Canada remains among the top five choices for immigrants from across the world, as it offers numerous pathways for obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR). The Philippines is no exception, with the country providing PR to over 20,645 immigrants in 2024.
That said, the process of obtaining permanent residence is considerably complex and competitive. This naturally means that candidates should plan carefully and pay attention to the smallest details to navigate the procedure. To make this seem easier to them, we've compiled this simplified guide to Canada PR eligibility requirements for Filipinos in 2025.
What is Canada Permanent Residency (PR)?
Canada Permanent Residency (PR) refers to a permit to live, study, and work in the country without restrictions and doesn't require a temporary permit or visa. This status gives a person the right to live in Canada while holding citizenship of another nation, which is also called dual citizenship.
Permanent residents (PR holders) can utilise most of the benefits and rights of citizens of Canada, which include access to social and healthcare programs. However, it comes with a few restrictions such as no right to vote or run for elections or the inability to hold jobs that require a high-level security clearance. Additionally, Canadian PR can be terminated if someone is convicted of a serious criminal offence and is asked to leave the country.
Who Can Apply for Canada PR?
Applicants belonging under a set of categories can apply for Canada PR, such as skilled workers, international graduates, business immigrants, provincial nominees, family members, protected people, refugees, etc. These categories are explained below:
- Skilled Workers: Immigrants who have professional skills are primarily eligible for skilled worker PR under immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
- International Graduates With Canadian Credentials: People who have graduated from colleges and universities in Canada may qualify for PR applications using programs such as the post-graduation work permit program (PGWP).
- Business Immigrants: Investors and entrepreneurs who are willing to contribute to the country's economy can apply for PR in Canada if they are committed to managing and owning a business there that generates positive economic activity and employment.
- Provincial Nominees: Applicants who have been nominated by a territory or province in Canada under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can apply for Canada PR for students.
- Applicants for Family Sponsorship: People with members of their family who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for family sponsorship PR Canada.
- Protected Persons and Refugees: Refugees who have been granted protection by the Government of Canada can apply for this status.
Benefits of Canada PR for Filipino Immigrants
Let's take a closer look at each of the benefits of Canada PR for Filipino Immigrants:
Access to Social Services and Healthcare: Individuals who have acquired PR in Canada can avail of social benefits and quality healthcare services. Also, they are eligible for several programs for social assistance, ensuring straightforward access to social services and healthcare facilities.
- Social Security: Permanent residency also makes individuals eligible for security programs, such as child benefits, the Canada Pension Plan, and unemployment insurance.
- Universal Healthcare: PR also provides access to the country's healthcare system at minimal costs.
Freedom and Quality of Life: PR holders can live their lives comfortably with access to quality amenities and have the freedom to move within the country, obtain employment, and take up courses of their choice.
- Freedom of Traveling: PR allows individuals to travel within the country and beyond without a visa.
- High Standards of Living: Canada offers a clean environment to all residents, while PR holders get to utilise public services and ample recreational opportunities within the country.
- Work, Live, and Study in Any Region of Canada: With PR, individuals can also get the freedom to find jobs and pursue educational courses in any region of Canada.
Economic Benefits and Job Opportunities: PR in Canada provides individuals with the right to operate their businesses and get employed within the country.
- Strict Protection Laws for Workers and High Profits: The country's labour market offers adequate protection to workers, along with competitive wages.
- Unlimited Access to the Labor Market: A PR allows people to apply for a job in any field without any restrictions.
- Business Opportunities: Individuals with a PR are free to own and establish their businesses in Canada.
Securing Citizenship Becomes Easier: Acquiring a PR allows people to apply for citizenship in Canada after they meet certain requirements of residency.
- Consent of the Federal Government: The government approves of this path to obtaining citizenship, which is why it's a major step for immigrants seeking full integration.
- Exercising Rights as a Citizen: By acquiring citizenship, individuals can participate fully in the democratic processes of the country and have a strong sense of belonging.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada PR in 2025
Here's a detailed list of the considerations and key requirements to meet the eligibility criteria for Canada PR in 2025:
- Education: Candidates need to demonstrate that they have received education up to a certain level, which is verifiable through Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs)
- Age: Applicants need to be aged 18 years or above.
- Work Experience: They should have work experience, which is generally at least a year of being employed full-time.
- Living in Canada: Applicant must have lived in Canada for at least three years.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates should have proof of their proficiency in French or English through CELPIP or IELTS for English, or TCF or TEF for French. Obtaining a higher score increases their chances of being selected.
- Family Class: Those having a relative such as a spouse, dependent child, or common-law partner who is a permanent resident or citizen of the country are eligible for PR application using Family Sponsorship.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs): Certain provinces of Canada have their respective programs for immigration, with specific criteria set for each of them. A provincial nomination can substantially boost the chances of an individual getting PR through the Express Entry pathway.
- Express Entry: Provided candidates meet the criteria for at least a single Express Entry Program (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Federal Skilled Worker Program), they can form a profile and send it to the pool for Express Entry.
Required Documents for Canada PR Application
The following set of documents are required for Canada PR application from the Philippines:
- Results of Language Test: Results to provide proficiency in French or English, based on the pathway for Canadian PR.
- Valid Passport: A passport that is valid for at least 6 more months.
- Educational Credential Assessment: In case an applicant is claiming points for education, they need to present an ECA report.
- Police Clearance Certificates: For all the countries where they've lived for more than 6 months for the last 10 years, candidates need to provide these clearance certificates.
- Proof of Funds: Applicants need to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families after arrival in Canada.
- Birth Certificate: For themselves and all accompanying family members, candidates need to show birth certificates.
- Photographs: Passport-sized photos are needed.
Step-By-Step Process to Apply for Canada PR
The Canada PR process for Filipinos involves several crucial steps, which are described as follows:
Step 1: Ensuring Eligibility and Choosing a Pathway: Firstly, candidates need to verify that they meet the selection criteria discussed above to apply for the Canadian PR. There is a "Six Selection Factors" assessment that needs to be completed in just 15 minutes.
Step 2: Gathering Required Documents: They will then have to gather the documents needed to apply for the program and submit them after receipt of the official Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 3: Creating an Express Entry Profile: Next, an Express Entry Profile needs to be created on the website of the Government of Canada.
Step 4: Paying the Application Fees: The fees associated with the application for a Canadian PR vary based on the program applied. Payment needs to be made online through a credit card.
Step 5: Submitting the Application: After completing the previous steps to apply for Canada PR, candidates need to apply online or via mail to the appropriate immigration office. They should make sure to include all documents and make the application error-free and complete.
Step 6: Waiting for the Receipt of Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates will then need to wait for the IRCC to complete its draws for Express Entry. In case their CRS score surpasses the minimum threshold for a draw, they will receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 7: Biometrics, Police Clearance Certificate, and Medical Examination: Most Canadian PR applications require biometric verification, a medical examination by an authorized physician, and a police clearance certificate from the countries where they've lived for more than six months.
Step 8: Submitting the PR Application: A PR application can now be completed and submitted, along with the supporting documents, while exercising caution regarding the information that candidates provide.
Step 9: Waiting for Permanent Residence Confirmation: If a candidate is selected by the IRCC for permanent residence, the organisation will send the person a confirmation as well as the PR visa. This renders them free to enter and settle in Canada.
Costs Involved in the Canada PR Process
Given below is a detailed list of an average estimate of the fees for PR in Canada:
|
Fees Category
|
Amount (in CAD)
|
|
PR Application Processing Fee
|
$950
|
|
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
|
$575
|
|
Dependent Child Fee (per child)
|
$260
|
|
Biometrics Fee
|
$85
|
|
PNP Nomination Fee
|
$350 - $1500
|
|
Language Test
|
$258
|
|
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
|
$240
|
|
Police Clearance Certificate
|
$50
|
|
Medical Examination
|
$100
|
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Common Pathways to Canada PR for Filipinos
To immigrate to Canada, citizens of other countries can apply for PR through many pathways, including the Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry, and Family Sponsorship.
Family Sponsorship: In case a Filipino applicant has a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can utilise this sponsorship program for Canadian PR.
Provincial Nominee Program: Territories and provinces have immigration programs to nominate skilled professionals for PR.
Express Entry: This is a program that evaluates individuals on a point-based framework to select them for PR. Filipinos can enter through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
How Long Does It Take to Get Canada PR?
The time taken for a Canadian PR varies significantly based on the pathway for immigration that one chooses.
|
PR Program
|
Processing Time
|
|
Province Nominee Program (PNP)
|
6-19 months
|
|
Express Entry
|
6 months
|
|
Family Sponsorship
|
12-24 months
|
Note: The time taken for analysing these applications might even take longer based on the location and other factors.
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Canada PR
Here are some mistakes to avoid while you go about the process:
- Miscalculation of points in Express Entry: A slight miscalculation in the ranking system for the Express Entry program can affect your chances of getting an ITA. So, candidates should use the official calculator for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) provided by the government to calculate the core.
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Any discrepancy in the information entered in the application form or the documents submitted can lead to problems in the receipt of an ITA.
- Ignoring PNPs: Applicants often tend to overlook the opportunities that PNPs provide, and instead choose to focus on the Express Entry program. However, the right approach is to research the range of PNPs available and check if they can apply for PR in the provinces where their skills are sought after.
- Failure to Update the Profile: Significant life events, such as changing a job, getting married, or having a child, should be updated on the Express Entry profile or the PNP application.
- Late Application: Time is a significant aspect when it comes to applying for PR. So, candidates should apply at the right time to make sure they don't become ineligible or miss out on opportunities.
To conclude, there are several considerations when it comes to applying for permanent residence in Canada. Candidates need to follow each of the steps in the application process meticulously and also exercise the precautions cited above to ensure the Canada PR process for Filipinos goes on smoothly.
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Canada PR Eligibility Requirements for Filipinos in 2025 FAQs
What is the minimum IELTS score needed for Canada PR eligibility?
The minimum IELTS score needed for Canada PR eligibility is 6.0 bands in each of the four sections of the exam, that is, Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. As per the Canadian Language Benchmark, this score translates to CLB level 7.
Can I include my spouse in my Canada PR application?
Yes, you can include your spouse in your Canada PR application, irrespective of whether they are accompanying you or not. Sponsorship of spouses is an integral part of the immigration system of the country and allows individuals to sponsor their common-law partner, conjugal partner, or spouse for a PR in Canada.
Are there age limits for Canada PR applications?
There is no strict limit to the age for applying for a PR in Canada, though the Express Entry system considers age. It awards points based on age, with individuals under 30 receiving the maximum points and those aged above 45 receiving fewer points.
Can I apply for Canada PR while studying in the Philippines?
Yes, you can apply for Canada PR while studying in the Philippines given that you meet the eligibility requirements on points-based systems to fit the immigration program you have chosen. It is important to note that the chances of your success would be low as compared to those already working in Canada.
What medical conditions might disqualify me from Canada PR?
Candidates can be disqualified based on their medical conditions despite fulfilling other Canada PR requirements, only if they pose a threat to the safety and health of the country's residents. Also, they can be disqualified if meeting their needs gives rise to an excessive demand in terms of social services and public health.
