What it means to be a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people move to Canada with the intention of settling here permanently. While some apply for permanent residence (PR) directly, others come to Canada through temporary pathways such as work permits or study permits and later qualify for PR. Obtaining permanent residence is the first step towards officially becoming a Canadian citizen, and many permanent residents go on to apply for Canadian citizenship.

In this article, we will discuss the difference between temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship in Canada. We will also explore the rights and responsibilities of Canadian permanent residents and provide information about applying for a PR card and maintaining permanent residence status.

What is permanent residence in Canada?

A Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) is someone who has been given PR status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen. PRs are usually citizens of other countries, while some may be stateless persons. A PR of Canada can live, work, or study anywhere in Canada. They get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including a social insurance number to work in Canada, and health care coverage. However, they are not allowed to vote or run for political office or hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance. To keep their PR status, they must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. If their PR card expires, it does not mean they have lost permanent resident status. It is their responsibility to ensure that their PR card is still valid when they return from travel outside Canada and to apply for a new PR card when their current card expires.

The difference between temporary and permanent residence in Canada

Temporary and permanent residence are two different immigration statuses in Canada. Temporary residents are those who come to Canada for a limited period of time, such as international students or foreign workers. They are required to leave Canada once their permit or visa expires. Permanent residents, on the other hand, are individuals who have been granted permission to live and work in Canada indefinitely. They have most of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, including access to social benefits and health care. However, they cannot vote or run for political office. To become a permanent resident, one must apply through one of the immigration programs offered by the Canadian government.

Is permanent residence the same as Canadian citizenship?

No, permanent residence and Canadian citizenship are two different immigration statuses in Canada. Permanent residents are individuals who have been granted permission to live and work in Canada indefinitely but are not Canadian citizens. They have most of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, including access to social benefits and health care. However, they cannot vote or run for political office. To become a permanent resident, one must apply through one of the immigration programs offered by the Canadian government.

Canadian citizenship, on the other hand, is the highest form of immigration status in Canada. It gives you the right to live, work, and study in Canada permanently, as well as the right to vote and hold certain government jobs. To become a Canadian citizen, one must first be a permanent resident of Canada. Once you become a permanent resident, you can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain eligibility criteria.

What is a Canadian permanent resident card?

A Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) card is an identification document issued by the Canadian government to permanent residents of Canada. It is used to prove that the holder is a permanent resident of Canada when they return to Canada from another country. The card includes the holder’s photo and proof of their PR status. Once a person is granted PR status and completes an official landing in Canada, they can apply for a PR card. If the card has expired or is about to expire, it is important to renew it before traveling outside Canada. If a permanent resident is outside Canada without a valid PR card, they can apply for a permanent resident travel document.

How can I get a permanent resident card?

To obtain a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) card, follow the steps below:

1. Complete the application: Download the PR card application package from the official website of the Canadian government. The package includes instructions and all the forms you need to fill out.

2. Gather the required documents: Provide several documents, including proof of your identity, proof of your status in Canada, and two photos that meet the photo requirements.

3. Pay the fees: Submit a fee when you submit your application.

4. Submit the application: You can submit your application online or by mail. If you apply online, create an account on the official website of the Canadian government. If you apply by mail, send your application to the address provided in the application package.

5. Wait for processing: It may take several months for your application to be processed. Check the status of your application online.

6. Receive your PR card: If your application is approved, you will receive your PR card by mail.

Your rights as a permanent resident of Canada

As a permanent resident of Canada, you have several rights. Here are some of them:

1. Right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada: You can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada as a permanent resident.

2. Access to public healthcare and social services: You are eligible for most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including healthcare coverage.

3. Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: You are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

4. Ability to apply for Canadian citizenship: You can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain eligibility criteria.

Your responsibilities as a permanent resident of Canada

As a permanent resident of Canada, you have several responsibilities. Here are some of them:

1. Respect all Canadian laws: As a permanent resident, you must respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
2. Pay taxes: You are required to pay income tax and other indirect taxes, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
3. Maintain your PR status: To maintain your permanent resident status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during a period of five years. The 730 days do not need to be continuous. When you apply to renew your Permanent Resident card or for Canadian citizenship, you must provide details about your international travel for up to 5 years.

Restrictions for permanent residents in Canada

1. Permanent residents of Canada have several rights and benefits, but there are some restrictions that they must follow. Here are some of them:
2. Cannot vote or run for political office: Permanent residents of Canada are not allowed to vote or run for political office in Canada.
3. Cannot hold certain jobs: Some jobs in Canada require a high-level security clearance, which is only available to Canadian citizens.
4. Must maintain their PR status: To maintain their permanent resident status, they must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during a period of five years. If they do not meet this requirement, they may lose their permanent resident status.
5. Must carry and present their PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD): Permanent residents of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or PRTD when boarding a flight to Canada or traveling to Canada on any other commercial carrier.