PR (Permanent Residency)

A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries.

A person in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.

Refugees who are resettled from overseas become permanent residents through the Government-Assisted Refugee Program or the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

Someone who makes a refugee claim in Canada does not become a permanent resident at that time. To become one, the Immigration and Refugee Board must first approve their claim. Then, they must apply for and get permanent resident status.

What Permanent Residents Can Do

As a permanent resident, you have the right to:

Get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage
Live, work or study anywhere in Canada
Apply for Canadian citizenship
Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

What Permanent Residents CanNOT Do

You are not allowed to:

Vote or run for political office
Hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance

5 Main Categories for Canadian Permanent Residents

Express Entry - for immigrants who can fill jobs where there is a lack of available skilled Canadian workers

Business Immigration - for immigrants and newcomers who have experience in owning, managing, or investing in businesses

Family Class Immigration - Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members to immigrate to Canada

Canadian Experience Class - an immigration program aimed to help temporary foreign workers and foreign students to apply their work experience and education towards their applications for residency

Provincial Nominee Program - a program for workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific Canadian province or Territory

Who can apply for Permanent Resident status?

Anyone is allowed to apply for permanent residency in Canada but only qualified individuals will be accepted. To find if you are eligible for permanent residency you will be examined by your:

- Age
- Level of education
- Official language proficiency
- Second official language
- Canadian work experience

We Can Help You Become a Permanent Resident in Canada

The permanent residence application process can be very complex, time-consuming, and difficult. Many temporary residents change their status to permanent residency, therefore it is therefore essential that if you are considering applying for Canadian permanent residence, you get professional immigration help throughout the Canada PR process.

The last thing you want is to be told your application is refused after months (or sometimes years) of waiting.

PR (Permanent Residency)