Canada immigration has very simple and easy immigration processing across the world. It offers various immigration programs by which you can apply for a visa for Canadian PR. Each program has different requirements with different processing times. Whenever you’re searching for the fastest program for immigration, you would definitely come across the express entry program which has 6 months of processing time.
The processing time of canada immigration and PR visa from India takes 6 months after receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA). The processing time of the PR application is fixed but the time to receive an ITA can’t be fixed. Sometimes the time for the processing is also different and depends on the immigration program that you have chosen. The processing time in 2020 for Canada PR was not more than 6 months. We have discussed below the different immigration programs along with their processing periods.
1. Express Entry Program
Canada has offered various range of immigration programs to get PR in Canada. Express Entry is very famous among all programs because it is very simple and easy to apply. Express Entry immigration program is a very efficient immigration program across the world. The process of the Express Entry program is given here;
- You have to fix your eligibility by using the website named CIC.
- You would be to make an online profile for Express Entry.
- You have to upload all necessary documents there.
- You have to Submit your profile and after that, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
- You would require to wait for the CIC Express Entry Draw. If you will qualify by scoring above the cut-off in the CRS then you will be sent an ITA.
- You have to submit a complete PR application within 30 days after receiving ITA.
2. Provincial Nomination Program
The process of getting Canada PR from the Express Entry Program is easy and you can also apply directly to a Provincial Nominee Program. You have to submit an application stating your interest in gaining a nomination. The provincial authorities will then check if you are eligible. If you are found to be eligible, you will be sent a Notification of interest meaning you can apply further.
After you reply to this interest notification, you will gain a nomination form from the province. This means that in your CRS score, you will gain 600 more points. With the general cut-off being 450, a nomination basically makes it certain that your application will be accepted. This entire process can take up to 6 months to complete.
Each province in Canada has its immigration program process to grant permanent residency to an applicant. Some popular programs are mentioned below.
Ontario Human Capital Category
If you are eligible for this program, you will have an option available to you to submit your application through an Express Entry stream. There are 3 separate streams for the human capital category:
- Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream (Express Entry)
This stream is for you if you are a skilled immigrant and already have your profile in the Express Entry pool. You will also have to meet the eligibility requirements of the human capital category that include job experience, educational qualifications, language skills, etc.
- Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (Express Entry)
The second official language of Canada is French and hence it is important to prove your language skills in it. If you are fluent in French-speaking and have the other skills required, you can submit your application for this stream.
- Ontario Skilled Trades Stream (Express Entry)
If you have an active online profile in the pool of the Express Entry program and have experience working as a tradesperson, you can apply for this stream.
3. British Columbia Skilled Immigration
British Columbia is the most sought-after province to live in Canada. This is because of its steady economic development and the employment opportunities available in this province. Here are some programs for immigration that can be suitable for skilled immigrants.
- Skilled Worker Category
If you have a work offer from an employer in British Columbia, you can apply to gain permanent residency in Canada through this program under the skilled worker category. Other requirements are kept basic by the authorities in order to welcome more skilled immigrants.
- Healthcare Professional Category
If you work as a professional in the healthcare sector, you can apply to gain immigration and citizenship through this program. There are only 11 occupations that are considered eligible under this stream. If your occupation is one of those, then you are eligible to apply.
4. International Student Graduate
As an international student, chances are that you are already familiar with the Canadian culture and society. Hence you are considered more eligible to become a permanent resident of Canada and make positive contributions towards its economic growth. This category was introduced by the federal government of Canada to grant permanent residency to international students. You will be eligible for this stream if you have completed a degree or diploma from a Canada University and also have a job offer from an employer from British Columbia.
5. International Post-Graduate Category
The process of gaining permanent residency in Canada becomes much easier for international students who have completed their post-graduation. You should have acquired your post-graduate degree from a Canadian educational institution. You also do not need to have gained a work offer from an employer based in Canada to be eligible for Canada PR through this program.
6. Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category
Low and entry-level jobs often make up the backbone of any economy. A large category of jobs comes under the given category. It is also common for such job positions to be filled by Canadian immigrants. If you have experience working in a semi-skilled job or an entry-level job, you can apply for Canadian permanent residence under this category.
7. Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
Quebec has a good and stable economy, it is not easy to immigrate to this province and gain Canada permanent residency. This is because the eligibility criteria set by the immigration authorities of this province are different from others. You must have substantial knowledge and language skills in French to be able to apply for the Quebec Provincial Nominee Program.
The immigration program is designed to encourage international students and those individuals who have professional work experience to apply for Quebec permanent residency. You have to first submit an application to gain a Quebec Selection Certificate and then further apply for PR. The application for the certificate must be sent to the MIDI and the application for permanent residency is to be submitted to the IRCC.
Another requirement is that you should currently be a resident in Quebec and also be working in a job. The stay should be continued for a period of 12 months, then you are considered eligible to submit an application. The job you mention in the application should be full-time work and the employer should have their headquarters based in the province of Quebec.
Another issue that applicants face while applying for PNPs is that the immigrant who is being sponsored should already be living in that province and working for a few years. This can be a difficult criterion to fulfill so if you feel that you can score the required points for the Express Entry Program you should not submit an application for a nomination.
Factors Increasing Your Canada Visa Processing Time
Listed below are the major reasons that can increase the processing time of your Canada visa application or lead to delays:
1. Error In Payment Fees
A permanent residency application requires you to have paid a certain amount as a processing fee. If there are delays in the payment of this fee, there will be delays in the processing of your application.
2. Not Providing Correct Size Photo
If you have not submitted the photo of the correct size with your application, the application will be returned.
3. Not Able To Provide The Correct Documents
It is important that you have submitted all the right documents that are required for the processing of your application. If the authorities do not find the documents they will return the application which will lead to delays.
4. Incomplete PR Visa Application
Be sure you follow all the guidelines and instructions provided about the application carefully and correctly. If there are mistakes, the application will be returned leading to delays in the processing. The officer can also feel that you are trying to mislead the agency, which can result in delays or even a ban from reapplying.
5. Country of residence
Sometimes processing times depend upon the nation you currently belong to. In 2015 all applications for permanent residence or visas, and working permits were processed by the visa offices but today applications are processed faster around the world network by the visa offices. so you are not bound for your application processing at your nearest visa office but you can choose the best visa office which can process your application effectively.
6. Type of application
Processing times may differ depending on types of visas and permits such as the type of visa application and the number of candidates. Sometimes both affect the processing time. If there are more applications for processing than expected, it can take a long time to process.
