What is Canada Permanent Resident (PR)?
Canada Permanent Resident is a visa status that allows you to stay in Canada without being a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries.
Once your PR process is approved, you will be issued a PR card which is mandatory to carry when travelling overseas and will be asked in addition to your passport while entering Canada.
If you happen to lose your Canada PR or the PR card becomes invalid while outside Canada, you should apply for a permanent resident travel document before returning to Canada.
Who Can Apply?
Anybody can apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident card but only those individuals who meet the required criteria will be accepted.
Use the CRS system to calculate your score. For eligibility, factors such as your age, education, official language proficiency, and Canadian work experience are considered.
Pros and Cons of Canada PR
Some advantages of getting a Canada PR include getting social benefits such as health care coverage, freedom to reside, work and study anywhere in Canada. You can also choose to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
As a PR, you are not allowed to vote or run for political purposes. Also, there are certain high-level security clearance jobs reserved only for Canadian citizens.
Nonetheless, you must abide by all the Canadian laws and pay your taxes on time.
Canada Permanent Resident Application Process
To apply for a Canada Permanent Resident card, you will have to contact the nearest consulate or embassy of Canada and follow the below steps:
Create your online account
Provide medical certificate and criminal record check
Provide other documents if applicable
Submit properly filled permanent resident visa application
Pay the application fee
Attend immigration interviews
Documents Required
Below are some common documents you need to provide if applicable to your specific scenario-
Medical Certificate (mandatory)
Criminal Record check (mandatory)
Educational degrees/ diplomas/ certificates - original and copies including official translation if required
Sponsorship letter if applicable
Personal Identification documents
Proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant during initial phase
Language test scores
Additional fees
You might be asked to provide additional documents depending on your application.
Duration
To get a PR card, it can take anywhere between 40 days to 9 months and it totally depends on your application and whether it is a new PR application or just a renewal.
Upon approval, a PR card is usually issued for five years, but sometimes it can be issued for one year. The expiry date is printed on the PR card.
To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years and the days need not be continuous.
Categories for Permanent Residence
There are 5 main categories through which you can apply for Canadian PR
Express EntryBusiness Immigration
Family Class ImmigrationCanadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
Risk of Losing Canada Permanent Resident Status
You stand the risk of losing your PR status if:
An adjudicator determines you are no longer a permanent resident after an inquiry or PRTD appeal;
You voluntarily renounce your permanent resident status;
A removal order is made against you and comes into force; or
You become a Canadian citizen.
We hope this article helped you in understanding the Canadian Permanent Resident status process.
Have any questions? Leave them in the comments below!
Download Edapt app and get connected with service providers, local mentors etc. to make your transition smoother!
Leave a comment
Sign in to post your comment or sign-up if you don't have any account.