Permanent Residency

If you immigrate to Canada, you can be categorized as a temporary or permanent resident.

If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you may have Permanent Residency (PR), but this does not mean you are a Canadian citizen. At this point, you are most likely still a citizen of another country.

If you are studying or working in Canada temporarily, as either an international student or a foreign worker, you are not a permanent resident. This also applies if you are a tourist visiting Canada.

Let’s take a closer look at what the requirements are to get Canada permanent residency (PR), as well as what you can and can’t do as a Canadian permanent resident.

Requirements for Getting Canadian Permanent Residence Status

If you want to immigrate to Canada and get permanent residency you will need to not only meet the requirements of your chosen immigration programs but also be considered eligible to enter or be admissible to Canada. This usually requires having a clear criminal record, being in good health, having enough funds to support yourself and your family, and being able to settle in Canada with ease.

How do I keep my Canada PR status?

To remain a Canadian permanent resident, you will need to meet a residency obligation, which means that you need to physically be in Canada for a specified amount of time. The current residency obligation is for a permanent resident to be in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period unless you meet any of the following exceptions:

your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen and you are accompanying them while outside of Canada;
if you are a child accompanying your parents outside of Canada;
you’re outside of Canada for work purposes and are employed full-time by a Canadian business;
your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen and you are accompanying them for work while outside of Canada for business (full-time employment) or in public service of Canada or a Canadian province.

What You Are Allowed to Do as a Canadian Permanent Resident?

As a Canadian Permanent Resident, You Can:
Receive social benefits (for example access to Medicare, Canada’s government healthcare program)
Live, study, or work in Canada (so long as you meet the requirements of the province or territory you choose to live in)
Apply for Canadian Citizenship
Receive protection as a permanent resident (the Canadian government must protect you under their law system and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

But there are also things you are not entitled to do as a permanent resident of Canada. For example, you are not allowed to vote, run for political office, or have a job with a high-level security clearance.

A Canadian Permanent Resident Card

If you wish to travel abroad, you must take your Permanent Resident Card with you. You can use it to provide proof that you are a Canadian permanent resident and it can be used to re-enter Canada’s borders.

If you have lost your Permanent Resident Card, you will need a document called a Permanent Resident Travel Document to return back to Canada. This document can only be used once to enter Canada.

Losing Your Permanent Residency in Canada

You cannot automatically lose your PR status in Canada nor does it expire. Your PR card can however expire and will need to be renewed. In order for your permanent residence status to be lost, you will need to go through an official process.

You Can Lose Your Permanent Residency in Canada if You:
Applied with false documentation for either permanent residency, Canadian citizenship, or any other application
Gave falsified information from your sponsor
Gave falsified information for a refugee claim
Committed a serious crime, either before or after becoming a Canadian permanent resident (unless you receive a pardon for your crime, or meet other requirements)
Lived more than three years in a five year period outside of Canada
Are believed to be a danger to the Canadian government due to:
a. Spying b. Treason c. Terrorism or d. Your classification as a security risk
Belonged to a terrorist or criminal organization or
Committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, or human rights violations

If you want to renounce your PR status voluntarily, you will need to submit an application to IRCC.

How long do you need to spend in Canada to keep your permanent resident status?

If you are a permanent resident, you must spend at least two cumulative years in a five-year period in Canada. If you spend more than three years in another country that is not Canada, you can lose your permanent resident status.

How long does it take to become a permanent resident in Canada?

This, firstly depends on the immigration program you’ve chosen, for example, processing times for Express Entry ranges from 6 to 8 months whereas other programs such as Family sponsorship can take up to a year. It also depends on whether Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have all the necessary documents required to complete the application process. On average, it takes about 45 days to process PR cards for new applicants once IRCC has received everything that they need to process the application. Renewed cards can take roundabout 104 days to process.

Can you stay in Canada while waiting for permanent residency?

Yes, you can as long as your status remains legal. Those with temporary residence status are permitted to stay in Canada fr a specified time only. This needs to remain valid while you are waiting for your Canada PR status to be approved.

Do I need a visa if I have Canadian PR?

No. You can enter Canada without an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visitor’s visa. It is, however, recommended that you always carry your PR card with you when traveling.

Can I get PR in Canada after 1 year?

Yes. There are various ways to do this but perhaps the best way, if you don’t qualify for an immigration program, is to get a Canada work visa or study a 1-year course in Canada and apply for a Post-graduate Work Permit (PGWPP). Once you have at least one year of Canadian work experience you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Can I get PR in Canada after studying in Canada and completing a 2-year program?

No, but studying in Canada can open up the doors to permanent residency. All students who have completed at least an eight-month study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may be eligible to apply to stay and work in Canada through programs like the Post Graduate Work Permit Programs (PGWPP). This will allow you to get the necessary Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence in Canada through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Can I go to the USA with Canadian PR?

All Canadian permanent residents will need a nonimmigrant visa to enter the U.S. unless they are from a participating country in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as well as meet the VWP requirements and want to visit for 90 days or less under the program.

Can I work in the USA with Canadian PR?

No. You can’t work in the USA with a Canada PR card. If you want to work in the U.S. as a Canadian permanent resident you will need a U.S. visa. You could, however, work in Canada once you become a Canadian citizen under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). You will need to have lived in Canada for at least 3 years to become a citizen.

Which countries can I travel to with a Canadian PR Card?

The great part about being a Canadian permanent resident is not only the benefits you receive while in Canada but also those when you leave. If you enjoy traveling you will be able to travel to the following countries, visa-free, just by being a Canada PR holder:

All Dutch Caribbean territories (90 days)
Anguilla (maximum 3 months)
Bahamas (90 days)
Bermuda (maximum 6 months)
British Virgin Island (up to 6 months)
Cayman Islands (60 days)
Costa Rica (30 days, PR card must be valid for more than six months)
Cuba (30 days, PR card, and a current and valid passport required)
Dominican Republic (60 days)
El Salvador (not applicable to all nationalities)
Georgia (90 days in 180 days)
Guatemala (not applicable to all nationalities)
Honduras (not applicable to all nationalities)
Jamaica (up to 6 months)
Mexico (6 months)
Nicaragua (90 days within 180 days, not applicable to all nationalities)
Panama (30 days or 180 days)
Philippines (30 days)
Qatar (30 days)
South Korea (30 days when in transit, not applicable to all nationalities)
Taiwan (30 days, online registration required, only applicable to certain nationalities)
Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)

Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be a bit tedious, with a copious amount of forms and documents to complete and strict submission dates to adhere to. But that’s what we’re here for. At mwagents.ca, we take the stress and hassle out of planning to relocate abroad. Our accredited RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) are ready to evaluate your eligibility, review all documentation, and submit all documentation on your behalf. Using an RCIC not only gives you the best possible chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada but will also make the entire process simple and stress-free. We handle the paperwork while you prepare to live your Canadian dream and eventually become a Canadian permanent resident. It’s just that simple.

Immigration FAQ’s

1. How to Increase Your CRS Score

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:

Provincial Nomination;
Offer of employment;
Core capital factors;
Your common-law partner or spouse;
Skill transferability;
Previous Canadian study experience;
Siblings in Canada; and
French and English Ability

Provincial Nomination (600 Points)

600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Job Offers (50-600 Points)

A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.

Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)

These take into account your level of education, for example:

Certificate;
Diploma; or
Degree

If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.

Language (150 Points)

Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.

Work Experience

The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.

2. How to Pass Minimum Entry Criteria

You must:

Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class

You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:

You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program

You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:

Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205

If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.

3. How to Apply for Canadian Express Entry

There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:

Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

4. How to Qualify for the Skilled Federal Worker Program

The following factors affect your eligibility:

Work Experience

You must:

Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
Have received payment for your work;
Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC

Language Ability

You must:

Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply

Education

You must:

Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
Have completed foreign credentials; or
Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC

Proof of Funds

You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:

You are working in Canada; or
You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Additional Factors to Be Considered

Age;
Valid job offers; and
Adaptability

5. How to Qualify for the Skilled Federal Trades Program

This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.

Minimum Requirements

You must:

Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
Meet the language requirements for English and French;
Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
Have work experience within the past 5 years;
Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority

Skilled Work Experience

These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.

Group Number	Job Description
72	Industrial, construction or electrical trades
73	Equipment operation and maintenance
82	Technical and supervisors in: Agriculture Natural resources Production
92	Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators
632	Cooks and chefs
633	Bakers and butchers

Education

You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:

Foreign qualifications;
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree

Language Ability

Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.

Be assessed by the province or territory

Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.

6. How to Qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements

You must:

Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
Have the required language skills needed for your job;
Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.

Job Description	Skill Type
Technical jobs	B
Skilled trades	B
Professional jobs	A
Managerial jobs	0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:

Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
Have completed foreign credentials

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.

Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed	Job Level (NOC)
7	0
7	A
5	B

The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.

Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
Have the required language skills needed for your job;
Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
Have language levels need for your job; and
Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.

Job description	Skill Type
Technical jobs	B
Skilled trades	B
Professional jobs	A
Managerial jobs	0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:

have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
completed foreign credentials

Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in:

the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
the language tests

Canadian Language Benchmark score needed	Job level (NOC)
7	0
7	A
5	B

The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:

Read;
Speak;
Listen; and
Write

Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.

Principal Applicant

When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.

Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.

Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.

Inadmissibility

You may be inadmissible if you are:

Considered a security risk;
Lied about information in your application or interview;
Have ties to organised crime;
Can’t support yourself financially;
Have terrible financial health;
Committed a crime outside of Canada;
Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
Have a family member that is not allowed in the country

Choosing Where To Live

Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.

7. How to Calculate Comprehensive Ranking System Points

These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points

Age (max 110 points);
Education (max 150 points);
Language proficiency (max 160 points);
Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
Additional Factors (max 600 points)

8. What Is a Legal Agent?

A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:

A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec

Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.

9. Who Are Canadianvisa.org’s Legal Agents?

There are currently 3 Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants working with Canadianvisa.org:

David Allon #R513335

Mario Antolinez #R515931

Jimmy Park #R510391

10. How to Check If Your Legal Agent Is Authorized

If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.