Travel

Your Guide to Permanent Residency in Canada for Pakistani Citizens

Are you a citizen of Pakistan looking to relocate to Canada? Well, the process of permanent residency in Canada can be easy if one has the right things to do. This blog will help you with A to Z about obtaining permanent residency in Canada, tailored only for a Pakistani audience. How can we realize this Canadian dream? Which pathways, requirements, and tips exist to make our lives easy?

Understanding Permanent Residency

Permanent residency in Canada implies that you are free to live, work, and study anywhere in the country. On the other hand, permanent residents have almost all the rights of citizens, including attending various healthcare institutions, receiving most social services, being included in some social programs—others take time before you can be enrolled, etc. Also, if you decide to reside in this country, note that you will not be able to vote or hold any state/senior civil service.

Why Choose Canada?

Canada has good living, a multicultural society, and a strong economy. As a permanent resident, you will enjoy:

 

  • Free health care: You have access to one of the finest health care systems in the world.
  • Quality education: The institutions for world-class education are open to you and your children.
  • Economic opportunities: A blooming job market with immense varieties of options.
  • Safety and Security: You can be assured of a safe environment with low levels of crime.
  • Social benefits: numerous social benefits are open for you, including retirement.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

1. Express Entry System

Most skilled workers seeking permanent Residency in Canada use the express entry system. This system defines a point grading criterion based on which applications are awarded points on age, education, work experience, and language ability.

How Express Entry Works

Create an online profile: The individual fills in information about his/her skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, amongst any other relevant personal information.

 

  • Get a CRS score: Your profile is ranked against other candidates in the pool of entry.
  • Invitation to Apply: If you are among the top-ranked candidates, you will be sent an ITA for permanent residency in Canada.
  • Submit your application: When you get an invitation to apply, then you have 60 days to send in your application for permanent residency in Canada.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

This is a representative program that provides every province and territory of Canada with the power to nominate people who can be given permanent residency in Canada based on the labour market and other specific economic needs of the province or territory. Each province has its own sets of streams and criteria aimed at different kinds of immigrants.

Popular PNP Streams for Pakistanis
  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): A very good program for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
  • Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Very good for skilled workers and farmers.
  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program: Suitable for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates.

3. Family Sponsorship

 

If you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residency. Eligible sponsors include spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, and dependent children.

Sponsorship Process
  • Sponsor applies: Your family member must first apply to be a sponsor.
  • You Apply: After your sponsorship application is approved, you are in a position to seek permanent residence.

Requirements for Permanent Residency

Language Proficiency

Either language, English or French, is required in nearly all PR pathways. You will need to pass a language test (like IELTS for English or TEF for French). Your input in terms of scores will have a major impact on your CRS Score in the Express Entry System.

Education Credential Assessment (ECA)

Where you study outside Canada, you are required to obtain an ECA, which confirms your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian one.

Proof of Funds

Proof of having sufficient funds to maintain yourself and your family members upon arrival in Canada. The minimum amount required varies with the size of your family.

Medical and Police Clearance

You and all family members who have to make an application must undergo a medical examination, and you and they have to obtain police attestation certificates showing that you are all in good health and do not have any criminal record.

 

Tips for a Successful Application

Stay Informed

Immigration policies and requirements change regularly. Check regularly for changes to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC website.

Improve Your CRS Score

Improve your language skills, work more for more hours, and go for higher education to achieve more points in your CRS score. Each point matters in the competitive system of Express Entry.

Seek Professional Help

You can consult a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer for the best advice so that the application is completely accurate and correct.

Conclusion

Permanent residence holds the key to a sound future in Canada for you and your family. Many opportunities await, depending on your skill set and the current scenario. Just make sure to keep yourself updated, put hard work into the preparation, and consider professional help to make things easier for your cause. Canada has immense opportunities and a high quality of life, offering excellent prospects as a destination for Pakistani immigrants.

 

At the very start of this journey to Canada, have confidence, and shortly you will be calling this beautiful country your new home.