Overview
To travel back to Canada as a non-citizen, you need the right documentation or risk being denied entry. In fact, you may not be able to board a flight, train, bus, or boat to Canada without certain a permanent resident (PR) card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD).
If you have the right documents, you should ensure they are still valid when returning from travel outside Canada. If your PR card has expired, you need to apply for a new one. Below we’ll explore the requirements for permanent residency. But first, let’s start with some definitions.
Permanent Residency in Canada: Who is a Permanent Resident?
In Canada, you are regarded as a permanent resident if you have permanent residency status, meaning you can legally reside in Canada permanently.
Permanent residents are usually citizens of other foreign countries. However, they may also be stateless persons like refugees who settle in Canada. Such persons become PRs through privately sponsored or government-assisted refugee programs.
Who Can Become a Permanent Resident in Canada?
Permanent residency is generally reserved for citizens of other countries who plan to stay in Canada for a long time. Such persons just need to meet specific residence requirements to be eligible. People like international students or foreign workers intending to stay in Canada for a short period can’t become permanent residents.
Before discussing the requirements, let’s take a closer look at the importance and benefits of acquiring permanent residency.
Benefits Enjoyed by Permanent Residents in Canada
PRs enjoy a variety of benefits the most notable being:
- Protection under Canadian laws and the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms
- Social benefits enjoyed by Canadian citizens (including getting a social insurance number for working and healthcare coverage)
- The ability to work/study/live anywhere in Canada
- The ability to apply for Canadian citizenship
There are several other benefits. However, a permanent resident must also pay all federal government and provincial government taxes applicable. It’s also worth noting that permanent residents don’t have the right to vote or run for public political offices. They may also have limits to some jobs requiring high-level security clearance.
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Canada: Main Immigration Pathways
The requirements for permanent residency usually vary based on several factors, the most notable being the immigration program in question. Below are the key requirements based on different immigration pathways.
- Express Entry
This immigration pathway manages permanent residence applications from three main federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program for skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program for skilled work experience in a skilled trade.
- Canadian Experience Class for persons with Canadian work experience.
To get permanent residency using the express entry pathway, you need to apply online. Applicants who fall under the above worker profile and qualify as the highest-ranking candidates with the CRS (comprehensive ranking system) receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
- Provincial Nominee Program
Different provinces and territories have their own programs for permanent residency. Additionally, they usually nominate persons for permanent residency. This is usually targeted to individuals who meet specific labour market needs unique to the province or territory in question. What’s more, eligibility varies by province.
- Family-Sponsored Permanent Residency
You can also be sponsored to become a PR by an eligible family member like a spouse, partner, or child. However, this only applies to family members who are either permanent residents or Canadian citizens. Temporary residents can’t sponsor family members.
- Business Immigration Programs
There are business immigration programs for investors and entrepreneurs (such as self-employed people) who contribute to the Canadian economy. Such individuals can get permanent residency under business-related programs.
- Government-Assisted Refugee Programs
Refugees or protected persons who fear persecution in their home countries can also make refugee claims, gain refugee status, and get permanent residency in Canada via special federal immigration programs.
However, you can’t seek refugee status and immediately become a to apply The Immigration and Refugee Board must approve your claim first before you can be eligible to apply and obtain permanent residence status.
Canada Permanent Resident Eligibility
While requirements may vary depending on the immigration pathway, there are general requirements to consider. To be eligible for a permanent resident card (which is proof of permanent residency), you must:
- Meet Residency Requirements
There are minimum requirements to be met. For example, you must have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years. This includes being physically present in Canada for 730 days or more (within the past five-year period).
You also need to show supporting documentation that you meet the residency obligation. Examples include employment records, bank statements, rental agreements, club memberships, and Canada Revenue Authority notice of assessment for the 5 years before application.
Evidence that you have been a recipient of Canadian government programs can also work as evidence of permanent residency for applicants who are refugees. If you have traveled, you may be required to provide records of your trips outside Canada in the past 5 years.
- Not be Convicted of Some Offenses
Some offenses may stop you from getting permanent residency, especially the ones related to immigration such as being under an effective removal order or misusing a PR card. However, there is still hope for persons who want permanent residency but have a past record. For instance, you can get a record destruction (expungement) before applying for permanent residency.
Expungement ensures all records like photographs, fingerprints, court records, and police records linked to your past arrest or convictions are completely removed from the Canadian Police Information Centre database. As a result, such records may not interfere with your goals of becoming a permanent resident, traveling, securing new job opportunities, and more.
Securing a record destruction (or expungement) can be a complex process. The same applies to related applications like a permanent residency which is where expert immigration professionals come in.
If you have a criminal record, we recommend you contact Canadian Pardon Application Services to seal your records first before you can apply for permanent residency.
Application Requirements for Canadian PR: General Steps for Applying
The application process for Canadian permanent residency is summarized below:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility Criteria
The first step to applying for Canadian PR is to ensure you meet the above eligibility requirements for the underlying immigration program.
Step 2: Gathering Documentation
If you are eligible, the next step is collecting the required documentation including proof of permanent residency, proof of work, and proof of education, meaning educational institutions and educational credentials for those seeking residency to study.
Step 3: Submitting Application
Permanent residency applications can be submitted online via the IRCC website. The IRCC has a special permanent residence portal for different applications. You will need to fill and submit several forms like the generic application form (IMM 0008), background/declaration form (IMM 5669), and an additional family information form IMM 5406.
It’s also worth noting that some application fees may be applicable. Information on fees is available in the IRCC current fee schedule. You may also be required to undergo a medical examination (done by an IRCC-approved physician). Biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) may also be required when submitting applications.
Step 4: Application Processing
After submitting the application, the IRCC will process it and inform you of the application decision at your e-mail address. Current processing times may vary depending on factors like application backlog, need for more information, and mistakes in an application.
It’s worth noting that your first permanent residency card is issued automatically (180 days after you are given permanent residency). You don’t need to apply to get a PR card for the first time.
If you get your PR card and there’s an error, you can request a replacement PR card within 60 days.
Requirements for Maintaining Permanent Residency Status
You need to spend at least 730 days (within every 5-year period) although those days don’t need to be continuous. You also need to renew your card (usually every 5 years). It’s worth noting that an expired card can create difficulties when regaining entry to Canada.
However, it doesn’t mean you will lose your permanent residency status. You can maintain Canadian PR status and regain entry into Canada if you don’t have a valid PR card provided you apply for a PRTD (permanent resident travel document)
Final Thoughts
Permanent residents have notable benefits in Canada like protection under the law, the ability to live/work/study anywhere in Canada, enjoying social benefits, and more. However, there are specific requirements for becoming a PR mainly dictated by factors like the immigration pathway chosen. Nevertheless, you’ll need to meet standard residency requirements.
If you have a criminal record, you may need a record destruction (expungement) before you can apply for permanent residency. We recommend you seek help from immigration consultants to ensure you submit a complete PR application free of errors. If you want urgent processing, you’ll also avoid travel delays among other related immigration application problems.
Request for a permanent residency application package.
