Step By Step Guide On To Get Canada Permanent Residency

Canada offers a wide variety of opportunities and millions of people from around the world seek to tap into these opportunities. Thousands of people apply every year to get a permanent residency visa. In fact, the Canadian government is proactively increasing the number of eligible applicants every year. Canada plans to have over 3million people as permanent residents in 2021 alone and this number is bound to increase.

Who is Permanent Resident of Canada

A Canadian permanent resident is not a citizen but is someone who has been given the status of a permanent resident through immigration. However, a person who traveled to Canada temporarily for studies, leisure or a job is not a permanent resident. A permanent resident is a citizen of another country who has been a given a PR card to live in Canada permanently.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Canadian Permanent Residence

The Permanent residency application to Canada is open to everyone but only the qualified people will be successful. To determine your eligibility for a PR application, you will be examined by the following factors:

• Educational background

• Age

• Primary Language Proficiency 

• Second language proficiency • Work experience

What are the Benefits Enjoyed by the Canadian Permanent Residents?

Below are 10 Benefits of Canadian permanent Residence

1. Freedom to Live and Work in Canada

For professionals who seek economic stability, sustainability, and a better quality of life in a competitive environment, Canada is a top destination. 

2. PR Status Lets You Take Your Family Along 

Your family members have as much right to become permanent residents. However, your status as a PR holder allows you to sponsor certain members of your family as long as you are above 18 years of age. 

3. Renew or Extend the Validity of Your Visa After Five Years

Most Canadian PR visas are only valid for a period of five years. However, some can have a 1-year validity period. 

Besides, you can renew your visa as many times as you wish, there is no prescribed limit. 

4. Free Education for your Children

The Canadian government offer free education for children up to grade 12 for permanent residents. Also, the tuition fees for university education are reduced.

5. Social Benefits

Canadian PR holders can also enjoy a variety of social benefits like high-paying jobs and tax refunds, which ensure a better quality of life.

6. A Means to Become an Official Citizen

Once you attain a residency status you can live in Canada for five years.

Furthermore, if you have lived in Canada for three years out of those five years, you become qualified for citizenship.

7. Freedom of Movement

Your PR card grants you the freedom to move in and out of Canada and within the country as you please. 

It also grants you the freedom to reside in a different province. You can pursue a career, a new job or an opportunity for a better life wherever you choose. 

8. Freedom to Set Up a Business

Canadian permanent residents are called landed immigrants and they have the right to legally set up a new business without being a citizen. 

9. Universal Medical Care

The Canadian government provides universal free medical care for Canadian PR visa holders.  

10. Environment Security

According the Economist in 2007, Canada is the most harmonious country in the world. It is the safest place to settle. The Canadian permanent residents are protected by the Canadian government under the law.

How can You Get a Canadian Permanent Resident

For a person who wants to get a Canadian permanent residency visa, there are Five categories to get a permanent residency:

1. Express Entry

The express program for a PR is valid throughout the year. However, it consists of the following sub-categories:

• Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP): This category is for qualified professionals who are experienced in their field. 

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This category is for eligible technical workers who have experience in foreign jobs

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This is for people who have work experience in Canada

2. Family Class Immigration

The family class immigration offers permanent residents the avenue to bring their family members. 

3. Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an exclusive program for skilled workers who can participate and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Each province has a particular nominee program that help them immigrate skilled workers who can help to develop the region.

4. Business Immigration

Through this Business Immigration program, Canada attracts investors and entrepreneurs. This program helps Business owners who have experience in running a business to enjoy the benefits of a PR in Canada.

5. Atlantic Immigration program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a road to Canadian permanent residency visa for skilled workers and foreign students. It is for people who wish to work or study in one of the four Atlantic regions of Canada.

These regions are:

• Nova Scotia

• New Brunswick

• New Foundland and Labrador

• Prince Edward Island

How much does it cost to get a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa

It may cost you around $1350 for the entire application process.

How You Can Lose Your Status as A Canadian Permanent Resident

Understand that you cannot lose your PR status when your visa expires because you can renew at will.

You can lose your PR status under the following conditions:

• if a judge under the law determines that you are no longer a Canadian permanent resident after an investigation or Permanent Resident Document Appeal

• you willingly renounce your status as a permanent resident 

• if an official decision is made against you and you are forced to give up your PR status

• you become a Canadian citizen.

Even if you don’t meet all the requirements of a permanent residents, you remain a resident until you are officially declared a non-resident.