Immigrating to Canada from Cameroon: permanent residence step by step

What is permanent residence?

A permanent resident can live, work and study anywhere in Canada, and may later apply for citizenship if they meet the requirements. For qualified candidates living in Cameroon, the most common route is economic immigration, largely managed through the Express Entry system of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Express Entry: how it works

Express Entry is not a program but an application management system. You create an online profile; if it is eligible for one of the federal programs, it enters a pool of candidates and receives a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). IRCC holds regular rounds of invitations: invited candidates then have a limited time to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

Three federal programs are managed through Express Entry:

• the Federal Skilled Worker Program, for people with skilled work experience, including outside Canada;
• the Canadian Experience Class, for those who have already worked in Canada;
• the Federal Skilled Trades Program, for certain skilled trades.

What makes up your score

The CRS score takes into account your age, level of education, work experience, French and English skills and, where applicable, your spouse’s profile. Language tests carry a lot of weight: preparing well for the TEF Canada or TCF Canada can earn you many points.

IRCC also holds category-based rounds of invitations, including one for candidates with strong French skills: a real advantage for many French-speaking Cameroonians.

Documents to prepare

• a valid passport;
• results of a language test accepted by IRCC: TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French, IELTS General Training, CELPIP or PTE Core for English;
• an educational credential assessment (ECA) for diplomas obtained outside Canada;
• detailed employment letters: duties, period, hours and salary;
• proof of sufficient funds, when the program requires it;
• police certificates and a medical exam, requested when you apply for permanent residence.

The exact list depends on your profile and the program: we confirm it when we review your file.

Other pathways to Canada

Provinces and territories also select candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), sometimes linked to Express Entry. Quebec has its own selection system. Finally, a study permit or a work permit often lets you gain Canadian experience that later makes permanent residence easier.

How long does it take?

You first need to gather your documents (language test, credential assessment), which often takes several months. After an invitation, IRCC publishes up-to-date processing times on its website. On average, a well-prepared permanent residence project takes 6 to 8 months, but every case is different.

What FTGroup does for you

• an honest review of your profile and of the most suitable program;
• TEF Canada or TCF Canada preparation with Innov Académie;
• help with your credential assessment application;
• a check of every document and of the consistency of your file;
• follow-up until the decision, then your flight ticket and insurance for departure.