Permanent Residence in Canada: What are your options for long‑term settlement?

Canada inspires dreams. Quality of life, stability, professional opportunities, a public healthcare system… every year, hundreds of thousands of people choose to make Canada their permanent home.

In 2025, more than 230,000 new permanent residents were admitted to Canada under the economic immigration category. A striking fact: nearly 40% of them were already living in Canada at the time they obtained their status. A clear trend is emerging: more and more immigration journeys now move from temporary status to permanent residence.

Permanent resident status is particularly sought after: it allows individuals to live in Canada long term, without the restrictions associated with temporary statuses.

But what exactly is permanent residence… and above all, how can you obtain it?

Permanent residence: the key to life in Canada

Permanent residence allows a foreign national to live, work, and study in Canada without time limits, provided certain obligations are respected.

Permanent residents enjoy the same rights as Canadian citizens, with the exception of voting rights:

• freedom to settle in the province or territory of their choice;
• access to the public healthcare system of their province of residence;
• access to education for children;
• full professional freedom: the ability to change employer, position, or workplace without a work permit.

The status is evidenced by a Permanent Resident Card, valid for 5 years. To maintain this status, you must reside in Canada for at least 730 days over a 5‑year period. This card is essential for international travel, together with your passport.

In the long term, permanent residence may also open the door to Canadian citizenship, provided statutory conditions are met.

What are the main pathways to permanent residence?

There is no single “royal road,” but rather several pathways tailored to different profiles and projects.

Express Entry: the fast track for skilled workers

Express Entry is the flagship federal system for selecting skilled workers (outside Quebec). Candidates are ranked in a pool based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that considers, in particular:

• age;
• level of education;
• work experience;
• language proficiency in French and/or English.

The three programs managed under Express Entry

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: for individuals with skilled work experience acquired abroad
• Canadian Experience Class: for those who have worked in Canada for at least one year
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: for technical and industrial trades.

Top‑ranked candidates in each category receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence during regular selection rounds conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IRCC also conducts targeted draws (in‑demand occupations, skilled trades, French‑speaking candidates), which can significantly increase the chances of receiving an invitation.

Under the Express Entry system, candidates generally receive their permanent resident status within 6 to 9 months after receiving an invitation, according to IRCC estimates.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) run their own selection programs to meet specific labour market needs.

Key points to remember:

• each province sets its own criteria and targeted occupations
• a provincial nomination adds additional points to an Express Entry score, greatly increasing the likelihood of receiving an invitation
• some streams are linked to Express Entry, while others operate independently.

These programs are particularly attractive if you already have a connection to a province (employment, studies, or family ties).

Quebec: a separate immigration system

Quebec selects its own economic immigrants. The process takes place in two stages:

1. obtaining a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
2. then submitting a permanent residence application to the federal government

French proficiency plays a central role, as it is considered a key factor for integration.

Quebec Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP)

The PSTQ operates on a points‑based and invitation system, similar to Express Entry.

Professional profile, work experience, education, French proficiency, and especially ties to Quebec are central to the evaluation.

Quebec ties: a key criterion under the PSTQ

The Government of Quebec places particular importance on applications demonstrating a strong connection to the province, especially outside Montreal and Laval.

This connection may be established through, among other things:

• work experience in Quebec;
• studies completed in the province;
• a validated job offer;
• a plan to settle or conduct professional activities in a regional area;
• family ties or prolonged presence in the province.

Strong regional ties can significantly improve a candidate’s score under the PSTQ.

Processing times under the PSTQ

Each step of the process has its own timelines.

After creating a profile and submitting an expression of interest in Arrima, no guaranteed timeframe applies for receiving an invitation.

Once invited to apply for a CSQ, average processing times are around 12 months, depending on the file.

After obtaining the CSQ, the permanent residence application is submitted federally. IRCC then estimates an average processing time of approximately 11 months.

Overall, the process can take close to two years, making it essential to plan ahead for solutions to maintain legal status in Canada throughout this period.

By contrast, Express Entry operates through regular draws: once a candidate reaches the required score, they may quickly receive an invitation and submit their application directly to IRCC, resulting in shorter and more predictable processing times.

For entrepreneurs: Business Immigration Programs

Quebec also offers programs for:

• investors;
• entrepreneurs;
• self‑employed workers.

More demanding in nature, these programs generally require applicants to be French‑speaking, of legal age, holders of at least a secondary or vocational diploma, and able to demonstrate substantial financial assets. They are intended for entrepreneurs wishing to combine a business project with long‑term settlement in Quebec.

Today, these programs represent the only options allowing direct immigration to Quebec from abroad.

In summary: which option is right for you?

There is no single right answer—only the strategy that best fits your profile.

Skilled workers, international graduates, families, entrepreneurs… each program has its own criteria, timelines, and requirements.

The right choice depends on your personal, professional, and linguistic situation.

Before getting started, take the time to carefully analyze your profile and do not hesitate to rely on official sources or a regulated immigration professional.

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