Canada PR Requirements 2025: Documents, IELTS Score, CRS Score, Proof of Funds, & More
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The Canada Permanent Residency (PR) program is an attractive pathway for individuals seeking to make Canada their permanent home. By understanding and fulfilling these Canada PR requirements, individuals can enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Let’s dive deep and understand the pathway to acquiring a PR visa to Canada
What is Canada PR Visa?
The Canada Permanent Resident (PR) visa is a coveted immigration status that allows individuals to live, work, and study in Canada on a permanent basis. It offers numerous benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and social security programs. To be eligible for a PR visa, applicants must meet specific Canada PR requirements set by the Canadian government.
There are various pathways to obtain a PR visa, including the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, and family sponsorship.
Canada PR Requirements: Eligibility Checklist
The PR Eligibility Canada and requirements may vary depending on the specific immigration program or pathway being pursued. However, there are two mandatory requirements to be met for individuals applying for the Canada PR process from India. These include:
- Canada conducts regular draws to invite eligible candidates to apply for PR through the Express Entry pool. Candidates need to ensure they meet and exceed the CRS score cutoff to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITAs)
- Canada uses a point-based scoring system to assess applications. Applicants would need to score at least 67 points out of 100.
- All applicants must undergo medical examinations and police clearance to ensure they meet the health and security requirements
Here are the factors considered for PR eligibility Canada and we will also see how many points are required for Canada PR under each category.
Category Name | Maximum Points to be allotted |
---|---|
Age | 12 |
Education | 25 |
Work Experience | 15 |
Language Proficiency | 28 |
Adaptability | 10 |
Arranged Full-time Employment | 10 |
Do not forget to explore the Canada CRS Points Calculator for Skilled Immigration
Canada PR Requirements: 67 Points Calculator for Eligibility
The minimum CRS score required for Canada PR, to apply for Canada PR is 67 points out of 100. To determine the maximum points you can receive under each category, the following factors are considered:
1. Age
Age is a factor considered in the eligibility criteria, with younger applicants generally having a higher chance of meeting the requirements.
Age | Points |
---|---|
18-35 | 12 |
36 | 11 |
37 | 10 |
38 | 9 |
39 | 8 |
40 | 7 |
41 | 6 |
42 | 5 |
43 | 4 |
44 | 3 |
45 | 2 |
46 | 1 |
47 or older | 0 |
2. Education
Applicants are assessed based on their educational qualifications. Having a higher level of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, can increase eligibility.
Level of Education | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 140 points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 150 points) |
---|---|---|
Less than secondary school (high school) | 0 | 0 |
Secondary diploma (high school graduation) | 28 | 30 |
One-year degree, diploma, or certificate from a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 84 | 90 |
Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institutes | 91 | 98 |
Bachelor's degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institutes | 112 | 120 |
Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years | 119 | 128 |
Master's degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree,” the degree program must have been in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) | 126 | 135 |
Doctoral level university degree (Ph.D.) | 140 | 150 |
3. Work Experience
A minimum amount of work experience is typically required, which can vary depending on the immigration program. Work experience must be in a skilled occupation and may require a certain level of skill or specialization.
Canadian work experience | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 70 points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 80 points) |
---|---|---|
None or less than a year | 0 | 0 |
1 year | 35 | 40 |
2 years | 46 | 53 |
3 years | 56 | 64 |
4 years | 63 | 72 |
5 years or more | 70 | 80 |
4. Language Proficiency
Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, Canada's official language. This is usually assessed through language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF).
Also Read: Language Test For Canada PR: List of English to French Exams for Canada Immigration
Official Languages Proficiency - First Official Language
This language proficiency refers to the language in which an individual is most fluent or has the highest level of proficiency.
Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):
- 32 with a spouse or common-law partner
- 34 without a spouse or common-law partner
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 128 points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 136 points) |
---|---|---|
Less than CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
CLB 6 | 8 | 9 |
CLB 7 | 16 | 17 |
CLB 8 | 22 | 23 |
CLB 9 | 29 | 31 |
CLB 10 or more | 32 | 34 |
Official Languages Proficiency - Second Official Language
The "second official language" refers to the language in which an individual has a lower level of proficiency compared to their first official language.
Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):
- 6 with a spouse or common-law partner (up to a combined maximum of 22 points)
- 6 without a spouse or common-law partner (up to a combined maximum of 24 points)
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 22 points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 24 points) |
---|---|---|
CLB 4 or less | 0 | 0 |
CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | 1 |
CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | 3 |
CLB 9 or more | 6 | 6 |
5. Adaptability
Factors like previous study or work experience in Canada, having a close relative in Canada, or having a valid job offer can contribute to an applicant's adaptability, which can enhance eligibility.
Adaptability factor | Points |
---|---|
Your spouse/partner has achieved CLB 4 on all 4 components in an approved English or French language test | 5 |
You have completed a minimum of 2 years of full-time study (more than 15 hours per week) at a Canadian secondary school or postsecondary education institution | 5 |
Your spouse/partner has completed a minimum of 2 years of full-time study (more than 15 hours per week) at a Canadian secondary school or post-secondary education | 5 |
You have previously worked for at least 1 year in Canada on a valid work permit, in a job listed as Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B on Canada's National Occupation Classification list | 10 |
Your spouse/partner has previously worked for at least 1 year in Canada on a valid work permit | 5 |
You earned any points under Factor 5: arranged Employment (above) | 5 |
You or your spouse/partner have one of the following family members, aged 18 or over, living in Canada as a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident:
|
5 |
6. Arranged Employment
If you have a job offer or are already working in Canada in Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B occupation, you can earn 10 points, under any of the following situations:
- You are currently working in Canada on a temporary work permit with a job offer from your employer, subject to a successful Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and your work permit will be valid when the FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program) visa is granted.
- You are currently working in Canada on a temporary work permit for a job not subject to the LMIA (e.g., under NAFTA), and your work permit will be valid when the FSWP visa is granted, with a job offer from your employer.
- You don't have a Canadian work permit and do not plan to work in Canada before your FSWP visa is granted but have a permanent job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA.
- You are currently working in Canada and have received a permanent job offer from a different Canadian employer with a positive LMIA.
- You are currently working in Canada in a job not subject to the LMIA (excluding international agreements like NAFTA).
List of Documents Required for Canada PR from India
Here is an image illustrating the documents required for Canada PR. We will go into further detail below to help you understand why each of these documents is vital to meeting permanent residency qualifications in Canada
1. Passport
A passport is an important document required for Canada PR because it serves as a government-issued identification and travel document that verifies a person's identity and citizenship.
It is necessary to have a valid passport when applying for Canadian permanent residency, as the Canadian government uses it to assess the eligibility of the applicant and to track their entry and exit from the country.
In addition, a passport may also be required for various other purposes related to immigration, such as biometric collection, medical exams, and background checks.
Also Read: What is The Difference Between a Visa and a Passport?
2. Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
Education Credential Assessment (ECA) is important for applying for Canada PR because it helps to determine the level of education obtained in a foreign country compared to the Canadian education system.
For Example, it contains vital information such as an individual's educational qualifications, including the type of degree earned, the institution attended, and the field of study.
The ECA report is used by immigration officials to make informed decisions about the applicant's eligibility for certain immigration programs and to assess their potential for success in the Canadian labor market.
Source: https://www.wes.org/
3. Proof of Funds
Proof of funds is necessary when applying for Canada PR because it demonstrates to the Canadian government that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents if any after they arrive in Canada.
It basically ensures that new immigrants are not a burden on Canada's social assistance programs and that they have the means to establish themselves in the country.
For Example Proof of Funds in the form of Bank statements, Investment Portfolios, and property ownership documents.
Here is a table for proof of funds required for Canada PR in 2025.
Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
---|---|
1 | CAD 14,690 |
2 | CAD 18,288 |
3 | CAD 22,483 |
4 | CAD 27,297 |
5 | CAD 30,690 |
6 | CAD 34,917 |
7 | CAD 38,875 |
If more than 7, for each additional member | CAD 3,958 |
4. Results of the Language Test
The Language test score results are critical when applying for Canada PR because they demonstrate an applicant's proficiency in either English or French, which are the two official languages spoken in Canada.
The test results must be from an authorized language testing organization, such as IELTS or CELPIP, and the scores must meet the minimum CLB requirements which are Band 7. However, the bands required for Canada PR can vary depending on the immigration program and typically vary from 0 - 9 in each language skill.
How much IELTS Score Required for Canada PR?
Here is a table comprising the minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR under each of the language skills
CLB level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 or higher | 8.5 to 9 | 8.0 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 |
9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
5. Offer letter from a Canadian employer
A job offer from a Canadian employer provides the Canadian government with assurance that the applicant has the potential to become economically established in Canada and can contribute to the Canadian economy. It also helps to demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the Canadian labor market.
In some cases, there may be a requirement to provide additional documentation, such as a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is a document that confirms the job offer is genuine and that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position.
6. Provincial Nomination Certificate
A provincial nomination certificate serves as an endorsement from the province or territory and provides the Canadian government with additional information about the candidate's skills, experience, and potential for success in Canada.
It also speeds up the processing of the candidate's permanent residency application and may make them eligible for additional immigration streams or provincial nomination programs.
Read this blog to understand which province in Canada is best for PR.
7. Marriage Certificates or Divorce Certificates (if applicable)
Marriage certificates or divorce certificates are important evidence when applying for Canada PR because they provide information about the applicant's marital status and family relationships, which is necessary for determining your eligibility for immigration and the eligibility of dependents.
8. Your Personal Reference Code
A personal reference code is a unique identifier that you receive when using the Canadian online eligibility tool. It is required to start an online application for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit through your IRCC secure account.
However, this code is only valid for a limited time, specifically 60 days from the date it was obtained.
9. Express Entry Profile Number
An Express Entry profile number is different from the personal reference code. This number is given to each completed EE profile. The profile number is also used to update and access the profile, and to check the status of your application.
Also Read: 10 Common Mistakes in Express Entry Profile & Ways To Avoid Them
10. Job Seeker Validation Code
Job seeker validation code is a unique identifier assigned to an applicant who has created an Express Entry profile. It is used to validate their profile in the Job Bank, allowing them to connect with Canadian employers and receive job offers.
11. Medical Report
The Medical report assesses the applicant's medical condition and determines if they are medically fit to Immigrate to Canada. It includes a physical examination, laboratory tests, and any necessary medical assessments.
Follow this article to know which medical tests are required for Canadian immigration in 2024
12. Birth Certificate
Yes, a Birth certificate is an important document when applying for permanent residency in Canada. The birth certificate serves as proof of identity and age and is used to verify the applicant's personal information.
13. Photographs
In order to verify your identity, you will need to submit two passport-sized photographs of 35 mm x 45 mm each. A clear picture of the face, neck, and shoulders should be presented in the photographs.
Also Read: Canada Visa Photo Requirements and Specifications
14. Police Verification Report
The police verification report is also known as a police clearance certificate and shows that the applicant does not have a criminal record. This further determines if the applicant is admissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
It is important to note that the police verification report must be less than six months old at the time the permanent residency application is submitted.
15. Letter of Recommendation from Previous Employers
A letter of recommendation from previous employers is a document that may be required as part of the application process for permanent residency in Canada. The letter of recommendation is used to provide information about the applicant's work experience, job performance, and qualifications.
Here is a 2024 guide on how to get a reference letter for Canada PR.
Complete Express Entry Document Checklist
Express Entry is an immigration system that provides a faster and more efficient pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada, attracting individuals who can contribute to the country's economy and meet its labor market demands.
Let’s take a look at the express entry document checklist for Canada PR requirements for Indians.
It is important to note here that certain documents are required for PR in Canada at different stages of the Express Entry application process.
a. Documents for your Profile
Documents are not required to submit a profile, but you may need information from some or all of them:
- Passport or travel document
- Language test results
- Proof of Canadian education or educational credential assessment report
- Provincial nomination (if applicable)
- Job offer letter or proof of work experience
- Proof of funds
b. Documents for your Application for Canada PR
Upon receiving an ITA, you'll need to upload copies of the documents you submitted for your profile (see the above list). The following will also be required for most applicants:
- Police certificates
- Medical exams
- Proof of funds
- Birth certificate (if declaring dependent children)
- Use of a representative form (if applicable)
- Common-law union form (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce certificate and legal separation agreement (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Adoption certificate (if applicable)
c. Other Documents
These documents are only used to check if you meet the Canada PR requirements of the program you’re applying for:
- Proof of relationship to a relative in Canada (if requested)
- Digital photos for identity confirmation
- Other name confirmation (aliases)
- Authority to release personal information form (if applicable)
- Any other relevant documents you consider necessary
Fulfill Canada's PR Requirements with GetGIS Immigration Consultants
In conclusion, navigating the Canada PR requirements can be a complex and overwhelming process. However, with the expert guidance and support of GetGIS Immigration Consultants, your path to Canadian PR becomes smoother and more accessible.
Our team of experienced professionals understands the intricacies of the immigration system and stays up-to-date with the latest regulations. Whether it's assessing your eligibility, compiling the necessary documents, or preparing a strong application.
With our personalized approach, you can confidently embark on your journey toward achieving Canada PR. Book Your Free Consultation to make your Canada dream a reality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum education requirement for Canada PR?
How many years of minimum work experience is required for Canada PR?
What is the minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR?
Why do Canadian authorities require proof of settlement funds?
Is it possible to obtain a Canada PR through sponsorship?