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Canadian Permanent Recidency pathways

Express Entry

What it is: A points-based system that selects skilled workers for permanent residency based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Requirements:

  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): At least one year of skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), a post-secondary diploma or degree, and meeting minimum language scores (CLB 7).

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years and meeting minimum language scores (CLB 7 for TEER 0, 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2, 3).

  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST): At least two years of full-time experience in an eligible skilled trade, a job offer or Canadian certification, and meeting minimum language scores (CLB 5 for speaking/listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing).

Family Sponsorship

What it is: Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for PR.

Requirements:

  • Spousal Sponsorship: Must prove a genuine relationship through documents and meet financial support obligations. Can apply as an inland or outland applicant.

  • Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship: Requires meeting the minimum necessary income (MNI) for the last three years and signing a 20-year financial undertaking. Limited spots available through a lottery system.

  • Dependent Child Sponsorship: Child must be under 22, unmarried, and financially dependent on the sponsor. If over 22, must have a mental or physical condition preventing financial independence.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

What it is: A program where provinces and territories nominate candidates for permanent residency based on their local labor market needs.
Requirements:

  • Each province has its own nomination streams targeting workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs.

  • Some PNPs require a job offer from a local employer, while others select candidates directly from the Express Entry pool based on their qualifications.

Caregiver Programs

What it is: PR pathways for caregivers who have work experience in Canada.
Requirements:

  • Home Child Care Provider Pilot & Home Support Worker Pilot: Must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible caregiver role, meet language (CLB 5) and education (post-secondary diploma) requirements, and have a valid job offer.

Agri-Food Pilot

What it is: A program for workers in specific agriculture and food processing industries to obtain PR.
Requirements:

  • At least one year of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation (e.g., meat processing, mushroom/greenhouse farming, livestock raising).

  • A non-seasonal job offer in Canada, CLB 4 language proficiency, and a high school diploma.