for a Canada PR visa is the application fee. This is paid when submitting your application and is required for the processing of your PR application.




  • Biometrics Fees: Biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) are a crucial part of the immigration process. The fee for biometrics is applicable for each applicant and dependent.




  • Medical Examination: A medical exam from an approved panel physician is necessary for all PR applicants to ensure they meet Canada’s health standards.




  • Police Clearance Certificates: You will need a police clearance certificate from each country you have lived in for six months or more, including India. This can incur additional costs.




  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): After your PR application is approved, you will have to pay the RPRF before receiving your PR status.





3. Detailed Breakdown of Canada PR Costs for Indian Applicants





3.1 Express Entry Application Fees





The Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways for Indian nationals to apply for Canada PR. Here’s a breakdown of the Express Entry fees:






  • Primary Applicant Fees: The fee for the primary applicant submitting the application is CAD 1,325. This includes the processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).




  • Spouse/Common-Law Partner Fees: If you are applying with a spouse or common-law partner, the fee is CAD 1,325 for your partner. However, the RPRF for the spouse is also CAD 500.




  • Dependent Children Fees: For each dependent child under the age of 22, the fee is CAD 225. Note: If the applicant is under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class, these fees apply.





3.2 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Fees





Apart from Express Entry, applicants can also apply through various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Fees for PNPs are often lower than those for Express Entry and differ from province to province. Below is a general fee structure:






  • PNP Application Fee: This can range from CAD 250 to CAD 1,500, depending on the province and the type of nomination.




  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): As mentioned, the RPRF is CAD 500 for a spouse and CAD 225 for each dependent child under 22.





3.3 Biometrics Fees





Biometric fees are required for most applicants. This fee applies whether you are applying under the Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program. The biometrics fee is CAD 85 per person, with each additional family member needing their biometrics as well.





3.4 Medical Examination Costs





All applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet Canada's health standards. The costs of the medical exam can vary based on the location and the clinic you choose. Typically, medical examination costs in India range from INR 3,500 to INR 15,000 (approximately CAD 60 to CAD 250).





3.5 Police Clearance Certificates





Applicants are required to submit police clearance certificates (PCC) from their home country (India), as well as any other country where they have resided for six months or more. Obtaining a PCC in India is typically free of charge, but there may be small administrative fees depending on the state and processing time. The cost of obtaining a police clearance certificate may vary from INR 500 to INR 2,000.





3.6 Language Testing Fees





To apply for Canada PR through Express Entry, you must prove your proficiency in either English or French. The two most common language tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).






  • IELTS Test Fees: The fee for the IELTS exam in India typically ranges between INR 13,000 to INR 15,000 (approximately CAD 250).




  • CELPIP Test Fees: The CELPIP test fee is about INR 14,000 (approximately CAD 275).





3.7 Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)





An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is necessary for applicants to prove that their foreign degrees are equivalent to Canadian educational standards. You must get your credentials assessed by an organization designated by the Canadian government, such as World Education Services (WES).





The cost for an ECA through WES is approximately INR 25,000 to INR 30,000 (approximately CAD 500).





3.8 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)





The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is a mandatory fee paid once your PR application is approved. It is due before you land in Canada as a permanent resident.






  • RPRF Fee for the Primary Applicant: CAD 500




  • RPRF Fee for Spouse or Common-Law Partner: CAD 500




  • RPRF Fee for Dependent Children: No fee is required for children under 22.





4. Total Cost of Canada PR from India: A Sample Calculation





Let’s break down the costs for a hypothetical family of three applying for Canada PR under the Express Entry system.






  • Primary Applicant Fee: CAD 1,325




  • Spouse Fee: CAD 1,325




  • Child Fee: CAD 225




  • Biometrics Fee (for 3 people): CAD 255




  • Medical Examination Fees (for 3 people): CAD 750




  • Police Clearance Certificate Fees: CAD 50 (approx. INR 2,000)




  • IELTS Test Fees (for 2 people): CAD 500




  • ECA Fees (for the primary applicant): CAD 500




  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 500 (for primary applicant) + CAD 500 (for spouse)





Total Cost = CAD 1,325 + CAD 1,325 + CAD 225 + CAD 255 + CAD 750 + CAD 50 + CAD 500 + CAD 500 + CAD 500 = CAD 5,480 (approx. INR 300,000).





This total does not include any potential additional costs, such as legal fees, travel costs, or other miscellaneous expenses.





5. Other Potential Costs






  • Legal Fees: While not mandatory, many applicants choose to hire immigration consultants or lawyers for assistance. Legal fees for Canada PR can range from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 (approximately CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,000) depending on the complexity of the case.




  • Landing Fees: When you land in Canada, you may have to pay landing fees, though this is generally included in the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).




  • Miscellaneous Expenses: Depending on your specific circumstances, you may incur additional costs such as document translation fees, courier charges, etc.





6. Conclusion





The total cost for Canada PR from India can vary greatly depending on the applicant's individual circumstances, the number of dependents, and the immigration program chosen. On average, the cost for an individual or family applying for Canada PR can range from INR 3,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 (approximately CAD 5,000 to CAD 14,000), excluding additional costs like legal fees or other incidental expenses.





By understanding these costs upfront, you can better plan your finances and avoid any surprises during the immigration process. Make sure to consult with a certified immigration consultant to ensure that you have an accurate understanding of all the fees involved in your specific case.