Canada continues to be one of the most popular immigration destinations for skilled professionals and students from Pakistan. With a stable economy, free healthcare, high living standards, and immigrant-friendly policies, Canada’s Permanent Residency (PR) is a highly sought-after status.
If you’re wondering how to apply for Canada PR from Pakistan in 2025, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything — from eligibility and documentation to the actual application process.
🇨🇦 What is Canada PR?
Canada PR (Permanent Residency) allows a foreign national to:
- Live, work, and settle anywhere in Canada
- Access healthcare and social services
- Apply for citizenship after 3–5 years
- Sponsor family members
✅ It is not a visa — it is legal permanent status.
🧾 Step-by-Step Canada PR Application Process for Pakistanis
🔹 Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You can apply under one of these programs:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker is most common)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Family Sponsorship
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
🎯 Most Pakistanis apply through Express Entry or PNP.
🔹 Step 2: Take the IELTS Test
English Language proficiency is mandatory.
| Module | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Listening | 6.0 – 8.5 |
| Reading | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Writing | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Speaking | 6.0 – 7.5 |
💡 For more points, aim for CLB 9 (IELTS 8777)
🔹 Step 3: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Your Pakistani degrees must be verified by a Canadian authority like:
- WES (World Education Services)
- IQAS
- CES
Processing Time: 20–35 days
Cost: $220–$250 CAD
🔹 Step 4: Create Express Entry Profile (If Applicable)
Go to IRCC Express Entry Portal and create your profile.
You’ll need:
- IELTS result
- ECA report
- Passport
- Job experience
- Proof of funds (bank certificate)
Your profile is given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1200.
🔹 Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score (If Needed)
Ways to boost your score:
- Spouse IELTS
- Provincial Nomination (+600 points)
- Sibling in Canada (+15 points)
- French language test
- Canadian job offer
✅ PNP is a great option if CRS is below 470.
🔹 Step 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected in the Express Entry draw, you’ll get an ITA. This means you can now apply for PR officially.
📅 Express Entry draws happen bi-weekly. Keep checking updates.
🔹 Step 7: Submit PR Application
After receiving ITA, submit:
- Police clearance
- Medical exam results
- All supporting documents
- Proof of funds
- Digital photo and biometrics
✅ Use Form IMM 0008 & Schedule A
✅ Pay PR application fee: $1,365 CAD
🔹 Step 8: Wait for PR Approval
Processing Time (as of 2025):
- Express Entry: 6–8 months
- PNP: 12–16 months
You’ll receive:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- PR Visa stamped in your passport
🔹 Step 9: Land in Canada
After approval, fly to Canada within the deadline on your visa.
- At the port of entry, show your COPR and passport
- Your PR Card will arrive by mail within 1–3 months
🎉 Congratulations! You are now a Canadian Permanent Resident
💰 Proof of Funds (2025 Requirement)
| Family Members | Minimum Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
Must be in your own bank account, maintained for at least 6 months
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using expired IELTS or ECA report
- Providing fake experience letters
- Misrepresenting information (can lead to 5-year ban)
- Not updating profile when something changes
- Applying without checking your CRS score
🧠 Final Thoughts
Applying for Canada PR from Pakistan in 2025 is absolutely possible — if you follow the steps correctly and prepare in advance. Thousands of Pakistanis have already made this journey through Express Entry and PNP.
✅ Start with your IELTS
✅ Get your degrees assessed
✅ Plan your financials
✅ And keep checking Express Entry draws regularly