Canada Permanent Residency: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Permanent Residency in Canada
Canada is often considered one of the best places to live and work, according to many surveys. It’s no wonder that many people from around the world are choosing to move to Canada and become permanent residents.
Canada is known for being friendly to newcomers, and it’s home to a diverse population, with over 20% of its residents coming from other countries. This makes Canada one of the most diverse and multicultural countries globally.
If you’re thinking about moving to Canada and becoming a permanent resident, you have a great opportunity. In this article, we’ll explain how to apply for a Canada Permanent Resident Visa and what documents you’ll need. We’ll also talk about the different types of visas available in Canada and what you need to qualify for them.
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What Is a Canadian Permanent Resident
The main difference between having a permanent resident visa and being a Canadian citizen is how long you can stay in Canada. Permanent residents can live in Canada for as long as they want, even their whole lives.
Unlike citizens, who are either born as citizens or become citizens through a process, people from other countries can become permanent residents by moving to Canada with permission from immigration authorities. For example, if someone is in Canada as a student or a foreign worker, they are not considered a permanent resident of the country.
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Benefits of Becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident
As a holder of the Canada permanent resident visa, you have the right to:
Live and Work in Canada
Canada is ranked as the second-best place in the world to live. It’s known for its stunning landscapes and excellent quality of life. Canada also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, which is an integral part of its culture. One of the great things about living in Canada is that as a permanent resident, you can move freely between different provinces or territories, providing plenty of opportunities to live sustainably.
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Include Your Family Members
Your family members can also enjoy the benefits of Canadian citizenship by becoming a resident. In addition, you can also sponsor particular residents to live, study, and work in Canada if you’re above 18 years of age.
Access to Education and Healthcare
As permanent residents, your children in Canada can attend school for free up to the 12th grade. The education system in Canada has three main parts: primary, secondary, and higher education. Additionally, permanent residents enjoy reduced university tuition fees.
Moreover, Canadian permanent residents have access to free medical care and prescription medications, which are funded through taxes. Canada also provides public health insurance.
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Renew Your Visa After Five Years
Canadian permanent residence status cards remain valid for a period of up to five years, and there’s no set limit to the number of times you can renew them. However, your history will be reviewed by an officer to determine if there’s a valid reason for an extension.
Path to Canadian Citizenship
Once you’ve resided in Canada for 1,095 days, which is equivalent to three years, out of the five years following your permanent residency, you become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. It’s important to note that only the five years immediately before that date will be counted as valid for meeting the citizenship eligibility criteria.
Start Your Own Business
Through the Canadian Immigration Program, you have the opportunity to launch your own business as a sole proprietor, partner, or corporation owner, even if you are not a citizen of Canada.
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Canada
A Canada Permanent Resident Visa is your key to living in Canada. When you travel outside the country, it’s essential to carry your passport and permanent resident card, especially when you return to Canada.
What Permanent Residents Can Do:
As a permanent resident in Canada, you can enjoy many benefits. You can work, benefit from tax rebates, and access retirement payments, including disability and survivors’ benefits if the primary worker has passed away. Furthermore, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects permanent residents.
What Permanent Residents Can’t Do:
Permanent residents cannot vote in Canada’s federal elections. Additionally, they are not eligible for jobs or positions that require high-level security clearance.
Time Lived in Canada:
To maintain your Permanent Residency in Canada, you must spend at least 730 days in the country over the past five years. You don’t need to be present for 730 days in a row. Some of your time abroad can count towards this requirement. For instance, if you’ve been away for less than 24 hours within the last 12 months or four weeks before returning to Canada as a Permanent Resident Applicant, this time may be counted.
You can track your time in Canada by asking the Canadian border officer when you enter the country. Alternatively, you can get your Canada permanent resident visa card renewed to find out the duration of your stay.
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Canada Startup Visa Program:
The Canada Startup Visa Program offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to fulfil their potential in Canada. This program provides permanent residence and connects you with Canadian private sector businesses, such as angel investor groups, venture capital funds, and business incubators. These partnerships make it easier to establish successful startups in Canada.
To qualify for the Startup Visa Program, you need to demonstrate that your business is innovative, will create job opportunities for Canadians, and can compete globally.
Eligibility Requirements for the Startup Visa Program:
If you want to enrol in the Startup Visa program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Prove that you own a qualifying business.
- Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization to conduct the business.
- Meet the language requirements.
- Show that you have enough funds to settle and live in Canada before your business becomes profitable.
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Other Routes to Canada Permanent Resident Visa:
There are various categories to obtain permanent resident status in Canada based on your work preferences and location. You can apply under these programs:
- Express Entry: This program is valid throughout the year and has three subcategories for skilled workers.
- Family Class Immigration: Under this category, immigrants with permanent resident status can sponsor family members.
- Provincial Nominee Program: This program allows skilled workers to immigrate and work in specific provinces.
- Business Immigration: Business owners and investors can benefit from Canadian permanent resident status.
- Atlantic Immigration Program: Provides permanent residence for qualified applicants who wish to work or study in specific Canadian provinces.
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How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Resident Visa:
There are different pathways to becoming a Canadian permanent resident. One option is to come as a temporary immigrant through study or work permit programs. The preferred choice for many is the Express Entry process, which involves:
- Submitting a self-assessed profile.
- Ranking profiles using a Comprehensive Ranking System.
- Inviting the highest-scoring profiles to apply through regular Express Entry draws.
- Requiring candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply to submit a complete application within 60 days.
The Business Class Immigration program is a two-step process starting with a work permit, and if you meet the requirements, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
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