Drishti Jain Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Sep 3, 2025
Permanent Resident Status, also known as PR, is obtained by individuals who are citizens of other countries. Canada is among the most popular study destinations for Indians, as over 1,00,000 students took admission in Canadian universities (as per the reports of Times of India 2024). Obtaining a PR in Canada not only offers the opportunity to continue living but also health care facilities, social rights, and a step towards Canadian Citizenship. In 2025, Canada aims to welcome 3,95,000 immigrants.
Canada is considered one of the best destinations in terms of education, quality of life, safety, and career opportunities. According to the World Happiness Report 2024, Canada is ranked as the 18th-happiest country in the world. Canada welcomed 2,46,300 new permanent residents from January 1 to July 31, 2025. Canada’s future immigration targets are 3,80,000 in 2026 and 3,65,000 in 2027. Indian students take 1.5 to 2.5 years after graduation to qualify and receive their PR, depending on their work experience and the stream used.
- Why PR in Canada?
- Pro Immigration Policies of Canada
- Eligibility for Canada PR
- Canada PR Requirements for Indians
4.1 Proof of Funds for Canada PR
- Canada PR Programs
5.1 Provincial Nominee Program
5.2 Atlantic Immigration Program
5.4 Family Sponsorship Program
- Other Immigration Programs
- Canada PR Card
7.1 How to apply for a PR card?
- Benefits of a Canada PR Card
- Losing the Canada PR Status
- FAQs
Why PR in Canada?
Some of the key features of why you should apply for PR in Canada are highlighted below:
- According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world, such as the University of Toronto(#29), McGill University (#27).
- With a per capita income of over USD 61,960 (INR 5442391 ), Canada offers a strong economy, low crime rates, clean cities, and accessible public services.
- After living in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 3 out of 5 years, you can apply for Canadian citizenship, gaining full voting rights, passport privileges
- Canada consistently sets ambitious immigration targets with a goal to admit 300,000+ Permanent Residents in 2025
Also check Top Universities of Canada
Pro Immigration Policies of Canada
The following table shows the strategic outline plan of the Canada Immigration level plans 2025-2027.
| Category | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Permanent Residents (PRs) | 3,95,000 | 3,80,000 | 3,65,000 |
| Economic Class Share | 62% | – | 62% |
| Family Class Share | 24% | – | – |
| PR Target Change from Previous Plan | -105,000 | – | – |
| International Student Cap | 10% reduction from 2024 | – | – |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit Reform | Implemented | – | – |
| Population Growth Rate | -0.2% | -0.2% | +0.8% |
| Housing Supply Gap Reduction | – | – | 670,000 units reduced |
| GDP per Capita | Increase | Increase | Increase |
Eligibility for Canada PR
To be eligible for Canadian permanent residency, applicants must meet specific criteria related to age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Proof of these qualifications through official documents is mandatory. You need to submit the proof of the following:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Language test results (IELTS-6.0, CLB-7)
- Proof of Canadian education or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer
- Proof of work experience (e.g., reference or experience letter from employer)
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family
- Police certificates for security checks
- Provincial nomination certificate (if applying through the Provincial Nominee Program)
Canada PR Requirements for Indians
Indians who are willing to apply for the Canada PR can do so by meeting the eligibility requirements and submitting the correct documentation. If you want to know your eligibility for applying to PR, you can do so in 2 ways: one is by answering the questionnaire in the Canada tool, and the second is by logging into the IRCC Secure account on the official website. Following is the checklist for applying to Canada PR:
- Age Requirement: The ideal age for applying to Canada PR is between 21–35 years. After the age of 35, points awarded for age begin to decline under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Education: Applicants must have at least a diploma or a bachelor's degree. Higher education qualifications, like a master's or PhD, provide more CRS points. If your qualifications are from outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Work Experience: At least one year (1,560 hours) of skilled, full-time, paid, and legal work experience is required under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. Work experience gained under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is valid.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must prove language proficiency in English or French through approved tests.IELTS: Minimum 6.0 bands in each section, CELPIP: Minimum CLB Level 7, TEF Canada (French): Minimum NCLC Level 7
- Proof of Funds (Required if applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or without a valid job offer): Applicants must show they have enough funds to support themselves and accompanying family members.
- Police Clearance & Medical Exam: Applicants must be medically fit and submit a police clearance certificate (PCC) for every country they have lived in for 6 months or more since turning 18.
Proof of Funds for Canada PR
To be eligible for a Canada PR in 2025, you need to show proof of funds. It is how you show that you have enough money to settle in Canada. The amount of money you need to support your family is based on the size of your family. The minimum amount for 1 person is ₹9,74,774. This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada. The table below is as of July 7, 2025
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required (CAD) | Funds Required (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 | ₹9,74,774 |
| 2 | $19,001 | ₹12,12,493 |
| 3 | $23,360 | ₹14,91,802 |
| 4 | $28,362 | ₹18,09,740 |
| 5 | $32,168 | ₹20,53,080 |
| 6 | $36,280 | ₹23,15,327 |
| 7 | $40,392 | ₹25,77,573 |
| Each additional member | $4,112 | ₹2,62,246 |
Canada PR Programs
Express Entry is an online system that manages immigration applications for 3 programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. The application fees for the Express Entry program are CAD 1525 (INR 97,313). The fees for bringing family members to Canada are: Spouse CAD $1,525 (INR 97,313) and Dependent child CAD $260 (INR 16591). Each of these has its own requirements and eligibility criteria as given below:
| Eligibility Factor | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Requirement | CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs | CLB 7 in all four language abilities | CLB 5 for speaking & listening; CLB 4 for reading & writing |
| Type of Work Experience | At least 1 year of Canadian work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations | At least 1 year of skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (Canada or abroad) | Must have trade work experience in TEER 2 or 3 within specified groups (e.g., cooks, bakers, chefs, general trades) |
| Amount of Work Experience | Minimum 1 year (1,560 hours) within the last 3 years | Minimum 1 year continuous (or equivalent) within the last 10 years | Minimum 2 years (full-time or equivalent part-time) within the last 5 years |
| Job Offer Requirement | Not required | Not required, but provides extra CRS points if present | Required: valid full-time job offer (≥1 year) or provincial certificate of qualification |
| Education Requirement | Not required | Secondary education required; post-secondary education earns additional points | Not required |
Also check PGWP Canada: Duration, Eligibility, Application Process
Provincial Nominee Program
To be eligible for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must first meet the criteria of one of the province or territory’s specific PNP streams. In addition, you must be nominated by that province or territory, and also meet the eligibility requirements for at least 1 of the 3 federal Express Entry programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you must submit your complete application for permanent residence within 60 calendar days. If you don’t apply within that time (and you don’t decline the invitation), the invitation will expire, and your profile will be removed.
Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in 1 of Canada’s 4 Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. To be eligible to work in Canada while you wait, you must have
- a job offer from a designated employer that meets the requirements of the program
- a referral letter from the Atlantic province where you’ll be working
Caregivers Program
The Caregivers Program in Canada allows qualified foreign nationals to work in Canada as caregivers and eventually apply for permanent residency. This program is designed for individuals who provide care to children, elderly persons, or those with high medical needs, either in private homes or healthcare settings. To be eligible, applicants must have a valid job offer in Canada, demonstrate at least one year of post-secondary education (or foreign equivalent), meet language proficiency requirements (CLB 5 in English or French), and have recent, relevant work experience.
Family Sponsorship Program
You can also sponsor your family members to become permanent residents so they can live, study, and work in Canada. The family can be your spouse, partner, dependent children, adopted child, relative, parents, or grandparents.
Other Immigration Programs
Apart from the above immigration programs, Canada also provides more programs, like: Start-up Visa, Self-employed Program, etc. The table below provides the details for other immigration Canada PR programs
| Program | Eligibility Requirements | Application Fee (CAD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start‑Up Visa | - Letter of support from a designated organization; IELTS/CELPIP or equivalent; sufficient settlement funds | 2,385 CAD (₹1.52lakhs) | 52 months |
| Self‑Employed Program | - Relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities; intention and capacity to contribute in Canada | 2,385 CAD (₹1.52lakhs) | 60 months |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Program | - Intention to reside in Quebec; meet Quebec’s selection criteria; adequate funds and background clearance | Provincial fee plus federal: CAD 1525 (INR 97,313) | 9 months |
Canada PR Card
A Canada PR card is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that serves as proof of a person’s permanent resident status in Canada. This card contains your personal details with your photo, which you need when traveling to and from Canada. It is valid for 5 years.
How to apply for a PR card?
- Fill out the application package by paying an application fee of CAD 50 (INR 3172) (IMM 5444E)
- Submit: Photocopy of a valid passport or travel document,2 photos that meet PR card photo specifications, Supporting documents (e.g., travel history, residence proof), Payment receipt of the application fee paid.
- Mail your application to the PR card processing centre.
Benefits of a Canada PR Card
As a Canada PR holder, you get several important rights and benefits, including:
- Access to most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including: A Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work in Canada, Public health care coverage (check your provincial health authority for specific eligibility details)
- Freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
- Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Legal protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Obligation to pay taxes and comply with all federal, provincial, and municipal laws in Canada
Losing the Canada PR Status
You can lose the Canada PR status in the following situations:
- If you haven’t been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years, you may lose your PR status.
- You may also lose your PR status if you become a Canadian citizen
- If you give up your OR status due to reasons such as you don’t want to live in Canada permanently, or only intend to visit Canada for short stays
Canada continues to be a leading destination for opportunities for individuals looking for quality education, high living standards, or enhanced careers. You can also sponsor your family under the Family sponsorship program and secure their future. For this, you need to understand the updated PR policies, requirements, and eligibility to get the PR status without any hassle or delay.
FAQs
Ques 1: How hard is it to get permanent residency in Canada?
Ans: Applying through the Express Entry program takes 6 months to get approval; applicants just need to make sure they follow the step-by-step immigration process and meet all eligibility criteria. Proper planning and attention to detail at each step in the process are essential. It then becomes easy to get a PR in Canada.
Ques 2: Is the CRS (Comprehensive ranking system) still considered while applying for PR in Canada?
Ans: Yes, CRS is still considered, but as of March 2025, the job offer points from the Comprehensive Ranking System for current and future candidates in the Express Entry pool are removed
Ques 3: Can I apply for a PR in Canada while still outside Canada, and if so, how?
Ans: Yes, you can apply for Canada PR from outside the country through several pathways, primarily the Express Entry system, which includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program (for skilled workers with foreign experience), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (for tradespeople), and the Canadian Experience Class (for those with prior Canadian work experience).
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