Applying for Canadian PR on a Visit Visa with Family

Applying for Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) while on a visit visa with your family involves several steps. Here’s a general guide:

1. Determine Eligibility: Identify the appropriate immigration program for your situation. Common pathways include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Family Sponsorship, and others.

2. Create an Express Entry Profile:

o If you are applying through Express Entry (for skilled workers), create an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

o Provide detailed information about your skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other relevant details.

3. Check for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):

o Explore PNP options where provinces and territories nominate individuals for PR based on their skills and work experience.

o Some PNPs have streams aligned with Express Entry, while others are separate.

4. Gather Required Documents:

o Passport and travel documents.

o Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or CELPIP scores).

o Educational credentials (including an Educational Credential Assessment, if required).

o Work experience documents (e.g., reference letters, job contracts).

o Proof of funds to support your stay in Canada.

5. Submit an Application:

o For Express Entry: Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool. You will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

o For PNPs: Apply directly to the province/territory of your choice. If nominated, you will receive additional points for your Express Entry profile or a nomination certificate for non-Express Entry streams.

6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

o If you are in the Express Entry pool and have a competitive CRS score, you may receive an ITA during one of the regular draws.

o If you receive a provincial nomination, you will need to follow their specific instructions for submitting a PR application.

7. Submit Your PR Application:

o After receiving an ITA or provincial nomination, submit a complete PR application through the IRCC online portal.

o Pay the application fees and include all necessary documents.

8. Medical and Police Checks:

o Undergo medical examinations by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

o Obtain police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for more than six months.

9. Wait for Processing:

o PR applications can take several months to process. You can check the status of your application online.

10. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR):

o Once your PR application is approved, you will receive a COPR document.

o Follow instructions to finalize your PR status, which may include attending an interview or providing additional documents.

11. Landing in Canada:

o If you are already in Canada on a visit visa, you may need to leave and re-enter the country to officially “land” as a permanent resident.

o Alternatively, some applicants can complete the landing process within Canada.

Additional Tips:

• Maintain legal status in Canada during the PR application process.

• Consult with an immigration consultant or lawyer if you need personalized guidance.

• Keep track of deadlines and ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.

Following these steps will help you navigate the process of applying for Canadian PR while on a visit visa with your family.