By Journal Frame | June 2025
“I Did It All Myself — And You Can Too”
I still remember the moment I saw the email: “Your Permanent Residence application has been approved.”
No agent. No consultant. Just me, my laptop, and a whole lot of late nights.
If you’re an Indian hoping to settle in Canada, you might be overwhelmed by expensive agents promising fast PR. I get it. But the truth is — you don’t need one.
In 2025, the Canadian immigration system is more transparent and DIY-friendly than ever before.
Here’s my exact step-by-step guide, with everything I learned the hard way — so you don’t have to.
Step 1: Know Your PR Pathway (Express Entry or PNP?)
I applied through Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Before that, I also looked at:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs like Ontario and Alberta)
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Canadian Experience Class (for those who study/work in Canada)
Tip: Visit www.canada.ca and take the official eligibility quiz.
Step 2: Calculate Your CRS Score
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score decides everything.
I used the official calculator and learned what boosts scores:
- Age (best if you’re under 30)
- IELTS or CELPIP English test
- Education (WES evaluation is a must)
- Work experience
- Spouse’s education/IELTS (optional but useful)
My initial CRS was 457. Not bad, but not the best.
Step 3: Take IELTS Seriously
I thought I knew English — until I saw IELTS mock tests.
After 3 weeks of prep, I scored:
- Listening: 8.5
- Reading: 8
- Writing: 7
- Speaking: 7.5
That alone gave my score a big boost.
Step 4: Get WES Credential Evaluation
I submitted my B.Com degree to WES (World Education Services).
It took about 30 days, and the Canadian equivalent came out as:
“Bachelor’s Degree – 4 years.”
This step is often underestimated, but without it, you can’t even enter the pool.
Step 5: Entering the Express Entry Pool
I created my profile on the official site (no third-party platforms!).
Once my IELTS and WES were ready, I entered the Express Entry pool.
CRS after IELTS + WES: 478
I got the ITA (Invitation to Apply) in the very next draw.
Step 6: Documents & Application
Here’s what I needed to upload:
- Passport
- IELTS score
- WES report
- Work experience letters
- Proof of funds (bank letter + 6 months statement)
- Police clearance certificate
- Digital photo (as per spec)
No scanned papers from agents. All original documents, carefully checked.
Step 7: Biometrics & Waiting Game
After submission, I was asked to visit the VFS center for biometrics.
Then came the hardest part: waiting.
Total processing time: 5 months.
I tracked updates using GCKey and IRCC webforms — yes, you can do it yourself!
The Approval Email
At 11:04 AM on a Thursday morning, I got the golden mail:
“Confirmation of Permanent Residence”
No agent took credit. No ₹1.5 lakh paid to a consultant.
Just pure happiness — and a reminder that you are capable.
Would I Recommend Going Agent-Free? Absolutely.
But… only if:
- You’re willing to research patiently
- You can follow government guidelines
- You’re okay with paperwork
- You’re not rushing the process
Helpful Links:
Final Thoughts
In 2025, getting Canadian PR as an Indian is very doable — even without paying middlemen.
Yes, it’s a long road. But when you finally walk out of the airport with your COPR in hand, you’ll know it was worth every step.
