How can I apply for Canada PR from India?

For Indians looking to migrate to other countries, Canada is a top destination. The Permanent Residency (PR) option is the most popular way for Indians to migrate to Canada. The facts prove this, in 2017 Canada granted 65,500 PR visas out of which 26,300 were given to Indians which is about 40% of the total visas. In its bid to include more foreigners in its economic development, Canada increased the number of PR visas to 92,000 in 2018.  The number of Indians who got a PR visa that year rose to 39,670 which is approximately a 51% increase from the previous year. The number of Indian PR visas is expected to increase close to 73,000 in 2019.

This upward trend is expected to continue until 2021. Here is a representation of the increasing number of India PRs in Canada and their expected population in 2021.

The anticipated figure is based on the percentage increase in the past few years.

Why are more Indians preferring to migrate to Canada?

The tighter immigration rules implemented by the U.S in the past few years have encouraged more Indians to opt for Canada where immigration rules are less rigid. Tech professionals who preferred the U.S in the past now look at Canada to make a career because of the tight regulations on H 1B visas in the U.S.

Canada is an attractive option for students not only for its courses but also for the post-study work options which can pave the way to a PR visa.

How do you apply for a Canada PR from India?

If you are an Indian wanting to migrate to Canada, there are various immigration programs under which you can migrate. Some popular programs for getting your Canada PR are:

1. Express Entry Program
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
3. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

Each immigration program has its own set of criteria. If you are applying under a program you must meet the requirements to qualify. But there are some general minimum requirements common to all these programs:

• Applicants should be above 18 years of age
• Applicants should have the minimum educational qualifications equal to higher secondary education in Canada
• Applicants must score the minimum marks in language proficiency tests such as IELTS or CLB
• Applicants require a minimum one year of work experience
• Applicants with a valid job offer are given high priority

Understand the immigration procedure

In order to successfully apply for the Canada PR from India, you should understand the immigration procedure and consider how far it matches your profile. Most immigration programs including the PNP and QSWP program follow the Express Entry method of applying for a PR visa.  If you can understand the Express Entry system, it will be easy to understand other immigration programs and help you make your choice of program.

If you are applying through the PNP, just like the Express Entry program you will have to make a profile, get a qualifying score and your profile will be entered among a pool of candidates and  if you make the cut as a high ranking profile, you will get an invitation to apply (ITA) for a PR visa.

Qualifying score is the minimum points you need to score under the Comprehensive Ranking System or the CRS.  If your profile must be selected, you should be able to get 67 points out of 100 in the CRS. Below are the various criteria for the CRS:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language ability
• Adaptability
• Arranged employment

The Express Entry System and the PNP are two ways to get your Canada PR and the application process is similar with a few variations. Here is a brief description of the process:

• Create a profile with the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• Your immigration profile should contain details such as age, work experience, academic qualification etc.
• Your profile will be added to the candidate pool and you will have to wait for the draw where selected candidates will get an ITA. This draw usually happens every 15 days.
• The IRCC will validate your profile and verify your documents. This process can take up to six months.
• The Express Entry profile is valid for up to 12 months and you will have to resubmit it after this period ends. You can use this opportunity to update your profile and make it suitable for selection in the Express Entry pool.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) for Permanent Residency:

The QSWP is restricted to the state or province of Quebec. An applicant selected through this program must spend a minimum time period of at least two years in the province. After this period, they can move out and settle anywhere in Canada.

The application procedure for the QSWP is similar to the Express Entry Program. However, you can make your profile offline for the QSWP and receive your Quebec selection certificate for it as well.

A job offer from a Quebec employer is a major boost to your profile. Applicants should also have proof of enough funds to support their stay in Quebec for at least three months.

Once you have been selected by the QSWP authorities, you will get a Quebec Selection Certificate and you can move in there with your family.  Once you have spent three months in the province, you can apply for a PR visa.

Which is the fastest immigration program to get your PR visa?

The Express Entry System is the fastest way to get your PR visa. The Canadian government has reduced the processing time between 6 to 12 months for this program.

Canada offers various immigration programs for PR from India. Take the help of an immigration consultant to decide which one is right for you.