Canada PR requirements for UAE Expats - Are you eligible?

Surya Rathee
[Published 07 Apr, 2025 | 04:24 PM]
About Author - 6 min read
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Canada, may the most popular, immigration destinations - for skilled workers, students, and families across the world, including many expats living in the UAE. With its high quality of life - excellent healthcare and education system - and strong job market, the Great White North offers a fresh start and a promising future. If you're an expat living in the UAE and planning to apply for Canada PR, this guide is for you.

Check Your Eligibility for Canada PR

Choosing the right Canada PR program

There are several immigration pathways to apply for Canada PR. As an expat in the UAE, the most common options include:

• Express Entry System
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Family Sponsorship
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program
• Start-Up Visa (for entrepreneurs)

Among these, the Express Entry system is the most popular and fastest route for skilled professionals.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry

Launched back in 2015, the Express Entry system is Canada’s primary source for economic immigration. It currently manages three main programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

As an expat in the UAE, you’ll most likely qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Here's what you’ll need:

Work Experience

You need at least one year - of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience - in the last 10 years in an eligible occupation (classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification - NOC list).

Language Proficiency

You must prove your English or French skills by taking a language test. The accepted tests include IELTS General Training (for English), CELPIP General, and TEF or TCF (for French). You need a minimum CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark), which is 6.0 bands in each section of IELTS.

Education

You must have completed at least a post-secondary education (like a diploma, degree, or equivalent). Foreign credentials must be verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from approved agencies like WES.

Proof of Funds

You need to show that you have enough money to settle in Canada. The amount depends on the number of family members. You don’t need to show proof of funds if you already have a valid job offer in Canada.

How does the Express Entry System work?

Once you meet all the basic requirements, you can create your profile in the Express Entry pool. You’ll be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on:

• Age
• Education
• Work Experience
• Language Skills
• Job Offer (if any) (No longer valid)
• Canadian education or experience (if any)
• Spouse’s credentials (if applicable)

Applicants with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for PR through regular draws conducted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada). If your CRS score is low, you can explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which can add 600 extra points to your CRS.

CRS SCORE CALCULATOR

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Each Canadian province (except Quebec and Nunavut) has its own immigration program that targets specific skill sets. Some popular provinces for UAE expats include:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

If you meet a province's specific labour market needs, you can apply for nomination. Once nominated, you get 600 extra CRS points, almost guaranteeing your PR invitation.

Documents Required for Canada PR from UAE

Here are some of the key documents you’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Language test results (IELTS/TEF)
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Work experience letters
• Proof of funds (bank statements, etc.)
• Medical exam (after ITA)
• Police clearance certificate from UAE and any other country where you’ve lived for 6+ months
• Job offer letter (if any)
• Marriage certificate (if applying with spouse)

After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll be required to undergo a medical exam by a panel physician and submit police clearance certificates. These ensure that you’re in good health and have no criminal background.

Processing Time for Canada PR from UAE

The average processing time for Express Entry applications is 6 to 8 months, depending on the profile and the program. PNP applications may take slightly longer - 9 to 12 months in some cases.

Applying for Canada PR from the UAE is a big but achievable step. With the right planning, documentation, and guidance, you can successfully move to Canada and build a great future for yourself and your family. If you’re unsure where to start or want professional assistance, get in touch with our ICCRC-registered Canada PR consultants in UAE, who can guide you every step of the way - from profile evaluation to final visa approval.

Read more:- Express Entry vs. PNP - Which is better?