Canada Permanent Residence
Table of Contents
The magnificent scenery, high standard of living, and rich cultural diversity of Canada draw people from all over the world who want to start new lives abroad. Many people’s first step towards realizing this desire is gaining Canada Permanent Residence (PR) status. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the intricate process of obtaining Canada Permanent Residence.
Canada Permanent Residence is a legal status that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis. It is not the same as Canadian citizenship, but it is a significant step toward it. PR holders enjoy most of the rights and benefits that Canadian citizens do.
Who is a Canadian Permanent Resident?
A permanent resident is someone who has been granted permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries; they can receive Canadian citizenship upon meeting a set of requirements. A person in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.
Permanent Residence in Canada signifies that you have been granted the privilege to live and work in the country without being a Canadian citizen. A person arriving living in Canada as skilled worker, student or sponsored, has a temporary status not a permanent residence. It’s a pathway to Canadian citizenship and offers numerous benefits,
Benefits of Canadian Permanent Residence
PR holders enjoy of the rights and benefits that Canadian citizens do. Obtaining Canada PR status comes with several benefits:
Access to Healthcare: PR holders are eligible for Canada’s public healthcare system, ensuring you and your family receive quality medical care.
Education Opportunities: PR holders have access to Canada’s excellent education system, including free primary and secondary education for children.
Work Freedom: You have the freedom to work for any Canadian employer without the need for a work permit.
Social Benefits: You can apply for various social benefits, including unemployment insurance and family allowances.
Family Sponsorship: You can apply to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to join you in Canada.
Path to Citizenship: After spending time as a PR holder, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Protected Rights: The rights of Canadian permanent residents are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
How to Become a Canadian Permanent Resident in 2023
Depending on the path you choose, there are different requirements and processes, so it’s vital to understand more and consider speaking with an immigration professional. Some of the pathways include:
Successful tradespeople applying through the Federal Skilled Trades Program are able to obtain Canadian permanent residence within six (6) months.
Eligible applicants do not have to show proof of settlement funds to the IRCC to support themselves financially upon securing permanent residence. At least 1 year of work experience is required.
If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, age 18 or over, you can sponsor certain family members to become Canadian permanent residents.
If a candidate is nominated through a PNP that is aligned with Express Entry, and Enhanced streams, you will receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
What is a Permanent Residence Card
A Canadian Permanent Resident Card is serves as an identification of a person’s PR Status. A PR card will be given to a person once their application for permanent residence in Canada has been approved or extended. Permanent residents can use the PR card to enter and go out of Canada, through flight, train, boat even bus.
What is the fee of a PR Card?
The cost of a permanent residence card is $50.
Permanent Residence Card Renewal
Most permanent residence cards have five years validity although occasionally PR cards are only valid for one year. If your permanent resident card has expired or expires in the next 9 months, it’s advised to renew it before you travel.
What is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is document that allows Canadian permanent resident to re-enter Canada when they outside Canada without a valid PR card or when their PR Card isn’t ready before they left Canada. A PRTD is normally only valid for one single entry. Once you return to Canada, you are required for your PR card.
What is the cost of a PRTD?
The fee of a Permanent resident travel document is $50. It’s processing time varies according to the time applied.
Canada Permanent Resident Eligibility
Anyone is allowed to apply for Canadian permanent residence status in but only those who meet requirements will be accepted. Some of the eligibility requirements for permanent residency included your:
- age
- level of education
- official language proficiency
- second official language
- Canadian work experience
How long must i stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status
To keep your permanent resident status an individual must physically reside in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period, unless they qualify for one of several exceptions. This is Canada’s residency obligation for permanent residents.
How many years out of the last 5 years must a permanent resident live in Canada to apply for citizenship?
A Permanent Residence holder must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before the date you apply for citizenship. IRCC advises individuals to apply with more than 1095 days of residing in Canada because not all days are considered equal when applying for when it comes to Canadian citizenship.
Is Canadian PR valid if you don't live in Canada for 5 years?
Yes, your PR status can be valid if you don’t live in Canada for 5 years under one condition – within the five years an individual is required to have been in Canada for at least 730 days. If the candidate hasn’t been in Canada for this amount of days then the PR status will no longer be valid. The permanent resident (PR) status will lost.
Can Canadian permanent residence be revoked?
Yes, the Canadian government may revoke your permanent resident status for one of the following reasons:
- serious criminality;
- if an individual achieved PR status by means of misrepresentation; or
- they are unable to meet their residency obligations
Can I renounce my permanent resident status
Yes, you can renounce your Canadian PR status. To do so, a PR holder must voluntarily submit an application to give up their permanent resident status.
Do I lose my permanent resident status when my PR card is expired?
No, when a Canadian permanent resident’s PR card expires, they don’t automatically lose their status because the PR card can be renewed. Your permanent resident status can only be lost through an official process.
Is permanent residence the same as citizenship?
No, it’s not. Canadian permanent residents are different from citizens and cannot obtain a Canadian passport or access other citizen privileges. Unlike citizens, PRs must fulfill specific requirements to maintain their status.