Canada is one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world, with its economic growth, welcoming nature and easy immigration processes. Permanent Residency is the most sought-after pathway to Permanently stay in the country and enjoy almost the same rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen.
Permanent Residency is a legal status granted to foreign nationals that allows them to live, work, and study in Canada long-term. While Permanent residents are not Canadian citizens, they share many of the same rights and responsibilities.
Some of the most essential benefits are access to healthcare and social services and the ability to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada. They cannot vote, run for political office, or work in specific government jobs that require a security clearance.
Permanent Residency is granted for five years; you can apply for citizenship after being in Canada for three years. You can also extend your Permanent Residence without limits.
So, if you’re still on the fence about this pathway, this blog will look at the benefits of being a Permanent Resident in Canada.
Benefits of Being a Permanent Resident in Canada
Permanent Residency comes with many benefits compared to living in Canada on a temporary visa.
Healthcare
Permanent Residents have access to Canada’s publicly funded universal healthcare system. It is considered a fundamental value and covers visits to your family doctor, specialists and the emergency room. It also includes yearly exams, immunizations, and more, saving thousands of medical expenses.
Education
As a Permanent Resident, you have the freedom to access free public education from elementary to high school. If you want to move into post-secondary education, Permanent Residents face significantly reduced tuition fees compared to non-Residents.
Employment
Being a Permanent Resident opens up the whole Canadian labour market to you. You can explore most job opportunities just like a Canadian citizen can, without needing a work visa that ties you to one job and employer.
It also allows you access to employment insurance (EI), which provides benefits to individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own (like lay-offs or seasonal work). You also qualify for Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Canada Pension Plan.
You can also start a business, and you may qualify for governmental programs lending financial assistance to small businesses.
Maternity/Paternity
Working parents in Canada receive paid time off after the birth of a child, with women being able to take up to 12 months of maternity leave, receiving 50-65% of their regular income. Permanent Residency allows you to be supported by this social security benefit.
Social Benefits
Among social benefits for Permanent Residents in Canada, other than employment insurance and pension plans, are the universal childcare benefit for children under 18 or financial support in emergency cases.
Multi-Cultural Life
Canada is a cultural melting pot with immigrants from all corners of the world coming together. Compared to many other countries where these cultures clash and potentially cause issues, Canada embraces diversity and allows it to flourish. Canadian laws prohibit discrimination based on gender, race or ethnicity.
Family Reunification
Permanent Residents can sponsor family members to come to Canada. Some eligibility requirements apply, but it can include spouses, children, parents and grandparents.
Travel Benefits
A significant benefit of Permanent Residency is the freedom to travel in and out of Canada freely. You can pursue new opportunities in other provinces without worrying about requiring a new or amended work visa.
You also can travel internationally without needing a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization, giving you unlimited entries into Canada.
Security and Stability
Canada is considered one of the world’s safest and most secure countries. Permanent Residency will allow you to live in the country without having to worry about renewing your visa or getting deported.
Pathway to Citizenship
If PR holders meet the requirements, they can apply for Canadian citizenship, granting them the right to obtain a Canadian passport, vote, and run for political office. Within the preceding five years, you must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years).
How to Become a Permanent Resident in Canada?
You can obtain Permanent Residency through several pathways, with the most common and efficient ways being the Express Entry system, a Provincial Nominee Program or a Family Class Sponsorship. Depending on your chosen pathway, the application process can be time-consuming and complex, with the regulations constantly changing.
The Express Entry system covers three programs designed for different groups: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Please continue reading our Express Entry article for more information on these programs.
The Provincial Nominee Programs operate similarly to the Express Entry system but are governed by the provinces, so their requirements are tailored toward the specific needs of the province.
Finally, in the Family Class Sponsorship program, Canada offers several options to encourage family Immigration to Canada, allowing Permanent Residents to sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada.
Relatives eligible for this program are:
- Your spouse/common-law or live-in partner
- Your children
- Your parents
To be eligible to apply for the Family Sponsorship program, you have to be:
- A Canadian citizen OR
- A Permanent Resident of Canada OR
- A person registered in Canada as Indian as per the Canadian Indian Act.
Conclusion
Being a Permanent Resident of Canada has many benefits, from healthcare and social services to education and the ability to work and live your life in security. For many, PR is a stepping stone to Canadian citizenship, so it’s essential to explore all options and pathways open to you and understand the eligibility requirements and application procedures. An experienced immigration consultant can be critical to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Malkus Immigration Consulting can help you with every step of the Immigration application process, from establishing your eligibility for each pathway, including checking for potential express entry, to the documentation and legal process.
We bring knowledge, experience and passion to our work to provide the best Immigration consulting services. With many years of experience interacting with government officials, we can submit applications to Canadian Immigration authorities on behalf of our clients.
Contact us today at (587) 415-6932 or through our convenient online form to learn how we can help you become a Permanent Resident of Canada!
FAQ
How Long is Canadian PR Valid?
Canadian Permanent Residence is valid for five years. However, no prescribed limit exists on how often you can renew your status.
How Many Years do you Have to be a Permanent Resident to Become a Citizen Canada?
To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you have to have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the past five years.
Can I Work in the USA with Canada PR?
To be allowed to work in the US, whether a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, you require a job offer from a US employer to sponsor you for a work visa.
Can I Leave Canada After Applying for PR?
You can leave Canada while your PR status is still under process. However, you must ensure that you meet all the admissibility rules to get entry back to the country upon arrival.
These are the documents you need to present for your return to Canada:
- A valid passport and any other travel documents,
- A valid work permit or student permit, if you require one,
- An electronic travel authorization or a valid visitor visa.
How Long Can You Stay Out of Canada if You Are a Permanent Resident?
You have to have lived in Canada for at least 730 days within the preceding five years to be able to renew your status as Permanent Resident.