Permanent Residence
in Canada – Your Gateway to a New Life
A Canadian Permanent Resident card is official proof of permanent residence status, allowing you to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
A Canadian permanent resident is a foreigner who can legally reside in Canada by meeting the requirements set by the Canadian government.
As a permanent resident, you can live and work without time limitations and enjoy the same benefits as citizens.
How to Become a Canadian Permanent Resident and Acquire a PR Card?
To become a permanent resident of Canada and obtain a PR card, you must fall into one of the following three categories:
Skilled Worker
Canada has various programs to attract workers at both the federal and provincial levels. If eligible, you will receive Canadian permanent residence for your entire family
Entrepreneurial Investment
This pathway is for entrepreneurs who can invest directly or indirectly through various federal or provincial programs. You will receive a permanent resident card for your whole family, including your spouse and children under 19.
Study Abroad
The complete route includes studying at a college, or university, or pursuing a Master’s/PhD. After studying and working for 1-2 years, you can apply for permanent residence.
Additionally, you need to meet at least one of the following requirements:
Have studied or lived in Canada
Have relatives or friends in Canada.
Have at least 1 year of work experience in a specific field
Manage or own a business
Hold a post-secondary degree
Have substantial financial resources
Benefits of Becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident
Sponsor Family Members
After one year of permanent residence, you can sponsor relatives to live,
study, and work in Canada.
Access to Education
Canada offers one of the best education systems in the world. Students aged 5 to 18
enjoy free tuition. The government also has programs to reward or refund tuition fees.
Universal Healthcare
Canada’s healthcare system is government-funded, providing care, disease prevention,
and basic medical treatment, including hospital fees and dental surgery.
Freedom of Movement
Permanent residents can live, study, and work anywhere in Canada and enjoy the same policies and benefits as citizens.
Accompanying a spouse
who is a permanent resident or citizen working for a Canadian entity outside Canada
Conditions for Maintaining
Permanent Residence
Once approved, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Immigrants holding a COPR can apply for a PR card upon arrival in Canada. This card confirms your permanent resident status.
However, permanent resident status is not indefinite. You must meet certain obligations to maintain it. Specifically, you must reside in Canada for at least 730 days within the last 5 years. Some exceptions allow time spent abroad to count towards this requirement, including:
Full-time work
for the Canadian government
Accompanying a spouse
who is a permanent resident or citizen working for a Canadian entity outside Canada
Accompanying a spouse
who is a permanent resident or citizen working for a Canadian entity outside Canada
If you do not meet your residency obligations, you may receive a written notice of lost permanent resident status. You can appeal within 60 days, during which an immigration officer may consider humanitarian factors.
The Process of Becoming
a Permanent Resident
To officially become a Canadian permanent resident, a foreign citizen must participate in one of the Canadian immigration programs based on their skill level and then apply for a PR card.
The Canadian Permanent Resident Card is a wallet-sized plastic card containing important information (height, eye color, gender, etc.), a laser-engraved photo, and a signature. Other personal data is encrypted and accessible only to authorized immigration officers. If you do not have a PR card, you must apply for a Temporary Pass from the nearest Canadian Immigration Visa Office.
You can also renew your Canadian PR card by mail if you have:
- Proof of travel verification (copy)
- Proof of payment for travel (copy)
- A medical examination report from a doctor
- A letter from your employer
PR Card Renewal
Although you will not automatically lose your permanent resident status when your PR card expires, it is extremely important to renew it in advance (every five years). Timely renewal of your PR card will help you avoid problems and stress, as the renewal process can take several months.
How Do I Renew My PR Card?
To renew your PR card, you must comply with residency obligations by staying in Canada for a specified amount of time. Additionally, permanent residents must have a valid PR card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada by plane, train, bus, or boat. Without either document, you may not be allowed to re-enter Canada.
FAQ: Canadian Permanent Residence
What is the difference between a Canadian permanent resident and a US permanent resident?
How long can a Permanent Resident return to their home country?
Can you lose your Permanent Resident status?
Difference between Canada’s Permanent Residence and Citizenship:
Is it difficult to change from Permanent Resident to Citizenship?
Rights and Responsibilities
of a Canadian Citizen
As a Canadian citizen, you enjoy rights such as legal rights, equality, freedom of movement, and voting rights. These rights come with responsibilities, including compliance with Canadian laws and respecting others' rights.
Dual Citizenship
Canada allows dual citizenship, so you do not have to relinquish your original citizenship.
Discuss all your questions in a consultation with an expert and get a personalized immigration strategy. Take the first step towards your Canadian dream
Why Choose
Le Immigration Group
20+ Years of Experience
With over 20 years of experience in Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Law, Le Immigration Group specializes in consulting and supporting Canadian immigration for startups. Our team is composed of legal consultants with extensive immigration law expertise
Professional Consulting Team
Le Immigration Group is one of the few Canadian immigration firms working with the Start-up Visa program that has an immigration practitioner registered with the CICC. We are authorized to represent clients in dealings with the IRCC
Multinational Office System
Le Immigration Group has a head office in Toronto, Canada, and a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, offering convenient consulting and support services
Strong Network of Partnerships
We have strong connections with many employers to assist in finding jobs for clients. Additionally, we process Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Permanent Residency (PR) applications with the IRCC
High Success Rate
With our expertise, document processing capabilities, and comprehensive understanding of each customer’s profile, Le Immigration Group is committed to achieving the highest success rate for our clients
Settlement Support in Canada
We provide support for settling down in Canada, including assistance with real estate investment, administrative paperwork, and ensuring that each family member benefits fully from Canadian systems
