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Permanent Residency · IMM 5444

Become a
permanent resident
of Canada

Express Entry, Provincial Nominee, Family Sponsorship - whatever your pathway, AI helps fill your forms and GetNorthPath features guide you from application to landing. Free DIY tools sit alongside so permanent residence stays accessible under AI for All.

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Permanent Residency Application

IMM 5444

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Document checks, form fill, and a walkthrough

free tools - assess your PR pathway and CRS score

Upload documents - AI validates and extracts instantly

AI fills your PR forms - IMM 5444, IMM 0008, Schedule A and more

You submit to IRCC yourself

No obligation · 30 minutes · Pathway assessment included

What you need to know

Canadian Permanent Residency - a life-changing status

Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) gives you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely. As a permanent resident, you have access to most social benefits including healthcare, education, and employment insurance - the same rights as Canadian citizens, except the right to vote and hold a Canadian passport.

PR is the most common stepping stone to Canadian citizenship. After holding PR status for a minimum period (currently 3 of the last 5 years in Canada), most permanent residents are eligible to apply for citizenship.

Canada offers multiple pathways to PR. The right one depends on your education, work experience, language ability, age, job offer, provincial ties, and family connections. Free tools help you identify your strongest pathway and highest-scoring profile with the free tools.

Permanent Residency - Key Facts

Main formIMM 5444 + IMM 0008

Top pathwayExpress Entry (CRS-based)

PR card validity5 years (renewable)

Right to workAnywhere in Canada

Healthcare accessImmediately upon landing

Citizenship pathway3 of 5 years in Canada

IRCC processing fee$1,365 CAD (principal)

Express Entry targetCRS 470+ (varies)

Processing time6–24 months by pathway

Platform featuresfree (flat)

Choose your route

PR Pathways - which one is right for you?

Canada offers dozens of PR pathways. These are the most common streams GetNorthPath handles. GetNorthPath helps you identify your best-scoring profile with the free tools.

Express Entry

Points-based · Invitation to Apply

The CRS Score - what counts toward your points

The Comprehensive Ranking System awards points in four core areas. The AI CRS Calculator on GetNorthPath estimates your score before you use the free tools - so GetNorthPath knows your starting point on day one.

CRS Points Breakdown - Sample Profile

Core Human Capital (Age, Education, Language, Work Exp.)max 460

Spouse / Common-law Partner Factorsmax 40

Skills Transferability (Education + Work Exp. combos)max 100

Additional Points (Job offer, Study in Canada, Sibling in Canada, PNP, French)max 600

497

Sample CRS score · Recent draw cutoffs: 470–530+

GetNorthPath's AI CRS Calculator estimates your score from your documents and profile - before your consultation even begins.

Express Entry draws happen regularly

IRCC holds draws every 2 weeks (sometimes more frequently). Each draw invites the top-ranked candidates to apply. Category-based draws (e.g. French, STEM, healthcare, trades) also run periodically with lower CRS cutoffs.

60-day window after ITA

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply, you have exactly 60 days to submit a complete PR application. GetNorthPath's AI fills your forms within days of your ITA - not weeks.

French language = major CRS boost

Strong French language scores (TEF/TCF) add up to 50 additional CRS points and qualify you for Francophone category draws, which run regularly with lower cutoffs. Even intermediate French is worth exploring.

Job offer = 50–200 extra points

A qualifying Canadian job offer adds 50 CRS points (NOC TEER 1–3) or 200 points (NOC TEER 0 managerial/senior positions). GetNorthPath can help you see whether your current employer qualifies.

Provincial nomination = +600 guaranteed

A provincial nomination certificate (PNP) adds 600 CRS points - which virtually guarantees a future ITA. GetNorthPath helps you assess all provincial streams you qualify for.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility by Pathway

Select the pathway that applies to your situation. Not sure? Book a free consultation - GetNorthPath helps you identify your best route.

Express Entry - FSW

Canadian Experience Class

Provincial Nominee

Family Sponsorship

Federal Skilled Worker - requirements

Minimum 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the past 10 years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation

Meet minimum language requirements: CLB 7+ in English (IELTS: 6.0 in each band) or equivalent in French (TEF/TCF)

Meet the minimum education requirement: completed secondary school or post-secondary credential (foreign credentials must be assessed by a designated ECA body)

Score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid (based on education, language, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability)

Have sufficient settlement funds (unless you have a valid job offer in Canada). Currently: from $13,757 CAD for a single person

Be admissible to Canada (no criminal inadmissibility, no security concerns)

CRS factors that boost your score

Language (up to 160 pts): CLB 9+ in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in English - significantly more than the minimum

Education (up to 150 pts): Master's or PhD adds the most points. Foreign degrees must have an ECA report from a designated organization (WES, ICAS, etc.)

Work experience (up to 80 pts): 5+ years of skilled experience in a single NOC scores highest

Age (up to 110 pts): Ages 20–29 score maximum. Points decrease significantly after 40

Job offer (50–200 pts): LMIA-backed or LMIA-exempt offer from Canadian employer

Provincial nomination (+600 pts): Virtually guarantees an ITA

Canadian Experience Class - requirements

At least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the last 3 years, gained while authorized to work in Canada

Minimum language scores: CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 and 1 occupations; CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 and 3 occupations

Must plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Quebec has its own immigration system)

No minimum education requirement - but education adds significant CRS points

No settlement fund requirement - your Canadian employment demonstrates financial stability

CEC is typically the fastest pathway to PR for people already working in Canada

CEC advantages

CEC-specific draws run regularly - often with lower CRS cutoffs than all-program draws

PGWP holders who worked in Canada for 1+ years are among the most competitive CEC candidates

Already working in Canada means your employer can support your application - either through a job offer (CRS boost) or a reference letter

Canadian education + Canadian work experience = one of the highest-scoring profiles in the pool

No FSW selection grid points test required - you go directly into the Express Entry pool

PNP - General requirements

In most streams: a job offer from an employer in the nominating province, or an existing connection to the province (study, work, family)

Work experience in an occupation in demand in the target province (each province publishes its in-demand occupations lists regularly)

Language requirements vary by province and stream - typically CLB 4–7 depending on the occupation and province

Education requirements vary - some streams require Canadian post-secondary education, others do not

Intent to settle and work in the nominating province (you can move to another province after receiving PR, but intent must be genuine)

Once nominated, receive +600 CRS points - virtually guarantees a future Express Entry ITA

Popular PNP streams by province

Ontario (OINP): Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Employer Job Offer streams

BC (BCPNP): Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Healthcare Professional, Entry Level/Semi-Skilled streams

Alberta (AINP): Alberta Opportunity Stream, Alberta Express Entry Stream - Alberta prioritizes many healthcare, tech, and trades workers

Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) - healthcare workers, engineers, and experienced workers

Manitoba: MPNP - Skilled Worker in Manitoba, Skilled Worker Overseas, Business Investor streams

Family Sponsorship - who can be sponsored

Spouse or common-law/conjugal partner: Most common - age 18+, genuine relationship proven, no disqualifying inadmissibility

Dependent children: Under 22 years old and not married/in common-law relationship; or 22+ with a physical or mental condition that prevents financial self-support

Parents and grandparents: Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) - subject to annual intake cap and lottery

Other relatives: In limited circumstances (orphaned siblings under 18, or if you have no other eligible relatives)

Sponsor requirements

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18 years of age or older

Meet minimum necessary income requirements (for parents/grandparents - not required for spouses/partners)

Sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for a specified period

Disqualifiers for sponsors

You are in default on a previous undertaking (previously sponsored someone and they received social assistance)

You have been convicted of a sexual offence or violent crime against a family member

You are currently receiving social assistance (except for disability)

You are undischarged bankrupt

You were sponsored as a spouse yourself in the past 5 years

Relationship genuineness is the most scrutinized element of spouse sponsorships. GetNorthPath will help you compile the strongest possible evidence package.

What to gather

Required Documents - PR Application

AI reads and validates each document on upload. Fields tagged AI are auto-filled into your PR forms automatically.

Identity Documents

Required Valid passport (all pages) AI

Required Birth certificate AI

If applicable Marriage/divorce certificate AI

If applicable Name change documents

If applicable Passports for accompanying dependants AI

Language Tests

Required IELTS General Training or CELPIP (English) AI

If applicable TEF Canada or TCF Canada (French) AI

Note Tests must be taken within 2 years of PR application

Note All four bands required: reading, writing, speaking, listening

Education & Credentials

Required Degree, diploma, or transcript AI

Foreign degrees Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from WES, ICAS, etc. AI

If applicable Professional licenses or certifications

If trades Trade certification documents

Work Experience

Required Reference letters from each employer (role, dates, hours, salary) AI

Required Pay stubs or T4 slips (Canadian experience) AI

If applicable Employment contracts

If self-employed Business registration + tax records

Note Work must be in NOC TEER 0–3 for FSW/CEC

Financial & Settlement

FSW only Proof of settlement funds (bank statements) AI

Family spon. Income proof for sponsor (NOA, T4, paystubs) AI

Note Funds must be liquid and accessible - not property or retirement accounts

Note Statements must be recent (within 90 days)

Medical & Background

Required Medical examination by IRCC-designated physician (all adult applicants)

Required Police certificates from every country where you lived 6+ months since age 18

Note Digital fingerprints and photo (biometrics) - collected at VAC

Note Medical and police certificates have expiry periods - timing matters

AI auto-fills your forms from every document tagged above

Passport data, IELTS scores, employment details, ECA results, financial figures - all extracted and pre-populated into IMM 5444, IMM 0008, Schedule A (IMM 5669), Additional Family Information (IMM 5406), and Travel History (IMM 5562). you review every field before submission. No copy-pasting, no transcription errors.

The GetNorthPath process

How it works - PR Application

From profile creation to permanent resident status - every step supported.

Pathway Assessment

free tools to identify your PR pathway, estimate your CRS score, check provincial streams, and discuss timeline.

Feature-assisted

Express Entry Profile

AI builds your Express Entry profile from your documents. You check the file and submit you into the pool.

AI-powered

ITA Received

Invitation to Apply received. 60-day window begins. AI immediately pre-fills all PR forms from your documents.

AI-powered

Full Application Review

You check every form, document, and field. Medical and police certificates coordinated. Application submitted.

Feature-assisted

COPR & Landing

Confirmation of Permanent Residence issued. Guides prepares you for landing. PR card received in Canada.

IRCC Decision

Every form, auto-filled

What AI fills across your PR application package

A complete PR application package includes up to 8 separate IRCC forms. AI fills all of them - you verify every field before submission.

Form

Purpose

Source

Generic Application

IMM 0008

Sponsorship Agreement

IMM 5444

Additional Family Info

IMM 5406

Background Declaration

IMM 5669 (Sched. A)

You

Travel History

IMM 5562

You

Economic Classes - Skills

IMM 0008 Sched. 3

Undertaking (Family Class)

IMM 1344

Use of a Representative

IMM 5476

AI = extracted from documents · You = My Details intake section

Schedule A - Background & Declaration (IMM 5669)

This is the most sensitive form in a PR application. It covers personal history, addresses for the past 10 years, employment history, military service, political involvement, and government positions. AI cannot complete declarations - you fill these in My Details with your guides's guidance.

Express Entry Profile + eAPR Submission

AI builds your Express Entry profile in IRCC's online system and fills the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) from your validated documents. you review the entire profile before you enter the pool.

CRS Score Calculator

The AI CRS Calculator estimates your current score from your profile and documents - and identifies specific actions that would increase your points (additional language training, job offer, PNP nomination, etc.). Run before you use the free tools so you arrive with a plan.

60-Day ITA Response - Race Against Time

Once you receive an ITA, your 60-day clock starts immediately. GetNorthPath's AI fills all eight PR forms within 3–5 days of your ITA, leaving the remaining time for medical exams, police certificates, and GetNorthPath checks. Most firms take 3–5 weeks just for form-filling.

What to expect

Processing Timeline - PR Application

free tools + CRS assessment

Identify pathway, estimate CRS score, plan document gathering and any score-improvement steps.

Week 0

Documents + Express Entry Profile Created

Upload all documents. AI validates each. Guides creates and reviews Express Entry profile. You enter the pool.

Week 1–2

Waiting for an ITA

Time in the pool varies from days to months depending on your CRS score. Draws run regularly. GetNorthPath monitors and notifies you immediately on ITA.

1 week – 12+ months depending on CRS

ITA Received - 60-Day Clock Starts

AI fills all PR forms within 3–5 days. Medical exam booked. Police certificates ordered. you review everything.

Days 1–50 of 60-day window

Application Submitted to IRCC

You submit. Complete PR application package submitted via IRCC portal before Day 60. Acknowledgment of receipt received.

Day 55–60

COPR Issued - Permanent Resident

IRCC issues Confirmation of Permanent Residence. You land in Canada, activate PR status, and receive your PR card within 6–8 weeks.

6 months after submission (Express Entry)

Processing Times by Pathway

Express Entry (FSW/CEC)~6 months from ITA

PNP (Express Entry-linked)~6 months from ITA

PNP (Base - non-EE)12–24 months

Spouse Sponsorship (outland)12 months

Parents & Grandparents (PGP)24–36 months

Atlantic Immigration / RNIP12–18 months

IRCC publishes live processing times at ircc.canada.ca. GetNorthPath will give you current estimates with the free tools.

Express Entry: the fastest route to PR

Express Entry applicants with a complete, well-prepared application are typically processed within 6 months of submitting. GetNorthPath has processed applications in as few as 4 months from ITA to COPR.

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

The RPRF of $515 CAD per adult is paid separately from the processing fee and is due when you receive your COPR. Dependent children are exempt. This is refundable if your application is refused.

What's included

The same features for every PR pathway.

Express Entry, PNP, and family sponsorship use the same platform features: document checks, form fill, and free tools.

Permanent Residency Application

All pathways · IMM 5444 + full form package · All nationalities

Free tools

IRCC government fees are separate

What's included

Join the waitlist - pathway assessment, CRS estimate, timeline plan

AI CRS Score Calculator - estimates your score before consultation

AI Document Validator - 10-second validation on every upload

AI auto-fill of all PR forms: IMM 5444, IMM 0008, Schedule A, IMM 5406, IMM 5562, and more

My Details intake - background declarations, travel history, personal history

Express Entry profile creation and pool entry

Full checklist pass on every form and document

One-click IRCC submission via Chrome Extension

Real-time application status portal - track every stage from ITA to COPR

Additional IRCC costs (not included)

IRCC PR processing fee (principal applicant)$850 CAD

IRCC PR processing fee (per dependant)$230 CAD

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (adults)$515 CAD

Biometrics (if not previously collected)$85 CAD

Medical examinationVaries by country

ECA report (foreign credential assessment)~$250 CAD (WES)

Police certificates (each country)Varies

GetNorthPath helps confirm exactly which fees apply to your specific pathway with the free tools.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Express Entry and a Provincial Nominee Program?

Express Entry is a federal system that ranks candidates in a pool by their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the highest-ranked candidates. It covers three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is province-specific - each province selects workers based on their local labour market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Some PNP streams operate outside Express Entry entirely, through a separate federal application process.

What CRS score do I need to get an ITA?

The CRS cutoff varies with every draw. All-program draws have historically had cutoffs between 430–560. Category-based draws (French, STEM, healthcare, trades) tend to have lower cutoffs. The best strategy is to maximize your score - strong language results (CLB 9 in all bands), multiple years of skilled experience, and Canadian education all significantly boost your CRS. Scores change constantly based on the composition of the pool. GetNorthPath will estimate your score with the free tools and identify specific ways to increase it.

How long does PR processing take?

Express Entry (FSW and CEC) applications are processed in approximately 6 months from the date of complete application submission. This is the fastest PR pathway. Provincial Nominee Programs vary significantly - PNP applications linked to Express Entry take around 6 months; base PNP (outside Express Entry) can take 12–24 months. Family sponsorship (spouse) currently takes approximately 12 months for outland applications. IRCC publishes live processing times - GetNorthPath will give you current estimates.

Do I need a job offer to apply for PR through Express Entry?

No - a job offer is not required for Express Entry. However, a qualifying Canadian job offer adds 50–200 additional CRS points (50 for most NOC TEER 1–3 roles; 200 for senior management/executive roles). If your CRS score is borderline, a job offer could be the difference between waiting months for an ITA and receiving one in the next draw. GetNorthPath can help you see whether pursuing a job offer makes sense given your specific score.

Can my family members come with me to Canada when I get PR?

Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children (under 22) can be included in your PR application as accompanying dependants. They must be listed in your application and undergo medical examinations and biometrics. They will receive their own COPR and can land in Canada with you, gaining PR status simultaneously. If you already have PR and want to sponsor family members who were not included in your original application, you can do so through a family sponsorship application at a later date.

What happens after I become a permanent resident - when can I apply for citizenship?

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last 5 years as a permanent resident or temporary resident (time as a temporary resident counts at 50%). You must also meet language requirements (CLB 4 in English or French), file your taxes if required, and pass a citizenship test on Canadian history, values, and rights. Citizenship applications are currently processed in approximately 12 months. GetNorthPath handles citizenship applications as a separate service.

Free DIY tools · AI for All

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Eligibility Checker See which pathways may fit your profile. CRS Calculator Estimate your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System score. OINP Calculator Read the Ontario Workforce Priority stream scoring grid. PR Tracker Follow official IRCC processing data from AOR onward. IRCC Ready Docs Prepare files to IRCC upload rules in your browser. IRCC Processing Times Check published wait times by program and country.

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