If you happen to be residing in Saudi Arabia and pondering for Canada PR for improved job opportunities, an enhanced quality of life, and a secure future, you’re not alone.
Thousands of families and individuals from all over the Gulf region make the move every year, and it’s easy to see why. Canada has earned a reputation worldwide as one of the friendliest and most opportunity-abundant countries in the world, especially for highly skilled immigrants.
Its robust economy, top-notch healthcare system, world-class education, and cosmopolitan society make it the perfect place for anyone who wants to begin a new life for themselves.
Why Choose Canada for Permanent Residency?
In 2025, the Canadian immigration system continues to be streamlined, transparent, and organized to recruit the top talent in the world.
For Saudis residing inside or outside Saudi Arabia—that is, citizens or expats—the most sought-after and effective method of achieving Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) is through the Express Entry scheme.
This is Canada’s points-based immigration system that evaluates candidates on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.
The process is very competitive, but for those who qualify, it is one of the fastest avenues to permanent residence, with processing times averaging anywhere from six to twelve months.
Step 1: Establish Your Eligibility
To start your journey to Canada PR from Saudi Arabia, the initial step is to establish your eligibility. You can determine this by utilizing Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator.
The CRS awards points based on factors such as your age (the younger, the better), educational background, professional experience, and language abilities in English or French.
The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Typically, successful applicants have scores above 470, though this can vary with each draw.
After you’ve checked your eligibility and approximated your CRS score, the next important step is to have your academic credentials evaluated through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
This procedure authenticates that your educational degrees and diplomas meet Canadian standards. The majority of applicants utilize World Education Services (WES), but there are other IRCC-approved agencies too.
This is a necessary step because without an authentic ECA, you’re not able to create an Express Entry profile.
Step 3: Demonstrate Your Language Ability (IELTS)
Once you have your ECA report, it’s now time to show your language ability by sitting for the IELTS General Training test. This is a required step, and the result you get plays an important role in your CRS ranking.
You should ideally score at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9, which can give you a substantial boost in your overall score.
Testing centers across Saudi Arabia, especially in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, have IELTS tests available all year round, so you can reserve at your own convenience.
Step 4: Make Your Express Entry Profile
Having your ECA and IELTS results, you can now make your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
This profile will be active for one year. Throughout this period, the system will rank your profile in the Express Entry pool with other candidates, and if your score is at or above the cutoff in a particular draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply.
It’s most advisable to continue tracking the Express Entry draws and enhance your CRS score meanwhile through additional work experience, boosting IELTS points, or undergoing a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Step 5: Apply for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Another suitable choice is for applicants whose CRS scores happen to be less, but a PNP opportunity offers them high scores.
Canadian provinces have all created their individual streams of a PNP program inviting applicants focused on specific areas and skillsets.
If you are eligible for a PNP and are nominated by a province, you get an extra 600 CRS points, which practically assures an ITA in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
Most sought-after provinces for PNPs are Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Numerous applicants from Saudi Arabia have been able to secure PR by tactfully using Express Entry along with a PNP nomination.
Step 6: Submit Your PR Application
Once you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete PR application within 60 days.
This application requires detailed documentation, including proof of work experience, police clearance certificates from both Saudi Arabia and your home country, medical examinations by IRCC-approved physicians, bank statements as proof of settlement funds, and biometric data.
It’s essential to ensure that all documents are accurate and up-to-date, as any discrepancies can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
How Much Will It Cost to Apply from Saudi Arabia?
The application cost for Canada PR from Saudi Arabia may differ based on your situation. Typically, it involves the cost of IELTS tests, ECA reports, medical tests, biometrics, and PR application itself.
For a single candidate, the fee is generally between SAR 7,000 and SAR 10,000, not including proof of funds, which is an additional requirement that demonstrates that you have enough money to settle in Canada.
For a lone individual, this is around SAR 47,000 or more depending on exchange rates and IRCC changes.
Application Support in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian applicants also have the benefit of a facility to process biometrics and medical checks through Canadian embassies and medical panels, which makes the logistics of processing the application easier.
Additionally, a substantial number of certified immigration consultants and agencies operate in Saudi Arabia, but make sure a registered and licensed consultant recognized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) provides the help you acquire.
Always apply through the official IRCC website, and steer clear of scams or agents guaranteeing PR since no one can affect your selection in the Express Entry system.
Other Immigration Channels for Saudi Residents
Besides the Express Entry and PNP paths, there are other channels such as the Atlantic Immigration Program and Family Sponsorship. The Atlantic Immigration Program is for candidates with job offers in the eastern Canadian provinces.
It is employer-sponsored and ideal for healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, and skilled tradespeople. Conversely, Family Sponsorship permits Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor immediate members of their family, including spouses, children, and parents.
This is a good alternative if you already have relatives living in Canada.
Prepare for Your Move to Canada
Preparation to relocate to Canada is not all about being eligible and paperwork.
It’s also about psychological and professional preparation. Think about acquiring new skills, learning about the Canadian labor market, creating a LinkedIn network with Canadian professionals, and getting an understanding of the Canadian work environment.
The more you prepare yourself, the easier it will be to adjust and thrive when you arrive in Canada.
How to Get Canada PR from Saudi Arabia
If you happen to be residing in Saudi Arabia and pondering for Canada PR for improved job opportunities, an enhanced quality of life, and a secure future, you’re not alone.
Thousands of families and individuals from all over the Gulf region make the move every year, and it’s easy to see why. Canada has earned a reputation worldwide as one of the friendliest and most opportunity-abundant countries in the world, especially for highly skilled immigrants.
Its robust economy, top-notch healthcare system, world-class education, and cosmopolitan society make it the perfect place for anyone who wants to begin a new life for themselves.
Why Choose Canada for Permanent Residency?
In 2025, the Canadian immigration system continues to be streamlined, transparent, and organized to recruit the top talent in the world.
For Saudis residing inside or outside Saudi Arabia—that is, citizens or expats—the most sought-after and effective method of achieving Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) is through the Express Entry scheme.
This is Canada’s points-based immigration system that evaluates candidates on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.
The process is very competitive, but for those who qualify, it is one of the fastest avenues to permanent residence, with processing times averaging anywhere from six to twelve months.
Step 1: Establish Your Eligibility
To start your journey to Canada PR from Saudi Arabia, the initial step is to establish your eligibility. You can determine this by utilizing Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator.
The CRS awards points based on factors such as your age (the younger, the better), educational background, professional experience, and language abilities in English or French.
The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Typically, successful applicants have scores above 470, though this can vary with each draw.
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Also Read: Key Differences Between Canada PNP and Express Entry
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Step 2: Get Your Education Assessed (ECA)
After you’ve checked your eligibility and approximated your CRS score, the next important step is to have your academic credentials evaluated through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
This procedure authenticates that your educational degrees and diplomas meet Canadian standards. The majority of applicants utilize World Education Services (WES), but there are other IRCC-approved agencies too.
This is a necessary step because without an authentic ECA, you’re not able to create an Express Entry profile.
Step 3: Demonstrate Your Language Ability (IELTS)
Once you have your ECA report, it’s now time to show your language ability by sitting for the IELTS General Training test. This is a required step, and the result you get plays an important role in your CRS ranking.
You should ideally score at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9, which can give you a substantial boost in your overall score.
Testing centers across Saudi Arabia, especially in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, have IELTS tests available all year round, so you can reserve at your own convenience.
Step 4: Make Your Express Entry Profile
Having your ECA and IELTS results, you can now make your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
This profile will be active for one year. Throughout this period, the system will rank your profile in the Express Entry pool with other candidates, and if your score is at or above the cutoff in a particular draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply.
It’s most advisable to continue tracking the Express Entry draws and enhance your CRS score meanwhile through additional work experience, boosting IELTS points, or undergoing a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Step 5: Apply for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Another suitable choice is for applicants whose CRS scores happen to be less, but a PNP opportunity offers them high scores.
Canadian provinces have all created their individual streams of a PNP program inviting applicants focused on specific areas and skillsets.
If you are eligible for a PNP and are nominated by a province, you get an extra 600 CRS points, which practically assures an ITA in the subsequent Express Entry draw.
Most sought-after provinces for PNPs are Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Numerous applicants from Saudi Arabia have been able to secure PR by tactfully using Express Entry along with a PNP nomination.
Step 6: Submit Your PR Application
Once you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete PR application within 60 days.
This application requires detailed documentation, including proof of work experience, police clearance certificates from both Saudi Arabia and your home country, medical examinations by IRCC-approved physicians, bank statements as proof of settlement funds, and biometric data.
It’s essential to ensure that all documents are accurate and up-to-date, as any discrepancies can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
How Much Will It Cost to Apply from Saudi Arabia?
The application cost for Canada PR from Saudi Arabia may differ based on your situation. Typically, it involves the cost of IELTS tests, ECA reports, medical tests, biometrics, and PR application itself.
For a single candidate, the fee is generally between SAR 7,000 and SAR 10,000, not including proof of funds, which is an additional requirement that demonstrates that you have enough money to settle in Canada.
For a lone individual, this is around SAR 47,000 or more depending on exchange rates and IRCC changes.
Application Support in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian applicants also have the benefit of a facility to process biometrics and medical checks through Canadian embassies and medical panels, which makes the logistics of processing the application easier.
Additionally, a substantial number of certified immigration consultants and agencies operate in Saudi Arabia, but make sure a registered and licensed consultant recognized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) provides the help you acquire.
Always apply through the official IRCC website, and steer clear of scams or agents guaranteeing PR since no one can affect your selection in the Express Entry system.
Other Immigration Channels for Saudi Residents
Besides the Express Entry and PNP paths, there are other channels such as the Atlantic Immigration Program and Family Sponsorship. The Atlantic Immigration Program is for candidates with job offers in the eastern Canadian provinces.
It is employer-sponsored and ideal for healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, and skilled tradespeople. Conversely, Family Sponsorship permits Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor immediate members of their family, including spouses, children, and parents.
This is a good alternative if you already have relatives living in Canada.
Prepare for Your Move to Canada
Preparation to relocate to Canada is not all about being eligible and paperwork.
It’s also about psychological and professional preparation. Think about acquiring new skills, learning about the Canadian labor market, creating a LinkedIn network with Canadian professionals, and getting an understanding of the Canadian work environment.
The more you prepare yourself, the easier it will be to adjust and thrive when you arrive in Canada.
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