Ever since I moved to Canada, many have reached out and asked me how am I doing, followed by the same question mostly that what steps I took to process the application to immigrate to Canada. Initially I was typing a text every time for everyone, then I created a template in my Notes and shared it with everyone who asked for it. I am writing this post today to share the process details I followed to get my Permanent Residence in Canada. Please do note that the process can vary from person to person based on qualifications, experience and Canadian Government requirements and the program you applied in.

Ironically, I had not applied to immigrate to Canada initially. I was targeting another country but when I received my IELTS score, it was more than what was required for Canada’s application and that’s when I decided to start the application. My application started in 2019 and because of COVID, I had to wait 3 years to finally receive my PR. That’s a really long wait time believe me! For the process, I had a consultant who was taking care of the applications and requirements. Alhamdulilah, today I am living my best life in one of the best cities in the world.

Coming to the topic for which I am writing this post today. How to apply to immigrate to Canada from Pakistan? It sounds simple(?) and it is. It just will take some commitment from you and some time to get everything done. If you are determined to get it done, you will get it done and trust me, it is the best thing that you can do for yourself! To immigrate to Canada and that too on Permanent Residence? What more can one ask for?!

Before starting your application process, you will need the following tasks done and I will explain them in detail further:

• Apply for passport
• Get academic documents attested
• Get your experience letter
• Take IELTS
• Save some money!

Documentation

Getting a passport is essential because that’s your Identity Document once your application starts. I would suggest getting it for 10 years on expiry. It will cost a bit more but it will save you the trouble of getting it renewed later on (this is what I didn’t do and will have to do it really soon). Either way, that’s your choice.

Get all your academic documents attested and verified from your Board (SSC, HSSC), HEC, IBCC, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You don’t need this initially but since this process takes time and a lot of effort, I would suggest getting it done in the beginning so that you have all documents ready when requested for.

Get your experience letter from your organization where you’re working.

Take your IELTS exam and try to score a minimum of 8777 (L,R,W,S). The more the better! To prepare for your IELTS exam, find some useful resources here. You can read about the language requirements here!

Process

If you’re under 30 years of age and single, that will really work well for you for your application to immigrate to Canada. The age score decreases once you are 30, so even starting your application before that will help you. The score is different for people who are over 30, married with kids. You can take an assessment and see your score for yourself and evaluate where you stand.

Once you have your IELTS done, you can start your application. You can do it yourself, or hire a consultant – whichever works best for you. All requirements will get updated on your account so I would suggest to keep an eye on your IRCC Account regularly.

On every request that IRCC makes, you have at least 30-60 days to get those done. It will include a report from WES (World Education Services), Medical Exam, Police Certificate, Proof of Funds, Biometrics Submission and Passport Submission. You can find the details on all required documents here.

For me, it took a lot longer than expected to get my visa – which I do consider a blessing in disguise. The usual time for an application to process is under 1.5 year.

There are different programs under Express Entry in which you can submit your application which are Federal Skill Worker and also Provincial Nomination. Government of Canada is updating the National Occupation Classification soon and it will also have an impact on your application and overall points. You can view the NOC update and see how that will impact your application.

After submission of your application, be patient and wait. Once you are selected from the pool of candidates in one of the draws, you will receive an ITA (Invitation To Apply). This is where your application process will actually begin. You do not have to worry about what do to next once you have an ITA. Everything required by the Government of Canada or IRCC, will appear on your account and you will need to follow it.

Funds

One of the most important things that you need to keep in mind while planning to immigrate to Canada is the money. It costs quiet a bit to apply and then to move, however, it is still not un-do-able. If you have a consultant, their fees will vary. Other than that it will cost you about C$ 1365 (PKR 220813.30) to process your application. You can check for all fee details here.

This is not the only amount that you need to maintain to apply for your application. You will also be sending your academic documents to WES for verification, that will also cost between C$ 300-400. Once you have an ITA, you will also be requested to submit a Bank Statement / Proof of Funds. This also varies depending on which visa you are applying on and how many people are moving – just you or you with your spouse/family.

Moving to another country is a big deal! It is not an easy transition and it will take some time for you to get settled. Everything around you will be different and it depends on you whether or not you like it. For me, it is one of the best things that could have happened and I am grateful for this! This is all I remember for now for the application process. I will keep updating the post as needed to add more information.