Canada permanent residence from Cameroon: Express Entry and Arrima
Canada · About 66 weeks with us, as an indication: it depends on your file and on the authorities.
To settle in Canada for good, Express Entry is the main route for skilled workers. It manages three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class. From Cameroon, the first one usually applies.
You create an online profile, get a CRS score out of 1,200, and IRCC regularly invites the highest-ranked profiles to apply for permanent residence. Québec has its own system: the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), with an expression of interest in Arrima.
We assess your profile, estimate your score and prepare the tests, credential assessment and documents with you. The profile and the application are submitted by you, from your account.
Who is it for?
- Graduates with at least one year of skilled work experience.
- French speakers: French counts in the score and some rounds target strong French speakers.
- Couples and families who want to immigrate together.
- Students and workers already in Canada aiming for permanent residence.
- People aiming for Québec, through the PSTQ and Arrima.
The main conditions
- At least one year of continuous paid skilled work experience (or 1,560 hours) in the last ten years, in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation.
- An approved language test with at least CLB 7 in all four abilities: TEF Canada or TCF Canada in French, IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core in English.
- An educational credential assessment (ECA) from a designated organization for education completed outside Canada.
- At least 67 out of 100 points on the skilled worker selection grid.
- Enough settlement funds according to the official chart, unless you have a valid job offer and are authorized to work in Canada.
- Be admissible to Canada: criminal record, health, truthful declarations.
- For Québec: meet the PSTQ criteria and submit an expression of interest in Arrima.
How long does it take?
How long it takes depends on the rounds of invitations, which are never guaranteed, then on IRCC processing times: check the official processing times page (in the sources).
The steps
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Eligibility assessment
Documents to prepare
- Language test results
- Diplomas and certificates
- Proof of work experience
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Express Entry / Arrima profile
Documents to prepare
- Educational credential assessment (ECA)
- Proof of funds
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Invitation to apply
Documents to prepare
- Invitation to apply (ITA)
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Preparing the documents
Documents to prepare
- Police certificate
- Medical exam
- Birth certificate
- Reference letters
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Submitting the PR application
Documents to prepare
- IRCC acknowledgement
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Biometrics
Documents to prepare
- Biometrics instruction letter
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Processing
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Confirmation of permanent residence
Documents to prepare
- Confirmation of permanent residence (COPR)
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Landing in Canada
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Permanent resident card
Documents to prepare
- PR card
Fees are discussed at the appointment, depending on your situation.
What we check with you
- Your primary occupation and its NOC code: it must match your actual duties, not your job title.
- Your reference letters: duties, dates, hours per week and salary, signed by the employer.
- The validity of your results: language test under two years old, ECA under five years old, both when you create the profile and when you apply.
- Your funds: official letters from each bank, with current and six-month average balances; borrowed money does not count.
- Common refusal reasons: poorly documented experience, profile details that differ from the documents, non-compliant proof of funds, expired documents.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my CRS score?
Our estimator gives you an indicative score in two minutes. The official score is calculated by IRCC in your Express Entry profile, from your results and documents. The two can differ if an answer is imprecise.
Which language test should I take from Cameroon?
In French, TEF Canada or TCF Canada. In English, IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core. A test in your second official language can add points. Results must be less than two years old.
Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?
Not for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. A valid offer, with authorization to work in Canada, exempts you from proof of funds. IRCC has announced changes to the points for job offers starting November 3, 2026.
Is Québec part of Express Entry?
No. Québec selects its skilled workers through the PSTQ: a free expression of interest in Arrima, an invitation, then a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ). The federal permanent residence application comes after that.
What happens after an invitation to apply?
You have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application, with no extension. So prepare your documents before the invitation: police certificate, reference letters, proof of funds. Biometrics and the medical exam come next.
Is ALORIA an authorized representative before IRCC?
In Canada, anyone paid to represent you before IRCC must be authorized: a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, a lawyer in good standing with a Canadian law society, or a Québec notary. Our role is to help you prepare: guidance, profile assessment, building and checking the file with you, biometrics preparation and follow-up. The application is submitted by you, in your name. If your file calls for an authorized representative, we tell you so.