The application process and processing time for PR visas in Canada

The most sought-after immigration route in the world is the Canada Permanent Residence Visa. The most popular and well-known immigration route for those seeking to immigrate is Express Entry, the top immigration program. It also offers the fastest processing times and the easiest application process. Canada's immigration authorities have a strong system in place to approve applications for eligible persons, which shortens the processing time and streamlines the procedure.

There are numerous routes available under the program for permanent residence in Canada:

Express Entry –For talented professionals seeking a speedier immigration process, the main government avenue is Canada Express Entry. There are three economic immigration schemes under this system:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) –All skilled individuals with at least a year's worth of work experience in their home country are eligible. This group includes all qualified professionals in fields including sales, marketing, law, business consulting, IT, finance, and medicine, among others.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) –Professionals with experience in their home country and qualifications in a skilled trade are eligible for this stream. This category includes jobs like bakers, chefs, equipment operators, etc.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – This path is intended for skilled people with prior Canadian job experience.

Provincial Nominee: For qualified professionals with low CRS Scores, this is an alternate choice. Every Canadian province has a provincial nominee program that enables skilled individuals who satisfy the labor and skill needs of the province to immigrate to Canada.

Provincial Nominee:– It is an additional choice for qualified individuals with low CRS Scores. Every Canadian province has a provincial nominee program that enables skilled individuals who satisfy the labor and skill needs of the province to immigrate to Canada.

Family Sponsorship – Canadian citizens and residents are eligible to sponsor their spouse, partner, parents, grandparents, and other family members who live abroad under this scheme.

Quebec-selected skilled worker – For those who want to live in Quebec exclusively, the francophone province of Quebec offers a different immigration program.

Canada Startup Visa – For individuals who are able to establish a startup in Canada, it is federal business immigration. To create jobs in Canada, one needs to have a novel business concept that has been accepted by the authorized investment organization. No direct investment is necessary.

Self-Employed Program – The program is intended for independent contractors who wish to maintain their independent contractor business while making cultural, economic, or social contributions to Canada.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot - This program is for applicants who want to move to Canada, preferably to one of the Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or Newfoundland and Labrador).


Below is the detailed application process and processing time of Canada PR Visa:

  • Step 1 – Use the Canada Points Calculator to indicate your eligibility.
  • Utilizing the Canada Immigration Points Calculator, you may confirm that you qualify for the initiative. A minimum of 67 points must be earned in the areas of age, education, job history, language competence, and labor market adaptation.
  • Step 2 – Select a career that suits you based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code.
  • Choose an acceptable occupation code from the NOC list based on your profile, job experience, and occupation. Your NOC code will be necessary for both the Canada PNP and immigration procedures.
  • Step 3 – Processing time for the Education Credential Assessment (ECA) – Processing time (30 to 45 days)
  • You must submit your academic degrees and diplomas to the appropriate Canadian assessment authorities in order for them to determine whether your acquired qualifications are equivalent to those in Canada. These evaluative bodies include IQAS, WES, and ICAS, among others.
  • Step 4 – Exam for Proficiency in English Language (IELTS or PTE) - Processing time (Depends on the test date)
  • To achieve the language competence requirement for your process, you must take the English language exam and receive the minimum bands of Reading 7, Writing 6, Speaking 6, and Writing 6.
  • Step 5 – Organize all paperwork and turn in the Expression of Interest. – Processing Time (one day)
  • Send in your Expression of Interest using the CIC account, attaching any required paperwork (reports from IELTS, employment, and school).
  • Step 6 – Invitation and score from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) - Processing Time (Depends on the CRS score)
  • You will be given a specific CRS score following the submission of the EOI at the CIC. You should aim for a high score in order to increase your chances of being chosen for the Express Entry Draw. Your invitation to apply (ITA) for a permanent resident visa to Canada will be sent to you if your CRS score is less than the Express Entry Draw Cut-off score.
  • Step 7 – ITA Submission & Payment - Processing Time (60 days is given for application submission)
  • You must submit the ITA application along with all necessary documentation and pay the residency fees as soon as you receive the Invitation to Apply from an expedited entry draw.
  • Step 8 – Requesting a Passport and Stamping a Visa - Processing Time (20 to 30 days)
  • Following the submission of your ITA, you will receive a Passport Request through mail. You will then need to visit the local visa processing office to have your biometrics taken and your visa stamped.