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Permanent residence in Canada: find the pathway that fits your profile
Compare Express Entry, provincial nominee programs and family sponsorship with a consultant, then build a clear plan for your application. Start with a free, commitment-free assessment.
- Understand which pathways you may qualify for
- Strengthen your profile before you apply
- Prepare documents that support a complete application
No cost and no commitment for your initial assessment.
Free PR assessment
Tell us about your situation. A consultant will contact you about your options and next steps.
Choose the route that matches your situation
There is no single way to become a permanent resident. The best route depends on your skills, experience, family ties and plans.
Express Entry
An online system for skilled workers, including graduates and workers with Canadian experience.
Provincial nominee programs
Provinces and territories nominate candidates who fit local labour market and community needs.
Family sponsorship
Citizens and permanent residents may sponsor eligible spouses, partners, children, parents and grandparents.
Other programs
Additional programs exist for specific regions, occupations and circumstances. We check what may apply to you.
Quebec selects its own immigrants
If you plan to settle in Quebec, the province runs its own selection process in addition to the federal permanent residence step. Tell us early if Quebec is part of your plan.
A clear plan before you submit anything
Permanent residence applications reward preparation. We help you understand where you stand and what to improve.
Profile assessment
Review your age, education, language ability and work experience to see which pathways are realistic.
A strategy that fits
Compare your options, including Express Entry, provincial nomination and family sponsorship, and decide where to focus.
Document preparation
Get a checklist for language results, education assessment, work experience letters and identity records.
Smart timing
Plan around work permit expiry, test validity and program changes so deadlines do not catch you off guard.
How Express Entry works
Express Entry manages applications for several federal skilled programs. Selection rules and categories are updated regularly, and Canadian work experience is increasingly valued.
Create your profile
Submit details about your age, education, language results and work experience.
Receive a CRS score
Your Comprehensive Ranking System score helps place you among other candidates in the pool.
Get invited to apply
IRCC invites selected candidates in regular and category-based draws, and you then have a limited time to apply.
What you will typically prepare
Requirements depend on the program you choose. Here is what many permanent residence applications include.
Eligibility depends on the program
Each pathway has its own rules, and they change often. We confirm current requirements for your profile before you invest in tests and documents.
- Language test results from an accepted English or French test, valid when you apply
- Education credential assessment if you studied outside Canada
- Proof of work experience, such as reference letters with duties and dates
- Proof of funds for programs that require it
- Police certificates and a medical exam when requested
- Passport and civil documents for you and any family members included
Your path to permanent residence
Free initial assessment
Share your background, goals and timeline. We outline the pathways worth exploring.
Profile review and strategy
We assess your strengths, identify gaps and recommend where to focus your effort.
Prepare your file
Plan your language test, education assessment and supporting documents with a clear checklist.
Submit your profile or application
File complete, consistent information through the pathway that fits you best.
Follow through
Respond to invitations and requests on time, and know what to expect until you land.
Common mistakes that delay permanent residence
Many setbacks come from choices made before the application even begins.
Starting without checking program fit
Preparing for the wrong pathway wastes time and money. Confirm your options first.
Waiting too long to test or assess
Language tests and education assessments take time, and results must be valid when you apply.
Incomplete or inconsistent information
Mismatched dates, duties or details can lead to delays or refusals.
Letting your status run low
A work permit or study permit that is about to expire narrows your choices. Plan while you still have time.
What AOICI clients say
“Opportunities and blessings came each year... we got our citizenship. It has been a fruitful 5 years of staying here.”
“AOICI has been amazing. They went above and beyond in their efforts to help us start a new life here.”
Testimonials are client experiences published by AOICI. Individual outcomes vary. Read more success stories
Questions about permanent residence in Canada
What are the main ways to become a permanent resident of Canada?
Common routes include Express Entry for skilled workers, provincial nominee programs and family sponsorship. Other programs exist for specific regions, occupations and situations. We review your profile and help you compare your options.
How does Express Entry work?
You create an online profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language ability and work experience. IRCC then invites selected candidates to apply for permanent residence in regular and category-based draws.
Do I need Canadian work experience to apply?
Not always, but it has become more important. Some draws and categories require Canadian work experience, while others accept experience gained abroad. We check which options fit your background.
Do I need a language test?
Most economic programs require valid English or French test results from an accepted test, and higher scores can improve your ranking. We help you plan your test so your results are valid when you apply.
What is a provincial nominee program?
Provinces and territories can nominate candidates who meet local labour market or community needs. Depending on the program, a nomination can add significant points to an Express Entry profile or lead to a separate application process.
Can I sponsor my spouse, partner, children, parents or grandparents?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor eligible family members, and each category has its own requirements. Parent and grandparent sponsorship often has limited intake periods. Tell us about your situation and we will explain your options.
How long does the permanent residence process take?
Timelines depend on your program, how quickly you prepare your documents and current IRCC processing times, which change regularly. The best way to save time is to prepare early and submit a complete application.
Is the initial assessment really free?
Yes. AOICI currently offers a free, commitment-free initial assessment so you can understand your options before deciding on next steps.
Talk to a consultant about your PR plan
The earlier you start, the more options you keep. Reach out today for a free initial assessment.
- Phone+63 (074) 661-2707
- Emailinfo@aoicivisapathway.com
- Visit usFind the office nearest you on our branches page.