Timelines for PR process...When should I apply ?

[abhi101]

Hello,

I am in very much pre-planning for Canada PR. It is long term planning for me, so I want to understand timelines of whole process. I am working as Senior Consultant in IT (UNIX), so I have option to go with express entry. As of now, I am on H1B in US and will not be going to Canada till March 2017.
1- I am assuming that PR process may take 12 months. If I start process now, I may get PR by August 2016. Am I correct ?
2- How long I can delay before I arrive on Canada land ? In few posts, I read that I can enter in Canada till Medical validity. Usually, they give medical for how long ?
3- Just in case, if I stay in US on H1B for little longer and my medical is going to expire, will I have option to do re-medical ?
4- If not, I (with my wife) can go to Canada on PR and complete process (if there are any). How long does this process takes ?
This all planning will help me to decide, when should I apply and when should I reach.
Please advice.

Regards

 

[Asivad Anac]

Everything depends on your projected CRS which has some time-dependent elements so you'll have to figure out when your CRS maximizes and apply accordingly. Getting an ITA doesn't guarantee the PR in 6 months - it can take longer than that. CIC promises a turnaround time of 6 months for 80% applications only.

You'll need to land once in Canada before your medicals expire (their validity is 1 year). Extension maybe allowed on CIC's discretion. To maintain your PR status, you will need to stay in Canada for at least 2 of the next 5 years from the date of getting your PR status.

All of these are based on current rules and can change at any time.