Canadian Immigration, PR, and Citizenship: IRCC Procedures
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) administers permanent residence, economic immigration, and citizenship.
Immigrating to Canada involves meeting comprehensive economic, educational, and linguistic criteria evaluated under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in the Express Entry pool, or through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Permanent residents must maintain physical presence requirements (at least 730 days in Canada every five years) to retain status and renew their PR cards. After accumulating 1,095 days of physical presence, permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship, complete the citizenship test, and take the oath of citizenship. Our guides detail study permit applications, work permits, spousal sponsorships, and citizenship requirements.
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New permanent residents get their first PR card automatically after they land. You do not need to apply for it. The first card is free if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a PR. Renewals and replacements use form IMM 5444, usually completed online through the Permanent Residence Portal (paper only if you cannot apply online). They cost $50 and take about 30 days for a first card and about 40 days for a renewal. You must be in Canada to apply, and you must be in Canada to get the card.
7 steps · About 30 days (first card) / 40 days (renewal); check current times · $50 for renewals/replacements (first card free)2025-Latest
Express Entry manages three PR programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades. You build a profile with your language test results and an education assessment. You get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Then you wait for an invitation from a draw. Category-based draws can pick people below the general cutoff. The categories are French, healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, transport, education, physicians, researchers, senior managers, and skilled military recruits.
11 steps · 6 months to 1+ years from profile to PR · From CAD $1,590 in government PR fees (adult) + $85 biometrics, plus tests, ECA, medical, police checks2026-Latest
You can apply for citizenship after 3 years (1,095 days) of presence in Canada in person as a PR, within the last 5 years. You must also have filed taxes for 3 of those years. The process includes a test for adults 18–54, taken online or in person. It also includes an interview. At the end, there is a ceremony. You take the oath there and get your citizenship certificate.
8 steps · About 1 year from application to ceremony · $653 adult / $100 minor (2026 fees)2025-Latest
Canadian work permits come in two types. An employer-specific permit ties you to one employer and an LMIA. An open permit lets you work for any employer. Open permits include post-graduation, spousal, and IEC working holiday permits. You apply online through the IRCC portal. You need your employer's offer details: the LMIA number, or the LMIA-exempt category. You also need biometrics, and proof that you will leave at the end.
8 steps · Varies by stream and country — check current times on canada.ca · Employer-specific: $155 + $85 biometrics = $240; open permit: $155 + $100 + $85 = $3402025-Latest
Canadian citizens and permanent residents 18+ can sponsor a spouse for permanent residence. They can also sponsor a common-law or conjugal partner. There is no minimum income requirement. This is unlike parent sponsorship. Choose inland if your partner is already in Canada. Your partner can get an open work permit while you wait. Choose outland for easier travel in and out. Budget about $1,260 in IRCC fees. These fees have been in force since Apr 30, 2026. Add $85 for biometrics. Plan around IRCC's 12-month service standard. But actual processing is running longer: ~15–18 months outland, and ~21–26 months inland, as of late 2026.
7 steps · ~12 months (service standard; actuals often longer) · $1,260 government fees (as of Apr 30, 2026; biometrics $85 extra)2026-Latest
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and essential rules for immigration in Canada.
How long must you live in Canada before applying for Canadian citizenship?
You must have been physically present in Canada as a permanent residentCanadian permanent resident — Someone granted the right to live and work anywhere in Canada permanently, without being a citizen.Click for official info ↗ for at least 1,095 days (3 full years). Count only the 5 years immediately before the date you sign and submit your application.
What is the physical residency requirement to maintain Canadian permanent resident status?
To maintain permanent resident status, you must accumulate at least 730 days (2 years) of physical presence in Canada within every 5-year rolling period. That rule does not apply in specific cases, such as working abroad for a Canadian business.
What is the difference between Express Entry and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Express EntryExpress Entry — Canada's online system for managing skilled-worker PR applications — Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades.Click for official info ↗ is an online federal selection system for skilled workers across Canada. A PNP is a provincial program allowing individual provinces to nominate candidates whose specific skills match regional economic and labour market demands.
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