Permanent Residents in Canada
A permanent resident is when an individual is given a permanent residence status by the Government to immigrate to Canada. Permanent residents are the foreigners chosen to stay in Canada. A PR status is valid for 5 years.
PR status immigrants are not considered citizens of Canada. People such as students and foreign workers staying in Canada on a temporary basis are also not permanent residents. Though people with PR status enjoy some benefits same as the Canadian citizens, the PR status individual has to maintain requirements, unlike Canadian citizens.
Permanent Resident Cards for Canada
The individuals permitted permanent residence in Canada are provided with permanent resident (PR) cards. PR cards are usually valid for 5 years and in some cases valid for 1 year. While traveling, in order to prove you are a permanent resident in Canada, you to show your permanent resident (PR) card. Your PR card will act as a proof of status in Canada.
Renewing your Permanent Residence Card
For the renewal of your PR card, the resident must submit a complete application in hard copy to any of the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Case Processing Centres. If the applicant meets all the requirements, they will be issued a renewed PR card. To be mentioned, your permanent resident status will not expire if your PR card expires.
Permanent Residence Travel Document (PRTD)
If an individual doesn’t have a valid PR card, and they wish to enter Canada in that case, they would require a PRTD. A Permanent Residence Travel Document (PRTD) card is only valid for a single entry to Canada. The permanent resident will have to renew the PR card as a return back.
What Can Permanent Residents do in Canada?
A permanent resident who abides by the rules of the country gets most of the social benefits similar to the Canadian citizens, some of which include:
- Health care coverage
- You can live, work and study anywhere in Canada
- You can apply for a Canadian Citizenship
- Individuals get protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
What Can Permanent Residents do in Canada?
A permanent resident who abides by the rules of the country gets most of the social benefits similar to the Canadian citizens, some of which include:
- In order to settle in Canada, an individual will be required to first score in the merit-based scoring system for PR, i.e. CRS score. You check your CRS score with basic information related to your personal information, education, and work experience.
- You are also required to score 67 out of 100 immigration points.
Table Explaining the Points Distribution for Canada PR
| Category for PR | Maximum Points Allotted |
|---|---|
| Age | 12 |
| Education | 25 |
| Language Skill | 28 |
| Work Experience | 15 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Arranged Full-time Employment | 10 |
| Total Points | 100 |
Benefits for applying under the Permanent Residency in Canada
Live and Work Anywhere in Canada
An individual with PR status in Canada has the right to work and live anywhere in the country. For instance, if you are living in Vancouver, and get a job opportunity in Toronto, you can easily move from one city to another.Canada’s Healthcare Facilities
As Canada has a universal healthcare system. Individuals with Canadian permanent residence can enjoy all Canada’s healthcare services and social services as well.Sponsor your Family
With the help of family sponsorship, individuals with PR status in Canada can invite their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to live along with them.Free Education for Children
Children of permanent residents in Canada can study for free up until secondary school, and further education is cheaper for them as well.Become a Canadian Citizen
Permanent residence status is the pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen. Once an individual has gotten citizenship in Canada, they can vote, apply for a Canadian passport, and are no longer required to renew their status in the country.
FAQs Related to Permanent Residence Canada
How do I become a permanent resident in Canada?
There are several ways one can attain permanent resident status in Canada. At Unplugged Immigration we have professionals working towards making your Canada PR dream come true. You can get easily get free assistance for all your queries and process for your permanent residence. We can help you in checking your eligibility for PR to Canada and through the whole process involved.How long do I have to be in Canada to get a Permanent Resident status?
You should have stayed in Canada for at least 730 days in the last five years. The count of your days in Canada does not have to be continuous. To know more about your eligibility, conditions, and how to apply, contact us. We at Unplugged Immigration help comprehend and apply for permanent residence.How long can a Permanent Resident PR status holder stay outside Canada?
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will consider the history of 5 years of staying in Canada. You can spend up to 3 years outside of Canada during a 5-year duration.