Canada Permanent Resident Visa

Given Canada’s low birth rate and aging population, Canada relies on immigrants to build and maintain its infrastructure and fill its labor market needs. Last year, Canada welcomed almost 250,000 Canada permanent residents. Below you will find a summary of the programs available to individuals applying for a Canada Permanent Resident Visa. 

Canadian immigration programs are broken down into three broad categories, the economic class, the family class and the refugee class. Successful applicants under any of the aforementioned categories results in a Canada permanent resident visa.

Economic Class

Skilled Worker
This program awards a Canada permanent resident visa to individuals likely to become economically established in Canada. 

Investor
A Canada permanent resident visa is available to high net worth individuals interested in making a guaranteed investment with the Canadian government.

Entrepreneur
An individual who invests in, purchases or sets up a business in Canada is entitled to become a Canada permanent resident provided that the business meets certain requirements.

Self-Employed
Canada seeks to attract internationally renowned athletes and artists as well as farmers who will create their own jobs in Canada once they become a Canada permanent resident.

Canadian Experience Class
Individuals who have spent time working and/or studying in Canada have Canadian experience, which increases the chance they will become successful Canada permanent residents.

Provincial Nomination Programs
Canadian provinces can select desirable individuals for a Canada permanent resident visa.

Immigration Quebec
Quebec has a special arrangement whereby it selects all applicants prior to their eligibility for a Canada permanent resident visa.

Family Class

Canadian citizens or Canada permanent residents can sponsor their grandparents, parents, spouses or children under this program.

Refugee Class

Individuals who fear for their lives or who would be subjected to cruel or unusual punishment, threats of torture or whose lives would be at risk if they were forced to leave Canada, may qualify for a Canada permanent resident visa under the refugee class. An application to become a Canada permanent resident under this class must be made from within Canada.

If you would like to apply for a Canada permanent resident visa under the refugee class from outside of Canada, you must be referred by the United Nations, other international organizations or private groups responsible for the resettlement of refugees.

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