Permanent Residence in Canada

A Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada is an individual granted the right to live in the country indefinitely. PR status offers many of the same rights as Canadian citizenship, such as access to healthcare and social benefits. However, there are a few differences, such as the lack of voting rights.

Permanent Residence in Canada can be achieved through various employment-based immigration programs. Below are some of the most popular routes to obtain PR status:

Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is designed to address Canada’s labor and skill shortages. It allows qualified individuals to apply for permanent residency, even without a job offer or provincial nomination. Express Entry is a points-based system, and candidates who meet the criteria may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

At DIVERSA we can help you create and optimize your Express Entry Profile, increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.

Express Entry includes three key immigration programs:

• • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canadian Experience Class

Within the Express Entry system, certain occupations are in demand, including:

• • Healthcare and Social Services
  • Education
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
  • Trade Occupations
  • Agriculture and Agri-food
  • French-language proficiency

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provinces in Canada have their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) to meet specific regional labor needs. These programs allow provinces to select candidates based on their work experience and skills that align with the region’s labor shortage.

Each province offers at least one skilled worker immigration program, with some having specialized streams for:

• Francophone workers
• Candidates willing to live in rural areas

Some PNPs also have streams for entrepreneurs and business professionals, aimed at encouraging applicants to contribute to the provincial economy by establishing or purchasing eligible businesses.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers permanent residency to skilled workers who want to settle in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island.

This employer-driven program is designed to address labor shortages in the Atlantic region. To be eligible, applicants must have:

• • A job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces
  • An individualized settlement plan for themselves and their family

Under the AIP, employers are exempt from obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which speeds up the process and shortens wait times for work permits. This streamlined process makes the program more accessible and efficient for both employers and employees.

Let Us Help You Navigate the Process

DIVERSA guides individuals through the Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program. Let us help you increase your chances of obtaining Permanent Residence in Canada. Contact us today to start your journey!