Permanent Residence

A permanent resident of Canada (PR) is someone who received permanent resident status in Canada by immigrating to Canada. Permanent residents would be citizens of their home country until they apply and become Canadian Citizens after meeting some residency obligations in Canada and other criteria set by IRCC. Once a permanent resident of Canada has lived in Canada for at least three years, they are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. While applying, they must also provide proof of their permanent residence status and documents proving that they have been living in Canada for the past three years. Once approved, applicants will receive a Canadian citizenship certificate.

Requirements

To be eligible for permanent residency, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the Canadian government. There are over eighty kinds of programs in that applicants can apply for permanent residence in Canada. These programs are based on the country’s economic needs at the provincial and federal levels, levels and the Family Class program enables family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to apply for permanent residence. Requirements for each category, the application process, processing time and other details are explained on the relevant page of each program under the permanent residency category. 

Validity and Renewal of Permanent Residency

All permanent residents must renew their PRC every five years. All permanent residents must submit documentation showing that they have maintained their residency in Canada over the past five years. Documents include proof of employment, school attendance, or other activities demonstrating continued residence there. Failure to do so may result in permanent residence being revoked.

Withdrawal of Permanent Residency

In certain circumstances, such as a serious criminal offence or fraud, permanent residents may have their PR status revoked by the Canadian government. This process is known as a PR withdrawal. If the government decides to cancel an individual’s PR status, they will be issued a Notice of Withdrawal, which outlines the reasons for the decision and provides instructions on how to challenge it.

Renunciation of Permanent Residency

In some cases, permanent residents may decide to renounce their PR status and return to their country of origin. To do so, they must apply to IRCC and provide evidence that they have left Canada or are in the process of leaving. Once approved, IRCC will cancel the individual’s PR status, and they will no longer be eligible for Canadian benefits.

Reinstatement of Permanent Residency

In some cases, a permanent resident can have their status reinstated after it has been revoked. This process involves applying to IRCC, providing evidence that the reasons for the revocation no longer apply, and potentially being interviewed by immigration officials. Reinstatement of PR status is not guaranteed and can take several months to process.

The major categories of Permanent Residence are as follows

Express Entry

This is an online system used by the Canadian government to provide permanent residence to skilled foreign workers.

Business Immigration

Allows successful business people to immigrate to Canada by investing in Canada who is seeking new opportunities and challenges

Provincial Nominee Program

Allows foreign nationals who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory to become permanent residents.