Eligibility Criteria For Canadian PR
28 Mar
Eligibility Criteria For Canadian PR

It is possible to live and work permanently in a nation of which you are not a citizen if you have permanent residency (PR), which is a status that the government of that country issues. With PR, a person has access to many of the same benefits as a citizen of that nation, including free travel within and outside of the nation and the chance to later apply for citizenship. 

They also have access to social services, healthcare, and educational opportunities. However, PR holders cannot vote or occupy some positions in the government that are only open to citizens.  Most of the time, a person's abilities, qualifications, or links to a citizen or PR holder determine whether or not the immigration authorities of a country grant them PR status. Different nations have different guidelines and specifications for attaining and retaining PR status.

The qualifications and standards for getting permanent resident status vary between nations. In some nations, candidates need a specific education or professional experience. Others might have a minimum standard of proficiency in the country’s main language. Additionally, certain nations could demand that applicants make financial investments in the nation. 

In the same way, there are primarily six aspects that affect Canadian PR while speaking in the context of Canada. Age, Education, Language Skill, Work Experience, Arranged Employment, and Adaptability. This table illustrates the point distribution for applications for Canada PR Visas.

Category name Points Allocated
Age 12
Education 25
Language Proficiency 28
Work Experience 15
Adaptability 10
Arranged employment 10

I. Age

A candidate must be between 18 and 35 at the time of application to be qualified for Canadian Permanent Residency. However, the screening procedure prioritizes candidates between 25 and 35. The reason is that, according to the Canadian government, applicants in this age group are most likely to make long-term contributions to the country's economy and society.

The Express Entry system gives candidates age points based on age at the time of application to reflect this priority. The applicants between 18 and 35 receive the highest points, 12.  A 36-year-old applicant receives 11 points. A 37-year-old applicant gets 10, and so on. Likewise, a 47-year-old or older applicant does not receive any age points. 

Age group Points Allocated
Below 18 0
35-18 12
36 11
37 10
38 9
39 8
40 7
41 6
42 5
43 4
44 3
45 2
46 1

II. Education

Education is another eligibility criterion.

To qualify for permanent residency in Canada, you must have at least a high school diploma or a comparable level of education. However, higher education, such as a post-secondary degree, gives you a better chance of getting selected. For instance, a candidate can get up to 25 points under the Express Entry method if they have a PhD.

Moreover, a candidate can receive up to 23 points if they have a master's degree, 22 points if they have a double bachelor's degree, 21 points if they have a bachelor's degree completed in three years, 19 points if they have a diploma degree lasting for two years and so on.

In the same way, no points will be awarded if you haven’t completed a high school degree.

Degree Points Allocated
PhD 25
Master 23
Double bachelor 22
Bachelor lasting 3 yrs 21
Diploma lasting 2 yrs 19
Diploma lasting 1 year 15
High school degree (12th grade) 5

III. Work Experience

For three years before applying, you must have worked at least one year in a skilled job to be eligible for Canadian permanent residency. It is crucial to remember that only positions that fall under skill types 0, A, and B are regarded as "skilled" for Express Entry, the system used to process applications for Canadian permanent residency.

Management positions fall under skill type 0, and these positions are frequently in the role of organizing, managing, controlling, and evaluating the operations of a business or organization. Positions like restaurant managers, mining managers, senior managers, and executives may fall under this category. Typically, these jobs require more leadership abilities and substantial experience to succeed than they do a formal degree or technical expertise.

Skill type A is a professional job typically requiring a degree from an approved university. Doctors, dentists, architects, and other professionals with specialized knowledge are a few examples of these professions. These people often have advanced degrees, specialized training, and professional experience in their industries.

Skills classified as skill type B are skilled trades or technical employment that call for a college degree or specialized technical training. Examples are the skilled trades of cooks, electricians, plumbers, and welders. These jobs often need technical expertise and real-world experience, and certain jurisdictions may also demand extra qualifications or licenses to perform the position's duties.

Normally, candidates with three years or more of work experience earn 11 points under the work experience criteria. However, those with six or more years of work experience can get the highest points, which is 15 points. 

Work Experience Points Allocated
6 years or more 15
4-5 yrs 13
2-3 yrs 11
1 year 9

IV. Language Ability

Applicants must show that they have a decent level of either English or French language skills to be accepted for Canadian Permanent Residency. Candidates must submit test scores from the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  in their Express Entry profile to demonstrate their language skills.

These language proficiency tests primarily evaluate the four language abilities- listening, writing, reading, and speaking. The examinations evaluate an applicant's proficiency in the language, both orally and in writing.

The requirement for language competency is a crucial part of the Canadian PR application process since it guarantees that candidates can adapt to Canadian society and benefit the economy.

CLB Score 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      

V. Adaptability

Suppose a candidate has lived, worked, or studied in Canada before or if a family member or a close relative lives there. In that case, they may receive more points under the "Adaptability" component of the Canadian Permanent Residency program. The maximum point awarded in this eligibility criteria is 10 points.

Having lived, worked, or studied in Canada proves that the applicant is familiar with Canadian society, culture, and way of life, which may make it easier for them to adjust and integrate successfully into Canadian society. Additionally, having family or relations in Canada can aid in a person's absorption into that country's culture. It also helps the applicant and their family members become more accustomed to Canadian culture and habits by giving them a support network.

VI. Arranged employment

Holding an employment offer from a Canadian employer could dramatically increase your likelihood of being chosen for Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program. (PNP).

A legitimate job offer can contribute up to 10 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system, which ranks applicants in the Express Entry pool. Your CRS score increases the possibility of getting accepted to submit a Canadian permanent residence application.

Similarly, several provinces' PNP streams call for an employment offer from a local firm. A legitimate employment offer may improve your chances of receiving a provincial nomination for Canadian PR in these categories.

In all situations, the employment offer must satisfy specific standards, including having a specialized occupation and making a specific amount. The company might also be required to submit a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to demonstrate that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents can fill the post.

Therefore, getting a work offer from a Canadian employer can be a significant advantage when applying for Canadian permanent residency using Express Entry or the PNP.