Canadian Permanent Residency Lawyer
Understanding Canada’s permanent residency pathways is the first step toward building your future here. Ayodele Law offers trusted PR guidance for clients in Toronto and across Canada, with accessible legal support near you at every stage of the application
What is Canadian permanent residency?
Canadian permanent residency gives you the right to live, work, and study in Canada long-term and access many benefits available to residents, while maintaining your original citizenship. However, PR applications are detail-heavy and unforgiving—missing documents, incorrect work history, weak evidence, or misunderstandings about program rules can lead to delays or refusal. Our PR lawyers help you choose the right pathway and build an application that meets IRCC requirements from the start.
Canada’s permanent residency pathways (what this guide covers):
Canada offers multiple PR programs, and the “best” one depends on your background, work experience, and long-term plans. This guide covers the most common routes to permanent residence, including:
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) (Ontario, Alberta, BC, and other provinces/territories)
Family sponsorship-based PR (for eligible family relationships)
Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) pathways in special circumstances
PR after a refusal (strategy, re-application planning, or judicial review where applicable)
If you’re unsure which PR stream fits your profile, we can assess your options and recommend the most realistic route based on eligibility and risk.
Who can apply for permanent residency in Canada?
Eligibility depends on the program you apply under, but PR applicants commonly qualify if they:
Have skilled work experience (in Canada or abroad, depending on the program)
Meet language requirements (English and/or French)
Have an educational background that meets program requirements (or an ECA where needed)
Can show settlement funds where required
Can pass medical, criminal, and security screening (admissibility)
Some programs require a job offer; many do not. Some PR applications are straightforward, while others involve complications like refusals, gaps in status, or inadmissibility concerns—those should be addressed strategically before submitting.
Step-by-step guide: How to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Confirm Your Best PR Pathway | Identify the most realistic permanent residence program for your profile, such as Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, or another PR pathway, and confirm you meet eligibility requirements. |
| ✅ Gather Key Eligibility Documents Early | Prepare language test results, education documents (including an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if required), passports, and complete work history details before building your PR application. |
| ✅ Build Your PR Profile or Application | Create and submit your PR profile or application correctly (for example, an Express Entry profile or provincial application) and ensure all information is accurate, complete, and consistent. |
| ✅ Collect Supporting Evidence | Compile strong proof of work experience (reference letters, pay records), education, language ability, and settlement funds where required by the PR program. |
| ✅ Submit Your PR Application Correctly and on Time | If invited to apply (for example, after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)), submit your complete permanent residence application with all required forms, fees, and documents before the deadline. |
| ✅ Complete Biometrics, Medical Exams, and Police Checks | Provide biometrics when requested, complete an IRCC-approved medical examination, and submit police certificates for each country where required. |
| ✅ Respond to IRCC Requests Quickly | Respond promptly and carefully to any IRCC requests for additional documents or clarification to reduce delays or the risk of refusal. |
| ✅ Decision and Next Steps | If approved, you will receive confirmation and complete landing and PR card steps. If refused, options such as reapplication or judicial review may be available depending on the reason for refusal. |
What can complicate a permanent residence application?
Common issues that delay or lead to refusals include:
Inconsistent or weak work experience evidence (reference letters that don’t match duties, missing details, incorrect TEER/NOC alignment)
Missing or expired language test results or ECAs
Proof of funds concerns or unsupported finances
Prior immigration refusals, overstays, or misrepresentation issues
Criminal inadmissibility, medical issues, or incomplete police certificates
Rushed submissions that lead to errors, omissions, or mismatched information across forms
If your PR application is refused, your next steps depend on the program and refusal reason—some cases require rebuilding and reapplying, while others may involve judicial review timelines
Tips for a strong PR application
Choose the right pathway first—don’t force a program that doesn’t fit your facts
Keep your documents consistent (names, dates, addresses, employment timelines)
Use strong work letters with duties that align with the correct TEER/NOC
Provide certified translations for non-English/French documents
Respond quickly and carefully to IRCC requests
Get legal review early if your case involves refusals, inadmissibility, or status issues
Why choose Ayodele Law for your permanent residency application
Applying for permanent residence in Canada sees many strong applications refused due to strategy errors, missing evidence, or misunderstanding program requirements. At Ayodele Law, we provide clear, structured legal guidance for permanent residency pathways including Express Entry, family sponsorship, and other PR programs—helping clients in Toronto and across Canada submit accurate, well-supported applications designed to reduce risk and move their immigration goals forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications involve complex legal, factual, and humanitarian considerations. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from individuals and families considering an H&C application in Canada. If your situation involves removal, inadmissibility, or children, early legal advice can be critical.
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Canadian permanent resident status allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely, as long as you meet residency obligations. Permanent residents have access to healthcare and most social benefits but are not Canadian citizens and cannot vote or hold certain government positions. Maintaining PR status requires physical presence in Canada for at least 730 days in every five-year period.
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There are multiple pathways to permanent residence in Canada, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, business immigration, and humanitarian applications. Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria, timelines, and risks. Choosing the right program depends on your work history, education, family ties, and immigration history.
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A job offer is not required for all permanent residence programs. Many Express Entry candidates qualify without a job offer, while some Provincial Nominee Programs and employer-driven streams do require one. A lawyer can help assess whether a job offer would strengthen your application or if other options are available.
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Yes, many applicants apply for permanent residence from inside Canada while holding valid temporary status. Programs such as Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class, and certain PNP streams are designed for individuals already working or studying in Canada. Maintaining valid status during processing is important, and additional steps may be needed if your permit is expiring.
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Yes, criminal convictions, misrepresentation, or past immigration violations can affect your eligibility for permanent residence. However, these issues do not always mean refusal—options such as criminal rehabilitation, Temporary Resident Permits, or humanitarian considerations may be available. Legal assessment is especially important in complex or high-risk cases.
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Yes. While Ayodele Law is based in Toronto, we assist permanent residence applicants across Canada through secure virtual consultations. Working with an immigration lawyer near you allows you to receive personalized legal guidance regardless of where you live, without needing to attend in-person meetings.
From Our Clients“We came to Ayodele Law when we lost all hope. With the help of God and their legal knowledge we got a positive response and our daughter’s request was granted. Ayodele Law are the go to lawyer on all immigration matters.”
Contact us
In person or virtual consultations available. Your case is important to us. We will get back to you within 24 hours of your submission.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday | 10am - 5pm
Telephone: 647-937-4330
Fax: 416-486-7747
Email: admin@ayodelelaw.ca