Canada is one of the sought-after countries in the world to settle down in making foreign nationals interested in moving to Canada. Despite being one of the most sought-after countries in the world, settling in has its own procedures. In order to settle in Canada one has to work and live and you can’t without being a permanent resident holder, hence the question of how to get a permanent residence in Canada.
Canada is a land of opportunity and thousands of people seek to become permanent residents and get their PR card every single year. In fact, Canada has been increasing the number of successful applicants each year. The Canadian government plans to invite 411,000 individuals to become permanent residents in 2022 and that number continues to grow!
Who is a Permanent Resident Holder
A permanent residency holder is one who has been given the freedom to work and live at will. A permanent resident enjoys many of the same benefits as Canadian citizens. However, unlike citizens, they must maintain their status by meeting certain requirements like the residency obligation.
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How To Get A Permanent Residence In Canada
Just like any other country like the UK, Canada has its own requirements. Canada expects that in order to be eligible for permanent residency application, you must be physically in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period or to fall under one of several exceptions.
Benefits of Canadian Permanent Residency status
What is the fuss about getting a permanent residency one may ask, it is very beneficial to many and that is why it is worth it that you understand the benefits of having a PR.
Family Sponsorship
Permanent residents can apply to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, parents, and dependent children to join them in Canada. That said, if you immigrate through Express Entry, you can include your family on your initial application so you won’t have to sponsor them later on.
Smooth transitioning to Canadian citizenship
Being a permanent resident holder gives you the opportunity of getting Canadian citizenship. After residing in Canada for three out of five years, PRs are eligible to become citizens. Once a PR has transitioned to Canadian citizenship, they can vote, apply for a Canadian passport, and no longer need to renew their status in the country.
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The ability to live and work anywhere in Canada
Once you have become a permanent resident holder, you are no longer tied down to one employer and have the ability to move when you find a better job opportunity. That is, if a new PR starts off in Manitoba but finds a better job in Ontario, they will have every right to move. Permanent residents are not tied to a specific employer or province. Canadian permanent residents have the ability to leave and enter Canada’s borders using their Canadian permanent resident card, or permanent resident travel documents (PRTD).
Free education for children
Children of Canadian permanent residents can study for free up until secondary school. After graduating, post-secondary school is also much cheaper for permanent residents than it is for international students.
Access to universal healthcare and social services
Once an individual becomes a permanent resident, they have access to Canada’s healthcare and social services. Universal healthcare means that it is free.
Permanent Residency Requirements
The requirements and process steps are different depending on which route you take so it is important to learn more and think about speaking with an immigration professional. Once you have been accepted or invited to become a Canadian permanent resident, you will be given a PR Card.
To find out 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
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Canada Permanent Residency Processing Time
The time it takes to obtain Canada PR is based on the pathway you are taking and your qualifications. For example, if you have an outstanding CRS score, you could be invited to apply for permanent residency much more quicker.
Renewing Your Permanent Resident Status
When becoming a permanent resident in Canada, you are responsible for renewing your status every 5 years. To do this, you must:
- complete the renewal online application
- make sure your passport is valid
- ensure you still qualify for Canada PR
- gather your supporting documents, and
- pay the application fee
