3 Easy Ways to get Permanent Residency in Canada

Taking on the task of applying for your Canadian visa, on your own, is a difficult and lengthy process, especially with all the numerous forms to fill in, supporting documents to submit, and strict deadlines to adhere to. There are over 100 different Canadian immigration options to choose from and knowing which one best suits your individual needs is the key to a successful application. But it doesn't have to be.

We've selected the 3 easiest Canadian immigration programs to set you on the path to starting a new life in one of the most diverse and multicultural countries worldwide.

Our Top 3 ways to get permanent residency in Canada include:

1. The Express Entry System

2. The Provincial Nominee Program

3. Family Sponsorship

Top 3 Simple Ways to Immigrate to Canada

speeding train architecture blue buildings Canada | Express Entry to permanent residency in Canada

1. The Express Entry System

The Express Entry System was initiated in 2015 to speed up and simplify the Canadian immigration process for skilled foreign applicants who want to live and work in Canada. The great thing about the Express Entry system is that you don't require a job offer to apply, not to mention that the processing time has now been reduced to approximately 6 - 8 months, making it one of the easiest and quickest ways to immigrate to Canada. Candidates can apply under one of 3 Federal Immigration Programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP);
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP); and
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

All eligible visa applicants are scored according to factors such as their age, work experience, and educational qualifications according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). They are then entered into a draw pool and ranked against other applicants. Express Entry draws usually occur every 2 weeks in Canada, from which the highest-scoring applicants are chosen by the Canadian government to apply for permanent residency.

The Express Entry system is also linked to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Nine of Canada's 13 provinces and territories have Express Entry-linked PNPs making it both quicker and easier to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to live and work in Canada permanently.

provinces of Canada map blue compass | permanent residency in Canada

2. The Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program is aimed at enticing experienced workers to move to the province in order to fill the current gap in the Canadian labour market. Certain provinces and territories have specific occupations that have high shortages, which means that should your job title be listed on a particular province's In-demand Occupation list, you will be placed above other applicants to receive a Provincial Nomination (PN). Receiving a PN almost guarantees permanent residency candidates are awarded 600 extra points to add to their CRS score.

But that's not the best part. Certain PNPs have Express Entry streams, which means that if you have an Express Entry profile and have expressed interest in that province, they are able to select your profile from the draw pool. Not only will your application be fast-tracked, but you will receive extra points, making certain PNPs extremely easy to receive permanent residency through.

Below are the PNPs that have Express Entry streams or categories.

  • 1. The British Columbia PNP Express Entry Stream;
  • 2. The New Brunswick PNP Express Entry Labour Market System;
  • 3. The Saskatchewan PNP International Skilled Worker Category Express Entry System;
  • 4. Nova Scotia PNP Demand Express Entry Stream; and
  • Nova Scotia PNP Experience Express Entry Stream;
  • 5. Northwest Territories PNP Express Entry for Skilled Workers stream
  • 6. Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Express Entry for Skilled Workers stream
  • 7. Ontario INP Human Capital Category: Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream; and
  • Ontario INP Human Capital Category: Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream; and
  • Ontario INP Human Capital Category: Express Entry Skilled Trades stream;
  • 8. Prince Edward Island PNP Express Entry stream;
  • 9. Yukon PNP Express Entry stream.

Visit our blog for more information on the main differences between the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program.

happy family after getting permanent residency in Canada

3. Family Sponsorship Visa

The Family Sponsorship Visa allows permanent Canadian residents and citizens over the age of 18 years of age to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, a relative or dependant to live and work in Canada. There are 4 streams under this visa, including the following:

  • Spousal and Family Sponsorship Visa;
  • Spousal and Common-law Sponsorship Program;
  • Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program; and
  • Super Visa

Other Programs to Consider

The Working Holiday Visa or International Experience Canada (IEC) visais a great way to not only experience all that Canada has to offer but is a potential pathway to getting permanent residency in Canada. You could apply for an employer-specific work permit for six months or longer in order to stay in Canada after your IEC program. The work experience that you accumulate on an employer-specific work permit will count towards your PR points when you eventually apply to immigrate to Canada permanently.

Take a look at what you could look forward to when applying for a working holiday visa for Canada.


The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program assists immigration by connecting foreign nationals wanting to relocate to Atlantic Canada with government-designated employers. There are 3 programs to apply through, each with their own set of requirements:

  • Atlantic International Graduate Program;
  • Atlantic High-skilled Program; and
  • Atlantic Intermediate-skilled Program

How Do I Become a Permanent Resident in Canada?

This depends on which immigration program you choose. If you apply through programs such as the Express Entry System or a Provincial Nominee Program and are successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.  Be sure to have all your supporting documentation ready as you will have 90 days to accept your invitation. Once your application has been assessed and approved you willreceive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR).

Why Immigration Matters to Canada

350,000 immigrants are invited to live and work in Canada every year and it's no surprise why so many people have said that Canada was one of their top 3 destinations to move to. Canada offers safety and security for you and your loved ones, free healthcare and education, freedom of religion, and lucrative job opportunities.

Canada needs immigrants to help fill its current labour gap. The economy is growing rapidly and the rate at which Canadians are retiring increases, which means that soon there won't be enough skilled workers to meet the demands of key industries in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, it is estimated that by 2036, between 23 and 25% of Canada's population will be over the average retirement age of 65. By 2035, approximately 5 million Canadians will have retired, which means that there will be fewer people working to support retirees. This is why immigration matters so much to Canada. By immigrating to Canada, you will not only have the opportunity to live a high quality of life while you are working but you will be able to look forward to joining a community that will one day take care of you in your later years.

Canadian immigrants are also instrumental in the business sector. In fact, immigrant business owners are responsible for creating almost 25% of jobs in the private jobs sector,and bringing their business venture to Canada, increase the interest of investors.

Immigrants are also a very important part of the health sector, with more than 335,000 skilled healthcare workers working in health-related jobs in Canada today.

65% of Canada's population growth is accredited to immigration and by 2022, the Government aims to invite 1 million newcomers to join the Canadian community. Wouldn't you like to be one of them?


why Canada needs immigrants infographic | permanent residency in Canada

How We Can Help You Get Permanent Residency in Canada

By using a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), the immigration application process to get permanent residency in Canada will be effortless and can also be fast-tracked. Not only will your chances of success increase but you can rest assured that we will assess which Canada immigration programs you are eligible for as well as verify and submit all documents for you.

Simply apply for our services today for your in-depth evaluation and increase your chances of success with CanadianVisa.org.