Permanent Residence (PR) - Economic Class
Achieving permanent residence in Canada through the Economic Class is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and specialised professionals. This category covers several pathways that attract talent from around the world to support Canada's economy and workforce. Depending on your skills, work experience, and intentions, you can explore multiple options to apply for PR.
Express Entry
Express Entry is the most popular and efficient route for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It operates through a points-based system, selecting candidates for the following three federal programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
These programs rank candidates based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that considers education, work experience, language ability, and more.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This program is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to become permanent residents based on their qualifications, including education, work experience, and language ability.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
For individuals with experience in skilled trades, the Federal Skilled Trades Program targets applicants who have either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you’ve already worked in Canada on a temporary visa, the CEC allows you to apply for permanent residency based on your Canadian work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet local labour market needs. Here’s a breakdown of key provincial programs:
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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
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British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
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Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
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Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
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Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
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New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
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Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
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Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
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Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
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Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Each province has different criteria for nominating individuals who can contribute to their regional economies.
Caregiver Programs
These programs offer pathways for caregivers to come to Canada permanently while working in the country. Two main caregiver programs are:
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Home Child Care Provider Pilot
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Home Support Worker Pilot
These programs provide caregivers with the opportunity to gain permanent residency while taking care of children or providing support to elderly individuals.
Other Economic Programs
In addition to the traditional skilled worker and caregiver programs, Canada offers several other pathways for permanent residency through economic programs, such as:
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Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): Focuses on attracting skilled workers to rural and northern areas of Canada.
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Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: Targets workers in the agricultural and food processing sectors.
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Start-Up Visa Program: Aimed at entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who wish to start a business in Canada.
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Self-Employed Persons Program: For individuals with expertise in cultural activities or athletics, allowing them to immigrate as self-employed individuals.