Canadian Permanent Residence

Canadian Permanent Residence

Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system to manage applications for permanent residence under key economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It uses a point-based ranking (CRS) to select candidates from a pool efficiently and flexibly.

Team Immigration Services (TIS) can help you prepare a strong Express Entry profile, maximize your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and navigate the pathway toward receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for Express Entry, an applicant generally must satisfy:

  • Skilled Work Experience: Experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, or B role (or their successor NOC system equivalents).
  • Language Proficiency: Demonstrated ability in English or French via approved tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.).
  • Education: A completed credential assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) showing equivalency with Canadian standards.
  • Age: Points awarded favorably for younger applicants (though age is just one factor).
  • Adaptability & Additional Factors: Extra points for having a valid job offer, Canadian work experience, spouse’s credentials, or provincial nomination.

How to Apply

  • Create Your Profile: Submit an Express Entry profile online, providing your core information (education, work, language, etc.).
  • Enter the Pool & Get CRS Score: The system assigns you a CRS score based on your profile.
  • Category-Based & Targeted Draws: In 2025, IRCC is focusing more on category-based draws (e.g. health, education, trades, francophone skills) rather than broad all-program draws.
  • Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Top-ranked candidates meeting draw criteria get an ITA.
  • Apply for PR: Once invited, submit your permanent residence application within 60 days along with supporting documents (work history, educational credentials, language test results, police clearances, medicals, etc.).

Changes & Updates for 2025

  • IRCC has introduced category-based selection rounds, inviting candidates in specific occupations or language categories to better align with labour needs.
  • In 2025, all-program draws (i.e. draws open to all eligible candidates) have been paused; invitations are now mostly through sector-specific, provincial nominee, or French-language categories.
  • Express Entry draws now prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience, strong French language ability, or in-demand occupations (health, trades, education).
  • A new “education” category has been introduced in some draws to reflect labour demand in teaching and training sectors.
  • IRCC revised the proof-of-funds requirement effective July 28, 2025: for example, a single applicant must now show $15,263 CAD, and a family of four $28,362 CAD (these thresholds replace the previous amounts).
  • The federal immigration target for 2025 is set lower than prior years (395,000 new permanent residents) to support sustainable growth.

Benefits of Express Entry

  • Fast Processing: Many PR applications under Express Entry are processed in 6 months or less after applying.
  • Flexibility: Successful applicants can settle in any province or territory (outside Quebec) with full rights as permanent residents.
  • Dynamic & Responsive: The system adapts draws to labour market needs through category-based selection.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the core streams under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for individuals with experience in managerial, professional, or technical occupations who intend to immigrate to Canada permanently.

At Team Immigration Services (TIS), we guide applicants through the FSWP process, making sure your profile is optimized and your submission meets IRCC standards.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

  • Work Experience: You must have at least one year of continuous, full-time work experience (or equivalent in part time) in a skilled occupation classified under NOC 0, A, or B (or the successor system).
  • Education: You need a post-secondary credential. That credential must be assessed with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm equivalency with Canadian education standards.
  • Language Skills: You must demonstrate proficiency in one or both official languages (English or French) using approved tests (e.g. IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).
  • Points-Based System: Eligibility is assessed through a points grid including factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience, and adaptability (e.g. spouse’s profile, Canadian work/education, job offer).

How to Apply

  • Submit Your Express Entry Profile: If you meet basic FSWP requirements, you create an Express Entry profile which enters the candidate pool.
  • Category-Based / Targeted Draws: In 2025, IRCC is increasingly holding draws based on occupation categories or language ability, rather than broad all-program draws. Candidates must not only have a high CRS score but also satisfy category requirements (e.g., healthcare, education, trades) to be invited.
  • Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is among the top ranked for a given draw, you’ll receive an ITA.
  • Processing the Application: Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your full PR application with supporting documents (work reference letters, educational credentials, language test results, police clearance, medical exam). IRCC aims to process most Express Entry-based PR applications within 6 months or less.

Latest Changes & Updates

  • Removal of CRS points for valid job offers (LMIA-based): As of March 2025, IRCC removed extra CRS points that were previously awarded for valid job offers under FSWP. This change affects scoring and competitiveness.
  • Pause on All-Program Draws: In 2025, IRCC has suspended general all-program draws and is instead focusing on category-based invitations, drawing candidates in sectors such as healthcare, education, trades, and French-speaking ability.
  • New Education Occupations Category: A new “Education” category has been added to Express Entry draws in 2025 to align with labour needs in the educational sector.
  • Adjusted Proof-of-Funds Thresholds: The required settlement funds for applicants not already working in Canada have been updated. For example, a single applicant now needs around CAD $15,263, and families require higher amounts depending on size.
  • Increased Competition & Selectivity: Because of reduced immigration targets (from 2024 to 2025), FSWP applicants must ensure a strong CRS score and may benefit from provincial nominations, sector alignment, or language skills to get invited.

Benefits of FSWP

  • Path to Permanent Residency: FSWP leads directly to Canadian permanent resident status if the application is approved.
  • Inclusion of Family: You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children under the same application.
  • Flexibility After Arrival: Once PR is granted, you have the freedom to settle and live in any province or territory (outside Quebec).

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is intended for individuals who already have skilled work experience in Canada and want to apply for permanent residence. It is especially suited for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have integrated into the Canadian workforce.

At Team Immigration Services (TIS), we guide clients through the CEC process, helping applicants clearly document their Canadian work experience to maximize their chances of success.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

  • Work Experience: You need at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years, in occupations classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (or their successors).
  • Language Proficiency: You must prove your ability in English or French via IRCC-approved language tests.
  • Valid Status in Canada: At the time of application, you must be legally working or authorized to work in Canada (unless applying from outside Canada but meeting other criteria).
  • Admissibility & Other Requirements: You must meet health, security, and admissibility standards set by IRCC.

How to Apply

  • Submit Your Express Entry Profile: If you meet the CEC eligibility, create an Express Entry profile and enter the candidate pool.
  • Invitation to Apply (ITA): In 2025, IRCC is prioritizing candidates with Canadian experience in category-based draws — meaning not all invitations are all-program draws.
  • Processing Time: After receiving an ITA and submitting a complete application, IRCC aims to process most CEC applications within 6 months or less.

Recent Changes & Updates

  • In 2025, IRCC’s category-based draws are giving preference to candidates with Canadian work experience — the CEC stream is central to that shift.
  • The focus on selecting candidates eligible under CEC in 2025 is part of IRCC’s effort to transition temporary residents to permanent residency.
  • CEC candidates are not required to show proof of funds (unlike other Express Entry applicants who apply from outside Canada).
  • The pool of ITA draws in 2025 continues to include CEC draws, but often in tandem with sector-targeted rounds (e.g. for education, healthcare, trades) rather than broad draws.
  • For example, in June 2025, IRCC issued 3,000 invitations in a CEC draw with a CRS cut-off of 529.

Benefits of CEC

  • Faster Transition: Because you already have Canadian work experience, you may qualify more easily compared to other economic streams.
  • No Proof-of-Funds Required: If applying under CEC from within Canada, you generally don’t need to show settlement funds.
  • Inclusion of Dependents: You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children in the same PR application.
  • Flexibility & Mobility: Once permanent resident status is granted, you may live and work anywhere in Canada (outside of Quebec), with full rights.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labour market needs and provincial priorities. Each province and territory operates its own streams aimed at skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and others.

If you want to live in a specific province, Team Immigration Services (TIS) guides you through selecting the right provincial stream, preparing your nomination application, and integrating it with your Express Entry or direct PR route.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

  • Skilled Workers: Individuals whose occupations are in demand in a province and who meet provincial eligibility criteria (education, work experience, language).
  • International Graduates: Those who have completed a Canadian post-secondary program and wish to settle in the province where they studied or elsewhere under certain PNP streams.
  • Entrepreneurs and Investors: Individuals aiming to establish, purchase, or invest in a business in a province under its business/entrepreneur PNP streams.

How to Apply

  • Apply to the Province: Submit your application to the province’s nominated stream (often via an Expression of Interest or EOI system).
  • Receive Provincial Nomination: If your application is approved, you receive a nomination certificate.
  • Boost in CRS Points (for Express Entry candidates): A provincial nomination adds 600 additional CRS points, greatly improving your chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
  • Apply for Permanent Residence: Use either:
      • Express Entry + nomination, or
      • Non-Express Entry PNP route (direct application to IRCC via the provincial pathway).

Recent Updates & 2025 Highlights

  • Federal allocations to provinces for PNP nominations in 2025 were cut by about 50%, dropping from ~110,000 to ~55,000 nominations. This means fewer PNP ITAs overall.
  • Provinces such as British Columbia (BC) have seen their PNP allocations reduced (e.g. BC’s allocation for 2025 is 4,000 nominees). BC is focusing on healthcare, high-impact entrepreneurs, and critical labour sectors.
  • In Ontario (OINP), significant updates include launching a new Employer Portal for employer-led job-offer streams, changes to education requirements in early childhood educator streams, and new regulatory tools like application returns for non-complaint cases.
  • PNP streams are increasingly aligned with provincial labour needs and priorities, such as health, trades, education, and regional development.

Benefits of PNP

  • Provincial Support: Provinces can nominate candidates who directly address local workforce shortages.
  • Boosted Chances: For Express Entry applicants, a provincial nomination usually ensures an ITA because of the 600-point CRS boost.
  • Diverse Pathways: Some PNPs allow direct PR applications (without Express Entry) under provincial business or rural development streams.
  • Regional Settlement: Many provinces encourage settlement in specific regions needing population or economic growth.

Spousal & Family Sponsorship

The Spousal & Family Sponsorship program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible relatives to immigrate to Canada. Whether it’s a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent, this program helps reunite families and grant foreign family members permanent residence.

At Team Immigration Services (TIS), we specialize in helping sponsors and applicants prepare strong, compliant applications, compile necessary documents, and navigate the IRCC process from start to finish.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

  • Sponsors: Must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. They must not be under a removal order, bankrupt, or be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
  • Eligible Family Members:
      • Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner
      • Dependent children (usually under 22 and unmarried, or older if dependent due to disability)
      • In special cases, parents or grandparents (through specific annual intake programs)

How to Apply

  • Apply Online (PR Portal): As of 2022, applications must generally be submitted online via the IRCC PR Portal. If you cannot apply online (due to disability or other valid reasons), you may request an alternate format (paper, large print, etc.).
  • Combined Submission: The sponsor and the principal applicant (e.g. spouse) submit both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application together.
  • Processing Times: Processing can vary by case type and country. For Family Class overseas (priority) spousal sponsorship, the targeted service standard is around 12 months.
  • Work Authorization: While waiting for PR, a spouse or partner living in Canada may apply for an open work permit if their permanent residence application has been acknowledged (AOR) and they meet the criteria.

Recent Changes & Updates

  • IRCC is increasingly using automation and priority processing tools to streamline spousal and partner sponsorship decisions.
  • Spouse, partner, or dependent child applicants may get faster visitor visa processing if the sponsor has an AOR (acknowledgement of receipt) for the PR application.
  • As of 2025, IRCC continues to emphasize completing applications accurately and providing strong evidence of relationship genuineness, as more scrutiny is placed on misrepresentations and fraudulent claims.

Benefits of Sponsorship

  • Family Reunification: Your loved ones can join you in Canada permanently.
  • Permanent Residency Pathway: Once approved, the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident and can later apply for Canadian citizenship.
  • Inclusion of Spouse and Dependents: Spouse, partner, and dependent children can be included under the same application.
  • Work Rights While Waiting: Eligible spouses / partners in Canada may work using an open work permit while their PR application is processed.

Important Details & Obligations

  • For spousal or partner sponsorship, the sponsor must commit to financially support the sponsored person for 3 years.
  • For sponsorship of dependent children, support obligations last up to 10 years or until the child turns 25 (whichever comes first).
  • If a sponsor fails in their financial undertaking, they may have to repay social assistance that the sponsored individual receives during that period.
  • The sponsored individual must pass health, criminal, security, and admissibility screenings.
  • If the relationship is new, IRCC expects strong evidence of authenticity: joint bank accounts, shared residences, communication records, photos, affidavits, etc.

Business Investor Program

The Business Investor Program is a general term for pathways available to entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who wish to immigrate to Canada by investing in or operating a business. Rather than one federal program, today these opportunities are offered through Start-Up Visa, provincial nominee business / entrepreneur streams, and Quebec investor programs.

At Team Immigration Services (TIS), we help assess which business route suits you best, assist in preparing your business plan and investment documents, and ensure your application satisfies Canadian immigration requirements.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

  • Entrepreneurs and Investors: You must have a proven track record in business ownership, management, or investment, and be willing to actively run or invest in a Canadian business.
  • Equity & Ownership: You generally need to hold a significant share or controlling stake in the business.
  • Net Worth / Assets: Some streams require a minimum personal net worth (varies by province or program).
  • Business Experience: Demonstrated experience in business or management, sometimes in a related industry, is often essential.

How to Apply

  • Select a Business Route / Stream: Options include:
      • Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) — federal pathway for innovative entrepreneurs.
      • Provincial Entrepreneur / Business Streams under PNPs.
      • Quebec Investor Program (if applying in Quebec).
  • Submit Application: Each route has its own application process—for example, a Start-Up Visa requires a letter of support from a designated organization.
  • Business Plan & Documentation: All applications must include a robust business plan, proof of funds, market analysis, and documentation of past business experience.
  • Processing Time: Depending on the route and complexity, processing may take many months or even years.

Changes & Updates for 2025

  • IRCC has introduced category-based selection rounds, inviting candidates in specific occupations or language categories to better align with labour needs.
  • In 2025, all-program draws (i.e. draws open to all eligible candidates) have been paused; invitations are now mostly through sector-specific, provincial nominee, or French-language categories.
  • Express Entry draws now prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience, strong French language ability, or in-demand occupations (health, trades, education).
  • A new “education” category has been introduced in some draws to reflect labour demand in teaching and training sectors.
  • IRCC revised the proof-of-funds requirement effective July 28, 2025: for example, a single applicant must now show $15,263 CAD, and a family of four $28,362 CAD (these thresholds replace the previous amounts).
  • The federal immigration target for 2025 is set lower than prior years (395,000 new permanent residents) to support sustainable growth.

Benefits of the Business Investor Program

  • Permanent Residency Potential: Many successful business applicants can obtain permanent resident status, often along with their families.
  • Economic Contribution: You contribute to job creation, innovation, and local economic growth in Canada.
  • Family Inclusion: Spouse / common-law partner and dependent children can usually be included in your application, allowing your whole family to immigrate.

Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications

Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications are for individuals who do not meet standard immigration criteria but face exceptional and compelling circumstances that justify granting them permanent residence in Canada. The H&C pathway allows IRCC to consider your unique hardships, family ties, and establishment in Canada when deciding whether to grant you an exemption.

At Team Immigration Services (TIS), we understand the sensitivity and complexity of H&C cases. We help you build a strong, evidence-based application that presents your situation clearly and compellingly to decision makers.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

  • Individuals currently in Canada who seek exempting from certain requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) or regulations, because they have no other viable immigration pathway.
  • Applicants facing exceptional hardship if required to leave Canada (e.g. due to medical issues, danger in home country, family separation).
  • Those with strong family ties or establishment in Canada (e.g., children, spouse or partner, community involvement) may support their case under H&C grounds.

How to Apply

  • Prepare Your Application: Use the IRCC’s H&C application package (IMM 5280 and related forms). Clearly state the exemptions you seek and present supporting evidence (medical reports, family ties, financial hardship, etc.).
  • Online Submission: Applications are now filed through the Permanent Residence Online Application Portal unless you require another format (paper, braille, etc.).
  • Legal Considerations & Discretion: The decision rests entirely on IRCC’s discretionary authority; no automatic approval is guaranteed.
  • Processing Bulk & Wait Times: H&C applications are complex and may take a long time to decide — for applications in Canada (outside Quebec), processing as of late 2024 averages around 20 months. In Quebec, it may take up to 49 months.

Benefits of H&C Applications

  • If approved, you may remain in Canada permanently, even if you don’t qualify under other immigration streams.
  • You may apply for permanent residency through the H&C decision, thereby gaining access to the benefits and protections of PR status.
  • In many cases, family members living in Canada (spouse, common-law partner, children) can be included in your H&C application and may also benefit.

Important Changes & Notes

  • IRCC now divides H&C into in-Canada H&C and overseas H&C (i.e. requesting H&C consideration as part of another application).
  • H&C cannot be used to override serious inadmissibility reasons (e.g., for security, human rights violations, or organized crime).
  • Only one H&C application may be under consideration at any time.
  • The 12-month bar rule may apply in cases of withdrawing refugee claims or previous claims, although exceptions exist (e.g., children’s best interests or risk of harm).
  • Due to higher demand, intake limits and resource constraints have led to longer wait times and more selective approvals.
  • Applicants seeking H&C must clearly identify which IRPA/Regulation exemptions they are requesting and provide strong, compelling documentation supporting their case.

Start-Up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program (SUV / TSUV) is an immigration route for innovative entrepreneurs who wish to build businesses in Canada. It encourages growth by attracting international founders whose ideas can scale, create jobs, and compete globally.

At Team Immigration Services (TIS), we assist you with every step—securing support from designated organizations, preparing your business plan, filing your application, and ensuring compliance with IRCC eligibility so your application stands out.

Key Information

Who Can Apply

  • Innovative Entrepreneurs: You must present a business idea that is scalable, novel, and has the potential to compete internationally.
  • Designated Organization Support: Your business concept must be backed by one of Canada’s designated organizations (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator).
    • Each designated organization is limited to supporting a maximum of 10 start-up applications annually to maintain quality of oversight.
  • Minimum Ownership Requirements: Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights, and applicants plus the designated organization together must hold more than 50% of the voting rights in the business.
  • Language Proficiency: You must meet a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or French across all four skills (speaking, writing, reading, listening).
  • Settlement Funds: You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents after arrival (amount varies by family size).
  • Active Management in Canada: You are expected to actively manage and operate the business from within Canada. A significant portion of business operations should take place in Canada.
  • Group Applications: You may apply individually or as part of a group (maximum of 5 founders). Each founder must submit their own PR application.

How to Apply

  1. Secure Support from a Designated Organization
    • Pitch your business concept and convince the organization to issue you a Letter of Support and commit required investment or incubation backing.
    • Note: if your application is grouped, the designated organization’s support counts toward its capped annual quota.
  2. Prepare Your Application
    • After obtaining support, compile required documents: business plan, proof of ownership, financial statements, language test results, settlement funds, etc.
  3. Submit Your Application
    • Apply online via the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal, including your Letter of Support and all supporting evidence.
  4. Work Permit Option
    • As of October 3, 2024, qualified SUV applicants can apply for a three-year open work permit while their PR application is processed. This is a shift from the prior one-year closed permit, and allows for broader flexibility, including working for other employers beyond your startup.
    • The applicant must have an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) from IRCC and be an essential team member.
  5. Processing Time
    • Processing times vary by country and case complexity. Many applications take 12 to 16 months, although fast-track options exist for high-risk sectors or business incubator backing.

Benefits of the Start-Up Visa Program

  • Direct Permanent Residency: Successful applicants and their families can obtain Canadian permanent residency, with rights similar to any PR holder.
  • Business Support & Growth: With backing from a designated organization, you gain access to capital, mentorship, and networks to build your startup in Canada.
  • Family Inclusion: Spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application; spouses are eligible for open work permits.
  • Work Flexibility During Processing: The open work permit allows you to operate your business and also supplement income via other employment if needed.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Review Your Qualifications
    • Assess your eligibility (business idea, language, capital, experience).
    • Prepare initial documents: passports, proof of education/business experience, financial status, and language test.
  2. Match with a Designated Organization
    • Refine your business plan and pitch to eligible VC funds, angel groups, or incubators.
    • Pass an evaluation/interview to demonstrate your ability to execute the plan.
  3. Receive a Letter of Support
    • If accepted, the designated organization issues a Letter of Support and may commit investment or incubation.
  4. Submit PR Application
    • Use the Support Letter and your documentation to apply for permanent residence via IRCC.
  5. Apply for Work Permit (Optional)
    • After receiving AOR, you may apply for a 3-year open work permit under the SUV program to live and build your business in Canada while your PR file is in process.
  6. Land & Establish Your Business
    • Upon approval of your PR, you will land in Canada and receive help from your designated organization (often up to 6 months) to settle and launch operations.

Recent Changes & Highlights

  1. The introduction of the 3-year open work permit (from October 3, 2024) provides entrepreneurs more flexibility and financial stability while awaiting a PR decision.
  2. Each designated organization is now capped to supporting only 10 start-ups per year to maintain quality and manage the application backlog.
  3. SUV applications backed by incubators in Canada’s Tech Network or with high Canadian capital are sometimes prioritized for faster processing.
  4. Applicants are required to update IRCC every six months on business progress—failure to demonstrate ongoing growth and commitment may risk refusal.
  5. Startup Visa cases can be appealed or judicially reviewed in the event of long delays or unfair refusal.
  6.