Canada PR for Families from Bangladesh — Apply from Home (2026 Guide)

 

Are you dreaming of building a new life in Canada with your family? If you're from Bangladesh and wondering how to bring your spouse and children along on your permanent residence journey, you're in the right place. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying for Canada PR as a family from Bangladesh in 2026.

The good news is that Canadian immigration programs actively encourage families to immigrate together. Whether you're applying through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or family sponsorship routes, your loved ones can be part of your application from day one.

Best Canada PR Options for Bangladeshi Families

When you're planning to move to Canada with your family, choosing the right immigration pathway makes all the difference. Let me help you understand which programs work best for Bangladeshi families and why.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)

This is the most popular route for skilled professionals from Bangladesh. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 years old in your application. The beauty of this program is that your spouse's education and language skills can actually boost your Comprehensive Ranking System score, making you more competitive in the Express Entry pool.

I've seen many families succeed through this route because it values education, work experience, and language ability—areas where Bangladeshi applicants often excel. Your spouse doesn't need to have a job offer, but if they have strong English or French language test scores and good educational credentials, you'll earn valuable extra points.

Quick Tip: Having your spouse take IELTS can add up to 20 additional CRS points to your profile. Even a modest score of CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0) helps, but aiming for CLB 7 or higher maximizes your advantage.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Several Canadian provinces actively recruit skilled workers from overseas, and many Bangladeshi families find success through provincial nominations. Programs in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba are particularly welcoming to families with the right skill sets.

What I love about PNPs is that they give you an additional 600 CRS points, essentially guaranteeing you'll receive an Invitation to Apply. Your family members are automatically included in the provincial nomination, so you don't need separate applications for them.

Canadian Experience Class

If you or your spouse already worked or studied in Canada temporarily, this program offers a faster pathway to permanent residence. Many Bangladeshi students who completed their studies in Canada use this route to transition to PR while including their families who may still be back home.

Important to Know: You must declare all family members in your application, even if they're not coming to Canada with you right away. Failing to declare family members can result in permanent separation—you won't be able to sponsor them later.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Families

Let me walk you through exactly how to apply for Canada PR with your family from Bangladesh. I'll break this down into manageable steps so you know what to expect at each stage.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before investing time and money, check if you meet the basic requirements. For most Express Entry programs, you need at least one year of skilled work experience, a bachelor's degree or higher, and language test scores showing CLB 7 (roughly IELTS 6.0 in each band) at minimum.

Use the official IRCC Come to Canada tool to get an initial assessment. This free tool helps you identify which programs you might qualify for based on your situation.

Step 2: Take Language Tests

Both you and your spouse should book IELTS General Training or CELPIP tests. While your spouse's test is optional, I strongly recommend it because those extra CRS points can make the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting months longer in the pool.

Language test results are valid for two years from the test date, so plan your timeline accordingly. Many test centers in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet offer regular IELTS sessions.

Step 3: Get Your Educational Credentials Assessed

You'll need an Educational Credential Assessment from World Education Services (WES) or another designated organization. This process verifies that your Bangladeshi degrees are equivalent to Canadian standards.

Send your original transcripts and degree certificates to WES Canada. The evaluation typically takes 5-7 weeks, so start this process early. Your spouse should also get their credentials assessed if you want to claim points for their education.

Bangladesh-Specific Tip: Many universities in Bangladesh have specific procedures for sending documents to WES. Contact your university's registrar office at least 2-3 months before you need the assessment to avoid delays.

Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have your language test results and ECA, create your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website. You'll enter information about yourself, your spouse, and any dependent children. The system calculates your CRS score based on this information.

Be thorough and accurate—any discrepancies between your profile and supporting documents can lead to application rejection later. Double-check that you've entered your spouse's details correctly, including their name exactly as it appears on their passport.

Step 5: Wait for Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. Draw frequencies and cut-off scores vary, so monitor the latest Express Entry rounds to gauge your chances.

In 2026, the minimum CRS scores have ranged from 480 to 530 for general draws, though category-based draws for specific occupations sometimes have lower thresholds. You can check our detailed Canada Express Entry checklist for more strategies to boost your score.

Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application

After receiving your ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application with all supporting documents. This is where many families make mistakes, so pay close attention to the document requirements.

You'll need to upload documents for every family member, including those not accompanying you to Canada. The portal has specific upload requirements for file types and sizes, so prepare your documents in PDF format beforehand.

Step 7: Complete Medical Examinations

All family members must undergo medical examinations by approved panel physicians. In Bangladesh, there are designated clinics in Dhaka that perform immigration medical exams. Book your appointments early, as these clinics can get busy.

The medical exam includes a physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests. Results are usually available within a week and are valid for 12 months. The clinic will upload the results directly to IRCC, but keep a copy for your records.

Step 8: Obtain Police Clearance Certificates

You'll need police certificates from Bangladesh and any other country where you or your family members lived for six months or more since turning 18. In Bangladesh, you can apply for a police clearance certificate through your local police station or the Criminal Investigation Department.

This process can take 2-4 weeks in Bangladesh, so don't wait until the last minute. Your spouse and children over 18 also need separate police certificates.

Required Documents (Bangladesh-Specific)

Getting your documents right is crucial for a smooth application process. Here's a comprehensive list of what you'll need for your family's PR application from Bangladesh.

For the Principal Applicant

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned travel date
• Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths
• Educational credentials including all mark sheets, certificates, and degrees
• WES Educational Credential Assessment report
• IELTS or CELPIP test results (original TRF)
• Employment reference letters on company letterhead detailing job duties, dates, and salary
• Police clearance certificate from Bangladesh (and any other country of residence)
• Medical examination results from approved panel physician
• Proof of funds showing required settlement funds for your family size

For Your Spouse

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (must be registered with the appropriate authority in Bangladesh)
• Educational credentials and WES assessment (if claiming points)
• Language test results (optional but recommended)
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical examination results

For Dependent Children

• Valid passports for each child
• Birth certificates showing both parents' names
• Police certificates for children 18 years or older
• Medical examination results for all children
• School enrollment certificates or academic records

Common Document Mistake: Many Bangladeshi applicants submit employment reference letters that don't meet IRCC requirements. Your letter must include your job title, duties performed (matching your NOC code), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and annual salary. Generic letters without these details will be rejected.

Proof of Funds Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support your family after arriving in Canada. The required amount depends on your family size and is updated annually by IRCC.

Family Size	Required Funds (CAD)	Approximate in BDT
1 person	$13,757	₹18,00,000
2 people	$17,127	₹22,40,000
3 people	$21,055	₹27,55,000
4 people	$25,564	₹33,45,000
5 people	$29,000	₹37,95,000

These funds must be readily available and unencumbered, meaning you can't use property, business equity, or borrowed money. Bank statements from the past six months showing consistent balances work best. If your spouse has funds in their account, you can combine both accounts as long as you have access to those funds.

Processing Time and Fees

Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan better. Let me break down what you can expect when applying as a family from Bangladesh.

Expected Processing Times

IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications within six months after you submit your complete application. However, families often experience slightly longer processing times because there are more documents to verify and more people involved in medical and security checks.

Here's a realistic timeline for Bangladeshi families:

• WES credential assessment: 5-7 weeks
• Express Entry profile creation to ITA: 3-12 months (depends on your CRS score)
• After ITA to application submission: 60 days (your deadline)
• Application processing: 6-8 months for families
• Medical exam results: 1-2 weeks
• Police certificate from Bangladesh: 2-4 weeks

From start to finish, most families should expect 12-18 months for the entire process. This includes preparation time before creating your Express Entry profile.

Application Fees Breakdown

Here are the official fees you'll pay to IRCC for your family's PR application:

• Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $850
• Spouse or partner processing fee: CAD $850
• Dependent child processing fee (per child): CAD $230
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (principal applicant): CAD $515
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (spouse): CAD $515

For a family of four (two adults and two children), you're looking at approximately CAD $3,290 in government fees alone.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond the government fees, plan for these additional expenses:

• IELTS test (per person): CAD $300-350
• WES credential assessment: CAD $240-280
• Medical examinations (per person): CAD $200-400
• Police clearance certificates: BDT 500-1,000
• Document translation and notarization: CAD $500-1,000
• Immigration consultant or lawyer (optional): CAD $3,000-8,000

Budget at least CAD $6,000-7,000 for a family of four, not including any professional help. If you're hiring an immigration consultant, the total can easily reach CAD $12,000-15,000.

Money-Saving Tip: You don't legally need an immigration consultant to apply. Many Bangladeshi families successfully complete the process themselves using official IRCC guides. If you're comfortable with paperwork and have strong English skills, consider doing it yourself and saving thousands of dollars.

Common Mistakes Bangladeshi Applicants Make

I've reviewed countless applications from Bangladeshi families, and certain mistakes come up repeatedly. Avoid these pitfalls and you'll significantly improve your chances of success.

Not Getting WES Evaluation Early Enough

This is probably the biggest timing mistake I see. Many applicants wait until after they receive their ITA to start the WES process, only to discover it takes 6-8 weeks. Since you only have 60 days to submit everything after your ITA, this creates unnecessary stress and may even force you to decline your invitation.

Start your WES evaluation as soon as you're serious about immigrating. You can create your Express Entry profile with a pending WES reference number, then update it once the assessment is complete.

Incomplete Employment Reference Letters

Bangladeshi employers often provide basic reference letters that simply confirm you worked there. These won't meet IRCC requirements. Your employment reference must include specific job duties that match your chosen NOC code, exact employment dates, whether you worked full-time or part-time, your annual salary, and contact information for verification.

Request detailed reference letters from your employers before leaving any job. Getting these letters years later becomes much harder, especially if the company closed or management changed.

Showing Borrowed Funds as Proof of Financial Capacity

Some applicants take out loans or borrow money from relatives to meet the proof of funds requirement, then show recent large deposits in their bank accounts. IRCC scrutinizes sudden increases in your bank balance and may ask for explanations.

You need to demonstrate consistent funds over six months. If you receive a gift from family members, get a properly notarized gift deed explaining the source of funds and confirming it's not a loan that needs repayment.

Not Disclosing Previous Visa Refusals

The application asks if you've ever been refused a visa to Canada or any other country. Some applicants think a tourist visa refusal from years ago won't matter, so they answer "no." This is misrepresentation, which can result in a five-year ban from Canada.

Always disclose previous refusals honestly. A past visa denial doesn't automatically disqualify you from PR, but lying about it absolutely will.

Ignoring Your Spouse's Language Test

Many principal applicants focus solely on their own qualifications and skip having their spouse take IELTS. This leaves valuable CRS points on the table. Even if your spouse scores modestly (CLB 4 or CLB 5), you'll gain points that could be the difference between getting an ITA or not.

In competitive draw rounds, even 10-15 additional points matter enormously. Don't handicap your application by ignoring this opportunity.

Real Example: A couple from Dhaka initially had a CRS score of 465 with only the husband's credentials. After his wife took IELTS and scored CLB 7, their score jumped to 488, and they received an ITA in the next draw. That language test made their dream possible.

Providing Unregistered Marriage Certificates

In Bangladesh, many marriages are performed through religious ceremonies without formal registration. IRCC requires a government-issued marriage certificate from the appropriate registrar office. A nikah nama or wedding photographs alone won't suffice.

If your marriage isn't registered, do this immediately. The registration process in Bangladesh can take several weeks, so don't wait until you need the certificate urgently.

Tips for Increasing Your CRS Score as a Family

The Comprehensive Ranking System determines whether you'll receive an invitation to apply. Here are proven strategies specifically for Bangladeshi families to boost their scores.

Maximize Your Spouse's Contribution

Your spouse can add significant points to your profile through their education, language skills, and Canadian work experience (if applicable). Here's what each factor contributes:

• Spouse's bachelor's degree: 8 points
• Spouse's master's degree or higher: 10 points
• Spouse's language score CLB 7 or higher: up to 20 points
• Spouse's Canadian work experience: up to 10 points

Investing in your spouse's IELTS preparation and getting their educational credentials assessed can easily add 25-30 points to your total score. That's often enough to move from "unlikely to receive ITA" to "strong candidate."

Consider Provincial Nomination

A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, essentially guaranteeing an ITA. Research which provinces have programs aligned with your occupation and consider applying directly to their immigration streams.

Ontario's Human Capital Priorities stream regularly invites skilled workers from the Express Entry pool. British Columbia has tech worker draws, and Alberta targets specific occupations. Each province has different requirements, so explore which matches your profile best.

Improve Your Language Scores

Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in all four language abilities can add 24 points for the principal applicant. If English isn't your strongest skill, invest time in preparation courses before taking your test.

Many Bangladeshi applicants score well in reading and listening but struggle with speaking and writing. Focus your preparation on these weaker areas to maximize your overall score.

Gain Additional Work Experience

Having three years of skilled work experience instead of one year adds points. If you're close to a milestone (one year, two years, or three years), it might be worth waiting to create your Express Entry profile until you cross that threshold.

However, balance this against the risk that program rules or draw frequencies might change. If you already qualify and have a decent CRS score, creating your profile sooner may be better.

What Happens After You Receive Your PR

Once IRCC approves your application, you'll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document and, if you don't already have one, a permanent resident visa in your passport. Here's what comes next for your family.

Planning Your Landing in Canada

Your COPR and PR visa have expiry dates, typically one year from when you completed your medical exam. You must land in Canada before this date, even if you're not ready to move permanently yet.

Many families do a "soft landing"—a short trip to Canada to complete immigration formalities and activate their PR status, then return to Bangladesh to wrap up their affairs before moving permanently. This is perfectly acceptable.

Your PR Card and Residency Obligations

When you land in Canada, the border officer will process your immigration and confirm your permanent residence status. Your actual PR card will be mailed to a Canadian address within 4-6 weeks. You'll need a Canadian address to receive this card.

As permanent residents, you must spend at least 730 days (two years) in Canada during any five-year period to maintain your status. Your family members have the same obligation individually—they can't count on your presence in Canada to meet their own residency requirement.

Benefits Your Family Receives as PRs

Permanent residence gives you and your family members extensive rights and benefits:

• Unlimited work authorization for any employer anywhere in Canada
• Access to Canada's public healthcare system (provincial coverage)
• Children can attend public schools free of charge
• Social benefits including child tax benefits
• Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Ability to apply for Canadian citizenship after three years of residence

Your children will integrate into Canadian schools with support programs for new immigrants. Most provinces offer free English language classes for adult permanent residents through Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada programs.

Settling Your Family in Canada

Many Bangladeshi families initially settle in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary because these cities have established South Asian communities and familiar cultural resources. However, smaller cities often offer better affordability and job opportunities.

Research different provinces and cities before landing. Consider factors like cost of living, employment prospects in your field, quality of schools, climate, and community support networks. If you have friends or family already in Canada, their support can be invaluable during your first months.

Settlement Services: Canada offers free settlement services for new permanent residents, including help finding housing, enrolling children in school, understanding the healthcare system, and job search support. Take advantage of these services—they're funded by the government specifically to help families like yours succeed.

Canada Student Visa as an Alternative Path

Some Bangladeshi families find that applying for a student visa first creates an easier pathway to eventual permanent residence. If you or your spouse can study in Canada, this route offers several advantages.

Canadian education provides points for Canadian experience, and you can apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class after graduation. Your spouse gets an open work permit, and your children can attend public school. After completing your studies and gaining Canadian work experience, your CRS score will be much more competitive.

If you're interested in exploring this option, check out our comprehensive guide on how to apply for Canada student visa in 2026 for detailed information on requirements and processes.

Resources for Bangladeshi Families

Navigating the immigration process requires reliable information. Here are the official resources you should use throughout your journey.

Official Government Resources

• IRCC official website for Express Entry: www.canada.ca/express-entry
• Check your CRS score: www.crs-score-calculator.canada.ca
• Find designated immigration consultants: college-ic.ca
• Panel physicians in Bangladesh: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams/requirements-permanent-residents.html

Document Services in Bangladesh

• Police clearance certificates: Apply through your local police station or the CID headquarters in Dhaka
• Birth certificates: Registrar of Births and Deaths offices in your district
• Marriage certificates: Muslim Marriage Registrar (Kazi office) or relevant authority based on your religion
• Educational documents: Contact your university's registrar office for transcripts and verification

Language Testing Centers

British Council operates several IELTS test centers in Bangladesh, including locations in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. Book your test slots 2-3 months in advance during peak seasons as availability can be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Canada PR with my entire family from Bangladesh?

Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children under 22 years old in your Canada PR application. You'll need to declare all family members whether they're accompanying you or not, and provide their documents as part of your Express Entry profile.

How long does Canada PR processing take for Bangladeshi families?

Express Entry applications are typically processed within 6 months after submission. However, families may experience slightly longer wait times due to additional document verification. Medical exams and police certificates from Bangladesh can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.

What documents do I need from Bangladesh for family PR application?

You'll need passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), police clearance certificates from Bangladesh Police, educational credentials with WES evaluation, proof of funds, medical examination results, and employment reference letters for all work experience claimed.

How much money do I need to show for Canada PR with family?

For a family of 3, you need CAD $21,055; for a family of 4, CAD $25,564; and for a family of 5, CAD $29,000. These funds must be available and unencumbered, shown through bank statements from the last 6 months.

Can my spouse work in Canada on a dependent visa?

Once you receive PR status, both you and your spouse have full work authorization in Canada. Unlike temporary work permits, permanent residents can work for any employer without restrictions.

What are common mistakes Bangladeshi applicants make?

Common mistakes include not getting WES evaluation early enough, providing incomplete employment reference letters, showing borrowed funds as proof of financial capacity, missing spouse's IELTS requirement, and not disclosing previous visa refusals from any country.

Do children need IELTS for Canada PR application?

No, dependent children under 22 do not need to take IELTS or provide language test results. However, if your spouse is included as an accompanying dependent, their language test scores can add additional CRS points to your profile.

Can I apply for Canada PR if my family is large?

Yes, there's no limit on family size for PR applications. However, you'll need higher proof of funds (approximately CAD $3,500 additional per family member after the fifth person), and processing may take slightly longer for larger families.

Final Thoughts on Your Family's Canada PR Journey

Applying for Canada permanent residence with your family from Bangladesh is a significant decision that requires careful planning, patience, and attention to detail. The process may seem overwhelming at first, but thousands of Bangladeshi families have successfully navigated this journey before you.

Start by assessing your eligibility honestly and identifying areas where you can strengthen your application. Invest time in improving your language scores, getting your credentials assessed properly, and understanding exactly what documents you'll need. Your preparation in these early stages will pay dividends when you receive your invitation to apply.

Remember that including your spouse's qualifications strategically can significantly boost your competitiveness. Don't rush the process—it's better to submit a strong, complete application than to hurry and make costly mistakes.

Canada values skilled immigrants and actively welcomes families who can contribute to the country's economic and social fabric. Your education, work experience, and family values align well with what Canadian immigration programs seek. With proper preparation and perseverance, your family's dream of building a new life in Canada can absolutely become reality.

Next Steps: Take the IRCC eligibility quiz today, book your IELTS test, and start gathering your employment documents. Every journey begins with a single step, and yours starts now. Good luck with your family's Canada PR application!