Canada PR from India: Complete Processing Timeline

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 09 Apr, 2024 | 05:04 PM]
About Author - 7 min read
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Express Entry is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada from India, with processing time within 6 months. The Express Entry processing time starts the day Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives your complete application and ends when they make a decision on it.

However, many steps are involved before and after this six-month timeline - which you must consider. That’s why, when it comes to applying for a Canada PR visa from India, patience is the key.

Processing Time for Canada PR from India via Express Entry

Mainly, three steps are involved when it comes to applying for a Canada PR visa from India:

1. Submitting your profile to the Express Entry pool

2. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR

3. Submitting a complete PR application

After you accept your ITA and submit a complete application with documents, a file is created in IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS) and IRCC receives your application. 

IRCC processes applications submitted through Express Entry within 6 months – which should not be confused with the overall time taken for the Canada PR process.

Canada PR process timeline: Complete Breakdown

Let’s take a look at each step involved in the Canada PR process from India:

Step 1: Checking eligibility for PR (10-15 minutes)

The first in the process of obtaining Canada PR from India is assessing eligibility. Express Entry assessment is a quick way to do this, which takes only 10-15 minutes, provided you have all the required information readily available.

Step 2: Educational Credential Assessment (up to 30 days)

It is important to get an educational credential assessment (ECA) done for foreign educational credentials to check if they’re equivalent to Canadian standards. The evaluation process could take up to 30 business days. It could take longer if your documents need further verification. 

Step 3: Language test

As an Indian applying for Canada PR, it is crucial to prove language proficiency in official Canadian languages, either English or French. Depending on the language you opt for, the timeline is as follows:

Accepted tests in Canada for English

• IELTS

Exam Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Results: For paper-based tests, your results would be available 13 days after your test date. For computer-based exams, the results will take 3-5 days.

• PTE Core

Exam Duration: 2 hours

Results: Typically, 2 days after the exam date.

• CELPIP

Exam Duration: 3 hours

Results: 3-4 business days after the exam date.

Accepted tests in Canada for French

• TEF

Exam Duration: 2 hours, 55 minutes

Results: 6-8 weeks after the exam date

• TCF

Exam Duration: 2 hours, 47 minutes

Results: Within 15 working days after the exam date.

Step 4: Express Entry profile creation (10-15 minutes)

After the language test, the next step is creating an Express Entry profile online – including your personal information, education, work experience, language test results, and other relevant details. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes maximum. 

Step 5: Receiving an ITA 

Once you’ve created your profile, you will enter into the Express Entry pool where you will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The time taken to receive an ITA depends on the score you obtained in the CRS score calculator.

The minimum CRS score required to apply for Canada PR from India according to the Express Entry latest draw is 338. There is no fixed score, but candidates with higher CRS scores have better chances. If your profile ranks high, you could receive an ITA within days to a few weeks after a draw. If not selected immediately, your profile stays active in the pool for 12 months.

Step 6: Submitting a complete application (60 days)

If you’re issued an ITA, submit a complete application for PR to the IRCC – within 60 days. Also, pay a biometric fee, $85. If there are any changes, notify the department before submitting the application. Failing to do so will deem your profile as “invalid”. To reapply, create an Express Entry profile.

Step 7: Application processing (5-6 months)

After submitting the PR application, it undergoes thorough review by IRCC. The standard processing time for Express Entry applications is around 6 months, but some PR applications may be processed in a shorter time frame (2-3 months) if they are straightforward and meet all the requirements.

If IRCC requests any additional documents or information, you must reply promptly, otherwise, the processing may be delayed.

Step 8: Biometrics (30 days)

If your application is complete, IRCC will send you a letter confirming the need to give your biometrics and where. You have 30 days from the date on the letter to give your biometrics.

Step 9: Medical Examination (30 days)

After you submit your complete application for PR, IRCC send you instructions on how to get your medical exam done. The exam is conducted by an IRCC-approved physician to ensure you meet the health requirements.

Step 10: Passport Request (10-15 days)

Once your permanent residence application is processed, IRCC will make a final decision on your application. If approved, you will be sent a “PPR” (Passport Request), meaning you have completed all the immigration process to Canada and now your passport is ready to get stamped.

Typically, this takes 10 to 15 days. However, in some cases, it can extend to more than 30 days. It also depends on how early you submit your biometrics.

Step 11: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (2-3 months)

After your passport is stamped, IRCC will send you a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document and a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).

Wait for the IRCC to provide instructions on how to proceed next before entering Canada.

If you’re interested in gaining permanent residence in Canada, it’s important to be familiar with how much time you might be investing in the Canada PR process – from start to finish.

While it typically takes 10-15 months to get Canada PR from India, you can even get your PR in a shorter time frame (7-8 months), depending on the completeness of your application.

All it takes is to understand the timeline for each step, which can help you manage your expectations and plan your Canada immigration journey effectively.

Need help?

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Read more: Fastest Ways to Immigrate to Canada from India in 2024