Who Can Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada?
Canada’s PR programs are designed for qualified skilled workers, students, business professionals, and families who meet specific eligibility criteria. The most common PR pathways include:
- Economic Class Immigration – Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for skilled workers.
- Family Sponsorship – Spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs.
- Business & Investor Immigration – PR pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals.
Choosing the right PR program depends on your work experience, education, financial status, and long-term immigration goals.
Key Immigration Facts
- Immigration Targets Update: In October 2024, the Canadian government announced a reduction in immigration targets, aiming to welcome 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, down from the previously planned 500,000.
- Despite the national reduction, British Columbia continues to be a leading destination for immigrants, historically receiving approximately 15-16% of all new permanent residents in Canada.
At Alder Law, we stay informed about the latest immigration policies to provide you with accurate advice and effective representation.
Our PR Services
1. Permanent Residency Applications
Applying for Permanent Residency in Canada involves strict eligibility requirements and documentation. At Alder Law, we assist clients with:
- Express Entry Applications – A points-based system for skilled workers applying under:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applications – Assisting skilled workers and professionals who qualify for BC’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) or other provincial streams.
- Business Immigration & Investor PR Programs – Assisting entrepreneurs and investors with PR pathways, including New Brunswick’s Business Immigration Stream.
2. Spousal or Common-Law Sponsorship
Spousal sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents to bring their spouses or common-law partners to Canada. Sponsorship applications can be made if your spouse is inside or outside of Canada.
Types of Spousal Sponsorship Applications:
- Inland Sponsorship – For spouses already in Canada who may qualify for an open work permit while awaiting PR.
- Outland Sponsorship – For spouses applying from outside Canada, processed through visa offices abroad.
Common Challenges in Spousal Sponsorship:
- Proof of Genuine Relationship – IRCC requires extensive evidence to prevent refusals for fraudulent marriages.
- Financial Sponsorship Requirements – The sponsor must meet minimum income requirements to establish they can financially support the sponsored spouse.
- Processing Times – The average spousal sponsorship processing time is 12 months.
Our team ensures your spousal sponsorship application is well-prepared, properly documented, and compliant with legal requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Permanent Resident (PR) Card Renewal
A Permanent Resident (PR) card serves as proof of PR status and must be renewed every five years. PR renewal applications must meet strict residency requirements, including:
- Residing in Canada for at least 730 days in the last five years.
- Providing valid documentation to prove residency.
- Having no outstanding legal or inadmissibility issues.
Common PR Renewal Issues:
- Time Spent Outside Canada – Long absences may require a PR Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada.
- Expired PR Card While Abroad – PRs without a valid PR card cannot return on a commercial flight.
- Inadmissibility Concerns – Criminal records or misrepresentation can lead to PR loss.
At Alder Law we help our clients with PR card renewals, residency appeals, and legal solutions for complex cases.
Choose Alder Law for Your PR Application
Becoming a permanent resident of Canada provides individuals and families with the right to live, work, and study indefinitely, along with access to healthcare, employment benefits, and a path to citizenship.
At Alder Law, we carefully review your application, ensure accuracy, and help prevent costly mistakes that could delay approval.
Call us at 604-936-9600 or book a consultation with us.
Canadian Permanent Residency FAQs
1. How Long Does PR Processing Take?
PR processing times vary by application type, below are some estimates but remember every case is different and these timelines can vary depending on application volume and other factors.
- Express Entry: 6-12 months
- BC PNP PR: 12-18 months
- Spousal Sponsorship PR: 12 months
- PR Card Renewal: 90 days
2. Can I travel while my PR application is being processed?
Yes, but travel can affect your application depending on your PR pathway and status in Canada. Our lawyers can advise you on potential risks, re-entry requirements, and the best course of action to avoid complications.
3 . Can my PR be revoked?
Yes, PR status can be revoked for reasons such as not meeting residency requirements, misrepresentation, or criminal inadmissibility. If your status is at risk, having an experienced immigration lawyer is crucial to appeal decisions, challenge removals, and protect your rights.
Canadian Permanent Residency Resources
Practice Lawyers
