PR Overview for Americans
Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) grants the right to live and work anywhere in Canada indefinitely. Unlike temporary work permits, PR is not tied to an employer and provides access to most social benefits, including healthcare.
PR Benefits
- Live and work anywhere: No employer restriction, any province
- Healthcare access: Provincial health insurance eligibility
- Education: Domestic tuition rates for you and children
- Social programs: Employment insurance, pensions (CPP)
- Property ownership: No foreign buyer restrictions
- Path to citizenship: Eligible after 3 years of residence
PRs cannot vote, hold certain government jobs, or carry a Canadian passport. PR status can be lost if you don't meet residency obligations (730 days in Canada every 5 years) or commit serious crimes. You remain a US citizen unless you naturalize.
Express Entry: Primary Pathway
Express Entry is Canada's flagship immigration system for skilled workers. It manages three economic immigration programs through a single points-based system.
Three Express Entry Programs
| Program | Key Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | 1+ year skilled work, language tests, education | Professionals applying from abroad |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1+ year Canadian skilled work in last 3 years | TN workers, international students |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | 2+ years trade experience, job offer or certificate | Electricians, plumbers, mechanics |
How Express Entry Works
- Create profile: Enter education, work history, language scores
- Get CRS score: Comprehensive Ranking System calculates your points
- Enter the pool: Profile valid for 12 months
- Receive ITA: Regular draws invite highest-scoring candidates
- Submit application: 60 days to provide documents after invitation
- Get PR: Processing typically 6 months after submission
Since 2023, Canada runs targeted draws for specific occupations (healthcare, STEM, trades, French speakers). These draws have lower score cutoffs, benefiting candidates in high-demand fields even with lower overall CRS scores.
CRS Score Breakdown
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply. Maximum score is 1,200 points.
Core Human Capital (Max 500 single / 460 married)
| Factor | Max Points (Single) | Max Points (Married) |
|---|---|---|
| Age (ideal: 20-29) | 110 | 100 |
| Education | 150 | 140 |
| Language (1st official) | 136 | 128 |
| Language (2nd official) | 24 | 22 |
| Canadian work experience | 80 | 70 |
Major Point Boosters
- Provincial Nomination (PNP): +600 pointsâvirtually guarantees invitation
- Valid job offer (TEER 0/1): +200 points
- Valid job offer (TEER 2/3): +50 points
- Canadian education: +15-30 points
- French proficiency: +25-50 points
- Sibling in Canada (PR/citizen): +15 points
Working in Canada on a TN visa is one of the best ways to boost your CRS score. After 1 year of Canadian skilled work, you qualify for CEC with significantly more points. Canadian experience is weighted heavily in the system.
Recent Draw Cutoffs (2024-2025)
| Draw Type | Typical Cutoff | Invitations |
|---|---|---|
| General (all programs) | 520-560 | 3,000-5,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 490-530 | 4,000-6,000 |
| Healthcare Occupations | 430-480 | 1,000-3,000 |
| STEM Occupations | 470-510 | 2,000-4,000 |
| French Language | 380-450 | 2,000-5,000 |
| PNP (Provincial Nominee) | 680-750 | 500-1,000 |
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Each province operates its own immigration streams to address local labor market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Express Entry invitation.
Key Provincial Programs
| Province | Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | OINP (various streams) | Tech draws, masters graduates, employer job offers |
| British Columbia | BC PNP (SIRS) | Tech-focused, regional targeting, healthcare workers |
| Alberta | AAIP | Alberta Express Entry stream, opportunity streams |
| Quebec | Separate system | Quebec Skilled Worker, PEQâown selection system |
| Manitoba | MPNP | Skilled Worker Overseas, international education |
| Atlantic Provinces | AIP (Atlantic Immigration) | Employer-driven, faster processing |
If your CRS score is below 500, targeting a PNP nomination is often the best strategy. Research which provinces nominate people in your occupation. Some streams are "enhanced" (linked to Express Entry), others are "base" (processed separately, slower).
Family Sponsorship
If you have close family members who are Canadian citizens or PRs, they may be able to sponsor you for permanent residency.
Sponsorship Categories
- Spouse/Common-law Partner: Most common category, ~12 months processing
- Dependent Children: Under 22, unmarried, no spouse/partner
- Parents and Grandparents: Limited annual intake, lottery system
- Other relatives: Only in limited circumstances
Spousal Sponsorship Key Points
- Sponsor must be 18+, Canadian citizen or PR
- Relationship must be genuine (extensive documentation required)
- Can apply from inside or outside Canada
- Inland applicants may get open work permit while waiting
- Processing: 12 months inland, 12 months outland (varies)
IRCC heavily scrutinizes spousal applications for fraud. You'll need extensive proof of relationship genuineness: photos together, communication history, joint finances, travel records, statements from family/friends. Marriages of convenience carry serious consequences including bans and deportation.
Business Immigration
Canada offers several pathways for entrepreneurs and investors, though they're more limited than in the past.
Federal Programs
- Start-Up Visa: Innovative business with designated organization support
- Self-Employed: Cultural/athletic activities or farm management
Provincial Business Programs
- BC Entrepreneur Immigration: Invest $200K+, create jobs
- Ontario Entrepreneur: Currently paused (2024)
- Quebec Entrepreneur: Separate system, French required
- Atlantic Immigration: Entrepreneur stream available
Unlike some countries, Canada doesn't have a straightforward "invest money, get PR" program. Business programs require active management, job creation, and long-term commitment. Most Americans find Express Entry or PNP easier paths.
Path to Citizenship
After becoming a PR, you can apply for Canadian citizenship once you meet residence requirements.
Citizenship Requirements
- Physical presence: 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada within last 5 years
- Tax filing: Filed taxes for 3 years within the 5-year period
- Language: CLB 4+ in English or French (ages 18-54)
- Knowledge test: Canadian history, values, institutions, symbols
- No prohibitions: No removal orders, criminality bars
Processing and Timeline
- Application fee: CAD $630 (adults)
- Processing time: 12-24 months currently
- Test and ceremony in person
- Some time as temporary resident counts (half days, max 365 days credit)
Both Canada and the US allow dual citizenship. You do NOT need to renounce US citizenship to become Canadian, and Canada won't require you to renounce. However, you'll have tax obligations to both countries as a dual citizen.
PR Card and Travel
Once you receive PR, you'll get a PR card used for re-entry to Canada when traveling.
PR Card Facts
- Valid for 5 years (doesn't affect PR status itself)
- Required to board commercial flights/trains to Canada
- Residency obligation: 730 days in Canada per 5-year period
- Can re-enter at land border without card (may face delays)
- Renewal requires meeting residency obligation
Maintaining PR Status
- Physical presence in Canada is key
- Time abroad with Canadian employer may count
- Time abroad accompanying PR/citizen spouse may count
- Failing residency obligation = PR revocation possible
Many Americans underestimate the residency requirement. If you maintain a US home and split time between countries, ensure you're spending enough time in Canada. PR revocation is a real consequence of non-compliance.