How to Apply for Canada PR from Singapore
If you are a Singaporean seeking permanent residence in Canada, it is important to be familiar with the application process. There are different routes you can take and strict eligibility criteria you must meet to achieve your goals.
For more information on how to apply for permanent residence in Canada from Singapore, reach out to one of our friendly immigration advisers. Call us at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online today.
How to Immigrate to Canada from Singapore
There are several routes you can pursue to obtain permanent residence status in Canada. Among them are the Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, Business Immigration, and International Experience Canada programs.
However, navigating the immigration process from Canada to Singapore can be a complex and overwhelming task. Each immigration program has its own specific requirements and procedures.
Additionally, immigration policies and programs are subject to change, and outdated or unreliable information can lead to confusion, delays, or even the rejection of applications.
Therefore, it’s vital that you assess your eligibility status before applying.
Also, consider seeking professional advice from an immigration lawyer to ensure you select the most appropriate route for your circumstances and have up-to-date information throughout the application process.
Speak with our expert immigration lawyers at Total Law today. Call us at +44 (0)333 305 9375 for immediate help and assistance. We can assist you in person, via the phone, or online.
Page Contents
- How to Immigrate to Canada from Singapore
- Immigrate to Canada Through Express Entry
- Immigrate to Canada From Singapore as a Provincial Nominee
- Permanent Residence Through Family Sponsorship
- Permanent Residence Through Business Immigration
- Proof of Funds Requirement for PR Application
- How Long Will my Canada PR Application Process Take?
- How to Check Canada Immigration Application Status Online
- What Happens After an Application Approval?
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Immigrate to Canada Through Express Entry
Overview
The Canada Express Entry Economic Programs are a set of immigration pathways designed to attract skilled foreign workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy.
They are the fastest and most common ways to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
As a skilled worker, you can obtain Canadian permanent residency through any of these Express Entry Programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is open to individuals who have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in an occupation listed on Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.
Applicants are assessed on a points-based system that evaluates the following factors:
- Age: Applicants can earn a maximum of 12 points. Individuals between 18 and 35 receive the highest points, while those above 35 get lesser points. The maximum age to qualify for this program is set at 45 years.
- Education: This factor has a maximum of 25 points. Applicants must have completed at least a high school education or equivalent under Canadian standards to be eligible.
- Language proficiency: Language proficiency (English and French) has a maximum of 28 points. Applicants must score a minimum IELTS score of 6 bands, which should be valid and no older than two years. Additionally, having proficiency in French can earn them extra points.
- Work experience: The more years of experience an applicant has, the higher the points. The maximum score is 15 points.
- Arranged employment: Candidates can earn a maximum of 10 points if they have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Adaptability: This factor has a maximum score of 10 points and considers the applicant’s ability to adapt to life in Canada. Points are gained if the applicant has a spouse with skills and qualifications and is willing to relocate to Canada.
To qualify to apply for the FSWP, applicants must score at least 67 points out of 100 based on their qualifications.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is open to individuals with trade skills as an alternative to educational qualifications.
Applicants must have at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience as a skilled tradesperson in an occupation listed on Canada’s NOC list.
They must also have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade, meet specific language requirements, and demonstrate work experience in the trade.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is tailored for individuals who have gained valuable work experience in Canada on a temporary work permit or through approved study programs.
Eligible applicants must meet language proficiency standards, have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, and intend to live outside Quebec.
To qualify for this program, applicants’ contributions to Canadian society and their education or work experience will be considered.
This route is suitable for Singaporeans studying in Canada who would like to get permanent residency. After graduation, students can apply for a work permit under the Post-graduation Work Permit Program to gain valuable work experience, which could make them eligible for the Canadian Experience Class.
How the Express Entry Program Works
Candidates in the Express Entry system are assessed and ranked by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Be aware that if you’re applying for Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Workers Program, you must first get through the 67 points system before being considered under CRS.
The CRS awards a total of 1,200 points to candidates based on various factors. These factors include educational qualifications, work experience, Canadian employment status, and provincial or territorial nominations.
For instance, having a Canadian job offer can provide additional points in the CRS. However, a job offer is not a strict requirement to be selected from the Express Entry immigration pool. Additionally, 600 points are allocated to applicants who successfully receive a nomination from a Canadian province.
The IRCC conducts an Express Entry draw approximately every two weeks. A minimum cutoff score will be determined in each draw, and all candidates with a CRS equal to or above the cutoff will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
As such, ITAs are issued to a limited number of candidates in the Express Entry pool who have the highest CRS points.
How to Apply for the Express Entry Program
To apply for the Express Entry program, follow these steps:
- Complete Language Proficiency Tests: Take an approved language proficiency test, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English or the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) for French. Ensure you meet the minimum language requirements.
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Get your foreign education credentials assessed by an approved organisation to verify their equivalency to Canadian standards. While this step is mandatory for FSWP applicants, it can increase eligibility points for applicants on other routes of the Express Entry program.
- Determine your National Occupation Classification (NOC) category: Ensure your work experience aligns with the occupations listed in Canada’s NOC database. Your skill type must fall under Skilled Type 0 (Management), Skilled Level A (Professional), or Skilled Level B (Skilled Trade and Technical jobs) to be eligible.
- Determine Eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Canadian government for any of the three federal economic immigration programs using this online tool on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s website.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Create an online profile through the Government of Canada’s official website. Provide accurate information about your skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant details.
- Calculate Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Your profile will be assigned a CRS score based on various factors. Use the CRS calculator to assess your score and determine your competitiveness.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the minimum CRS score requirements and have a high enough ranking, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Once you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residency within the given timeframe (typically 60 days).
Include all the required supporting documents, including medical and security clearance.
After a thorough review, the IRCC will decide on your application. You will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) if approved.
Documents Needed for the Express Entry Program
The documents you might need for the Express Entry application include the following:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Language proficiency test results
- Evidence of a Canadian education or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report.
- Proof of work experience
- Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
- Confirmation of job offer from a Canadian employer
- Proof of funds
Having all your documents prepared is optional at the initial profile submission stage. Some documents will be requested during the second stage of the process once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Some specific documents you should expect to submit at the second stage include the following:
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
- Passport-size photographs
- Birth certificate of bringing dependent children)
- Marriage or divorce certificates
- Other relevant supporting documents
What are the Fees for the Express Entry Program?
The fees for the Express Entry program include the cost of the following:
- Language tests
- Education credential assessment
- Medical examinations
- Police clearance certificates
- Provincial immigration fees (where applicable)
If you receive an ITA for permanent and you apply, the system will generate a list of applicable fees, including:
- Biometric – per person: C$80
- Biometrics – per family (2 or more people): C$170
- Processing fee (applicant and spouse): C$850 per person
- Right of permanent residence fee (applicant and spouse): C$515 per person
- Include a dependent child: C$235 per child
Immigrate to Canada From Singapore as a Provincial Nominee
Overview
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is mostly managed under the Express Economic Entry Program. However, unlike the three programs under the Express Entry route, the PNP’s requirements and application process slightly differ.
Under this route, Canadian provinces or territories can nominate skilled workers for permanent residency. The foreign national must be willing to live in the nominated province and contribute to the economic growth of that region with their skills, education, and experience.
The requirements for the Provincial Nominee Program vary as each province has its own streams that target specific groups of people. The general eligibility requirements set by the Canadian government may include language proficiency, educational level, and work experience.
How to Apply for the Provincial Nominee Program
There are two ways to apply for the Provincial Nominee program: the Express Entry system and the non-Express Entry process.
Through Express Entry System
There are two ways to apply under the Express Entry system.
- Apply to the province or territory directly:
- You contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream.
- If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if you already have one) and show you have been nominated.
- You get a nomination through your account, which you accept electronically.
OR
- A province or territory finds your profile and contacts you through your account:
- You create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories you are interested in.
- If a province or territory sends you a “notification of interest” to your account, you contact them directly.
- You apply to their Express Entry stream.
- If you are nominated, they will offer it to you through your account, and you will accept it electronically.
Non-Express Entry Process
The steps to apply under the non-Express Entry process include the following:
- Apply to a province or territory for a nomination
- After a province or territory nominates you, you must apply to the IRCC for permanent residency.
Permanent Residence Through Family Sponsorship
Overview
If you have family members who are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they might be able to sponsor you for Canadian permanent residence. You can apply for permanent residency through this route if you are related to the sponsor in any of the following ways:
- As a spouse, a common-law partner, or a conjugal partner
- As dependent children
- As parents or grandparents
Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship
To be eligible for sponsorship, your sponsor must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Provide proof that they are willing and able to sponsor you financially for a particular time.
- Show that they intend to live in Canada until you (the applicant) become a permanent resident.
As an applicant seeking sponsorship, you must meet some of the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old if you are a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal of the sponsor
- Must have been your sponsor’s common-law partner or conjugal partner for at least one year
- Prove that you can’t live or marry your conjugal partner in your country of residence for significant legal and immigration reasons.
- Be under 22 years old and unmarried if you are a dependent child.
Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:
- They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition
- They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22
How to Apply for Family Sponsorship
There are two parts to applying for permanent residence through the Family Sponsorship route:
Apply to Sponsor
An eligible sponsor will be required to apply online to sponsor their family members by downloading and completing the online form.
Be aware that applications for sponsoring a parent or grandparent can only be made by invitation. The IRCC randomly selects and invites potential sponsors to apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents.
Only after receiving an invitation can the sponsor begin the application process.
Apply to be Sponsored
As an applicant seeking sponsorship, you will be required to upload the completed forms to your online application. Include the necessary supporting documents in the online application.
Once your sponsor is approved and the IRCC determines your eligibility, you will be asked to give your biometrics and submit additional documents. The IRCC will send you a confirmation if you are approved to be a Canadian permanent resident.
Documents Required
The documents required to apply for permanent residence through the family sponsorship route are usually submitted at different stages in the application process. Some of these documents include:
- Valid Passports
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
- Proof of payment for the right to permanent residence fee
Fees
The fees required to be paid include:
- Sponsorship fee: C$75
- Principal applicant processing fee: C$490
- Right to permanent residence fee: C$515
- Processing fee for a dependent child: C$75
- Biometrics fees: C$85
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
- Your medical exam
- A police certificate
Permanent Residence Through Business Immigration
Overview
The Canada Business Immigration Program is designed to attract business people to contribute to the Canadian economy. This program offers entrepreneurs and investors interested in starting a business or investing in an existing Canadian enterprise an opportunity to migrate to the country and gain permanent residency.
There are two categories under the Business Immigration Program; the Start-up Visa program and the Self-employed Persons program.
- Start-up Visa Program
- Self-Employed Persons Program
Start-up Visa Program
The Start-up Visa Program in Canada specifically focuses on attracting immigrant entrepreneurs who possess the necessary skills and potential to establish businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Display innovation
- Have the ability to generate employment opportunities for Canadians
- Demonstrate competitiveness on a global level
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Start-up Visa program, you must:
- Meet the language requirements
- Have a letter of support from a qualifying organisation
- Have adequate funds to support yourself in Canada
- Have a qualifying business
A qualifying business must meet the following requirements:
- You hold 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation
- You and the designated organisation jointly own over 50% of the shares of the corporation
- At the time you receive your permanent residence, the business is incorporated in Canada, an essential part of the business’ operations happens in the country, and you provide active and ongoing management of this business from within the country.
Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program is designed for individuals willing to relocate to Canada to work as self-employed people.
If you are interested in this program, you must show that you meet the following requirements to apply:
- Have at least two years of experience participating in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or being self-employed in cultural activities or athletics
- Be willing and be able to be self-employed in Canada
- Meet the program’s five-point selection criteria
- Meet medical clearance, security checks and other clearance
How to Apply for the Business Immigration Programs
To apply for the Start-up Visa program or the Self-employed Person Program, you must do so online. You will need to fill out the following digital forms:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
After filling out the forms, upload them to your online application with other supporting documents. You will receive a letter inviting you to give your biometrics, and you will have 30 days to do this from the date of the letter.
The IRCC will decide on your application based on the eligibility criteria for the program. If your application is approved, you will need to send your passport to the Canada visa office to receive your permanent resident visa.
What are the Fees for the Business Immigration Program?
The application fees for the Start-up Visa or Self-employed Persons Programs include the following:
- Application processing fee: C$1625
- Right of permanent residence fee: C$515
- Processing fee to add a spouse or partner: C$850
- Include a dependent child: C$230
- Biometrics: C$80
You might also need to pay third-party fees, including medical clearance and security checks.
Proof of Funds Requirement for PR Application
Overview
You might need to prove to the Canadian government that you have enough money to settle in Canada as part of your application process. However, you will not be required to show proof of funds if:
- You are applying under the Canadian Experience Class or
- You are authorised to work in Canada, and you have a valid job offer
The amount you will need depends on your family. As such, if you’re immigrating alone, the funds required will be lesser than if you’re relocating with your spouse or dependent.
The Canadian government updates the proof of fund requirement yearly, and you can check the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada on the website.
What is Accepted as Proof?
You must be able to prove that you have access to the funds when you arrive in Canada. It means your proof of funds must not be:
- Equity in real estate property
- Money borrowed from another person
To demonstrate your financial eligibility, you must get official letters from any financial institution where you have an account.
How Long Will my Canada PR Application Process Take?
Providing an exact timeframe for processing your application might be challenging since each application is unique and requires varying amounts of processing time.
However, based on the type of application you’ve submitted, you can get an estimated timeframe from an online tool on the government’s website.
How to Check Canada Immigration Application Status Online
Introduction
There are two distinct ways to check your permanent residence application status online. The first is if you applied through the Express Entry program, while the other is applicable if you used other programs.
Check Your Express Entry Application Status
To track the status of your application, use the Application status tracker. You must create an account if you do not already have one.
To create an account, you will need your:
- Unique client identifier (UCI) or client ID
- Application number
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
After logging into your account, you can check the status of your application. However, your status update will only display if you have received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter from the IRCC.
Check Your Status for Other PR Applications
If you applied through the Family Sponsorship and Business Immigration Programs, there are two ways you can check your application status:
- Use the Client Application Status Tool
- Create an online IRCC account and link it to your existing application. You will receive online updates from this account.
What Happens After an Application Approval?
Upon approval of your application, the IRCC will issue you a permanent resident visa. This visa includes both your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and an entry visa into Canada.
Once you receive your COPR, you can apply for a PR card. The PR card serves as official proof of your Canadian residency status.
When you arrive in Canada, you must present your passport, COPR, and PR visa to an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
How Can Total Law Help?
Canada has several opportunities for Singaporeans to obtain permanent residency. However, the application process can be very overwhelming to navigate alone.
Our immigration lawyers at Total Law are experts in Canadian immigration laws. If you choose us, our dedicated team will provide you with comprehensive support, guiding you throughout the immigration process and assisting you in achieving your Canadian immigration goals.
Contact us today at +44 (0)333 305 9375 for immediate help and assistance. We can also assist you in person, via the phone, or online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is no specific maximum age limit for any Canadian immigration program. However, for the Express Entry program, you will not get any points under the age factor selection grid if you are over 47.
The Canada PR card is valid for five years. However, your permanent residence status does not expire when your PR card expires.
Permanent residents are required to have been in Canada for at least 730 days within the last five years to maintain their PR status. However, the 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Under specific conditions, your time outside Canada may count towards your permanent residency status.
If you intend to go abroad while holding PR status, consider discussing it with an immigration attorney first.
Singaporeans can apply for Canadian citizenship if they have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for 1,095 days (3 years) within the last five years.