Permanent Resident in Canada

Becoming a Permanent Resident in Canada

Adjust Your Temporary Status to Permanent Residency

Whether you are in Canada temporarily to live, work, or study, you are given the option to adjust your status to permanent residency.  

Work Permit – Applying for permanent residency through a work permit is very common and can be done through:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Study Permit – As an international student in Canada looking for permanent residency, you have very similar options to those with a work permit. The best way to successfully obtain permanent residency with a study permit in Canada is to apply for the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program and then applying for permanent residency.

Visitor Visa – It’s very rare to successfully adjust your temporary status to permanent residency with a tourist/visitor visa but there are some exceptions. Usually, the only way to do this is to qualify for as a refugee or have a partner that is a Canadian citizen.

Understanding the Canada PR Application Timeline

Processing times for your Canada PR application depend on the specific immigration program chosen.

Express Entry typically has faster processing times, while Provincial Nominee Programs may take longer.

It is crucial to monitor your application’s status regularly to avoid delays.

Renewing Your Canada PR Card

When becoming a permanent resident in Canada, you are responsible of 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

Canada PR Period of Stay

A Canadian PR Card is normally issued for 5 years and can be renewed. To keep your permanent resident status you must stay in Canada for 730 days within those 5 years.

Canada PR Processing Times

The time it takes to obtain Canada PR is based on the pathway you are taking and your qualifications. For example, it you have an outstanding CRS score, you could be invited to apply for permanent residency much quicker and so forth. 

Canada PR Application Processing Times

Each Canada PR program has different processing times. Express Entry can take as little as six months, while family sponsorships may take up to 12 months. Timely submission of required documents is essential to avoid delays.

How You Can Lose Canada Permanent Residency

There are a few ways one could lose their Canada PR status which include:

Haven't met the physical presence requirements

You become a Canadian citizen

Renouncing your PR status

You become inadmissible to Canada

Receiving a Canadian PR Card

Your permanent resident card can be used to show that you have PR status in Canada. If you travel outside Canada, you will need to show your card and your passport when you come back on a commercial vehicle, like an airplane, boat, train, or bus.

Those traveling outside Canada who do not have a valid PR card, or who are not carrying it, need to apply for a permanent resident travel document before returning to Canada by a commercial vehicle.

Benefits of Becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident

There are many benefits when becoming a citizen that many foreign nationals look forward to when beginning a new life in Canada. Some of these benefits include: 

Canadian politics - Citizens in Canada have a bigger voice and are able to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. Citizens also have the freedom to run for office and become involved in political activities, meaning they have a say in who runs the various levels of government that exist in Canada. 

High-level jobs - Citizens have the ability to apply for higher-level federal jobs that often pay very well and come with benefits.

Dual citizenship -  As a Canadian citizen, you are not required to choose Canada as your primary home country. If applicable, you may apply for dual citizenship.

Family - Where a child is born in Canada, they are automatically considered a Canadian citizen. This allows you to start a better life for any future children without them going through an immigration acceptance process.

Taxes -  If you become a Canadian citizen and decide to live elsewhere, you may not be required to pay Canadian taxes as they are based on residency as opposed to citizenship.

Get Help to Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada

The permanent residence application process can be very complex, time-consuming, and difficult. Many temporary residents change their status to permanent residency, therefore it is therefore essential that if you are considering applying for Canadian permanent residence, you get professional immigration help throughout the Canada PR process. The last thing you want is to be told your application is refused after months (or sometimes years) of waiting.

Visa advisory consultants has over 15 years of experience and has helped thousands of people wanting to immigrate to Canada! We look forward to helping you accomplish your immigration goals.

Interested in Immigrating to Canada Permanently?

Visa advisory consultants has helped thousands of foreign nationals virtually across the globe successfully obtain Canada PR through various pathways and we can help you too! Speak with an immigration professional to see if you qualify and determine the best option for YOU!