Applying for Permanent Residency in Canada: Benefits & Requirements for PR

It looks like you want to become a permanent resident of Canada. May we ask what’s stopping you? Is it the process you don’t know? Or the immigration programs in Canada to become a permanent resident? What if we tell you everything as A, B, C, and D? Great, right? So let’s get started!

For starters, see if you are eligible, find out the program that defines your purpose the best, get your documents ready, file the immigration application, and get your fingers crossed. Because there’s no royal road to it but through toil.

Is that all there is to it? Of course not! Consider these steps as the name of a book’s chapters because there are many details to every step. So if you want to become a permanent resident of Canada, buckle up for a ride and come along.

What Is a Permanent Resident of Canada?

Good question. A permanent resident of Canada is someone who has been granted permission to live and work in Canada permanently and is protected by Canadian law. A permanent resident is not a Canadian citizen, but they have some rights and responsibilities similar to those of citizens. Is this what you want for yourself? Let’s see if you are eligible for it.

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Permanent Resident

Several factors determine whether or not you are eligible to apply for Canadian permanent resident status. Every program has its requirements. Let’s just say these are the basics and are pretty much applicable to all the programs. 

• The most important factor is your current immigration status. 
• If you are already a permanent resident of another country, you may be eligible to apply for permanent resident status in Canada. 
• However, if you are not a permanent resident of another country, you will need to provide a copy of your valid visa or entry permit into Canada.
• The applicant must have a clean criminal record (no serious criminal convictions).
• The applicant must meet the medical and security requirements of Canada.
• The applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family while in Canada.
• You must first have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. 
• You must have been physically present in Canada for at least six months out of the last twelve months. 
• In addition, you must have been a resident of Canada for at least three years out of the last five years.

If you meet all of the above criteria, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent resident status. However, it is essential to note that even if you are eligible to apply, there is no guarantee that your application will be approved. The decision to approve or deny your application is ultimately up to the Canadian government.

Immigration Programs in Canada To Become Permanent Residents

There are three main classes of immigrants in Canada who may become Canadian permanent residents; the Economic Class, the Family Class, and the Business Class.

Let’s have a view of these immigration programs in a nutshell.

• The Economic Class is for immigrants with the skills and experience to contribute to the Canadian economy. 
• The Family Class is for immigrants who have family members who are
• The Business Class is for immigrants who want to start or invest in a business in Canada.

But you need more information to get into these programs, right? So let’s dive deep into it.

Economic Class

The economic class immigration programs are designed to attract highly skilled and talented immigrants who can contribute to the Canadian economy. 

Following are a few different economic class immigration programs, each with its requirements and criteria. 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Programs

To be eligible for the economic class immigration programs, you must have a specific work experience in an occupation that is listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) as;

• Skill Type 0 (managerial)
• Skill Level A (professionals such as doctors, engineers or dentists)
• Skill Level B (plumbers and electricians)
• Skill Level C (training-based jobs)
• Skill Level D (labour jobs that require on-the-job training)

What Is Express Entry and How Does It Work?

The Express Entry system is the Canadian government’s way of streamlining the immigration process for skilled workers. If you have the skills and experience Canada needs, you may be eligible to immigrate through Express Entry.

To be eligible for Express Entry, you must first meet the criteria for Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. 

• If you meet the criteria for one of these programs, you will be entered into a pool of Express Entry candidates.
• From there, your profile will be scored based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. The highest-scoring candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
• If you are invited to apply, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application, including all required supporting documentation. Once your application is received, it will be processed in six months or less.
• You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document if you are approved for permanent residence. This document is your ticket to moving to Canada and starting your new life.

Express Entry is just one way to immigrate to Canada. If you do not meet the criteria for Express Entry, you may still be eligible to apply for permanent residence through another immigration program. 

Family Class

Canada knows it’s hard to live without your loved ones. So, the Family Class immigration program is a way for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to come to Canada as immigrants. 

Family Class Immigration To Canada In 3 Easy Steps

The sponsorship process can be complex, so it’s essential to understand how it works before getting started.

1. The first step in the sponsorship process is to submit an application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

• The application must include a sponsorship agreement and a contract between you and the Canadian government. 
• The agreement obliges you to provide financial support for your relative for a certain period. 
• Once your application is approved, CIC will send you a sponsorship kit, including information on completing the sponsorship process.

2. The next step is to have your relative apply for permanent residence. 

• They must submit several documents, including a medical exam and a police certificate. 
• If they are approved for permanent residence, they will receive a confirmation of landing, which the sponsored person will need to present when they arrive in Canada.

3. Finally, when your relative arrives in Canada, you will be responsible for providing them with financial support and helping them settle into their new life. 

• You will also be required to report any changes in your relative’s circumstances, such as a change of address or employment, to CIC.

Business Class

The Business Class is an immigration program for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada. The program is designed to help immigrants with business experience and the ability to create jobs and economic growth in Canada.

Eligibility criteria of Business Class immigration program

• To be eligible for the Business Class, you must have a net worth of at least $300,000 and be able to invest at least $200,000 in a qualifying business in Canada. 
• In addition to meeting other essential requirements, the applicant must create at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• If approved for the program, you will be given a Canada permanent resident visa. Once you arrive in Canada, you will have two years to start your business.

Benefits of Having a Permanent Residence Status

We are spelling out some benefits of having a Canada permanent residence status to make you want it more. Yeah, we love to tease.

Freedom To Live and Work in Any Part of Canada

After acquiring permanent residence status in Canada, you’ll have the freedom to live and work in any part of the country. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore yourself and the different parts of the country. 

Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a quiet small town, there’s sure to be a community that feels like home. And with Canada’s vast size, you will find plenty of places to explore.

So if you’re looking for a change of scenery, don’t be afraid to pack up and head to another province or territory. You’re sure to be self-confident with so much to see and do in Canada.

Universal Healthcare and Social Services

In a world where so many people struggle to make ends meet, having a safety net to catch you when you fall is very valuable. 

Universal healthcare and social services are often heralded as two of the key benefits of having a permanent residence. And it’s easy to see why. After all, who wouldn’t want access to free healthcare and social services? 

So, when you weigh the pros and cons, it’s hard to argue against the idea of universal healthcare and social services as a benefit of having a permanent residence status.

Sponsor Family

Do you have children? What would it be like to watch their first steps around you and hear the words that make no sense but fill you with pleasure simultaneously? Canada knows this feeling too well. Therefore it provides plenty of opportunities for you to live with your family. 

This can also be a huge relief for families who have been separated for a long time, and it allows you to help your loved ones start a new independent life in a new country. 

Free Children Education

When most people think about the benefits of having a Canadian permanent residence status, they tend to focus on things like being able to work and travel freely. 

However, some other advantages are often overlooked. For example, if you have a PR status, you no longer have to worry about paying tuition fees for your kids. 

Eligibility to Canadian citizenship

Permanent residence status confers many benefits to the residents, and one of the most significant benefits is the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship. After living in Canada for a certain period, permanent residents are eligible to apply for citizenship.

Once granted citizenship, individuals enjoy all the rights and privileges that come with it, including the right to vote and hold elected office. They also receive a Canadian passport, allowing them to travel freely without applying for a visa. 

Canadian citizenship is highly prized worldwide, and it is one of the main reasons people seek permanent residence status in Canada.

Rights Safeguarded

• You have the right to work in any legal occupation and study at any educational institution.
• You have the right to remain in the country indefinitely and to leave and re-enter the country as you please. 
• You are entitled to universal healthcare, free education, and retirement benefits. 
• You also have the right to apply for Social Security and Medicare benefits, obtain a driver’s license, and own property. 
• You have the right to be protected from arbitrary detention and deportation. 

Safeguarding these and all other rights is one of the many benefits of having a permanent residence. 

What Is A Permanent Residence Visa?

A permanent residence visa, also known as a PR visa, is a document that allows an individual to live and work in a specific country permanently. 

There are many benefits to having a PR visa, including the ability to live and work without needing a work permit, the right to vote and own property, and access to government services. 

The process of applying for a PR visa can be complex, but the rewards of living in another country permanently make it well worth the effort.

Benefits of a Permanent Visa

You must have read the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely as a benefit of a permanent visa all over the internet. But let us tell you that a permanent visa to Canada also offers a vast package of other benefits. 

• For starters, you won’t need to renew your permanent visa, and you’ll be able to travel in and out of the country without worrying about your status expiring. 
• Free health care, minimal cost of education, Canadian citizenship (eventually), and family sponsorship are all in one big box.
• You will be under Canadian law protection and can request assistance from the Canadian government if you need it while travelling abroad.
• Permanent residents are not affected by changes to immigration policy, which means you can plan your life in Canada without worrying about changes that could disrupt your life.

It is safe to say that these are not just the only benefits of a permanent visa. You will explore a lot more on your way there!

How To Get a Permanent Visa

Well, getting a permanent visa is not a cakewalk. You have to brainstorm a lot and prove yourself worthy of it. It may seem like a red carpet to walk, but you have to dive deep into it if you want to catch the fish.

Finding a Long-term Position in Canada

The best way to obtain a Canadian permanent resident visa is by finding a long-term position in Canada. You can search for jobs on your own or through one of the many recruitment agencies in Canada. 

Once you have found a job, the next step would be to apply for a work permit. If the company you work for is willing to sponsor you, it will be much easier to obtain a Canadian permanent resident visa.

Having Your Family Sponsor You

If you cannot find a long-term position in Canada, another option would be to have your family sponsor you. Although this process can take some time, it can be worth it if you can successfully obtain a permanent Canadian visa.

If you are sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner, you must also sign an undertaking promising to support your spouse or common-law partner financially. This means you must provide for your spouse or common-law partner’s basic requirements, such as food and shelter. 

• You will also be responsible for any debts your spouse or common-law partner incurs in Canada. 
• The person being sponsored will be required to undergo a medical examination. 
• They must also provide police certificates from any country where they have lived for six months or more during the past three years, even if they were acquitted of a crime.
• After your spouse or common-law partner arrives in Canada, they will be able to live in Canada temporarily through a resident visa. This will allow them to stay in Canada for up to three years. At the end of this period, they can apply for permanent residence. 

Investing or Starting a Business in Canada

Another avenue to explore is investing in or starting a new business in Canada. This can be a great way to establish yourself in the country and contribute to the local economy.

Of course, starting a business is not an easy task and will require considerable planning and investment. However, if you’re determined to make it happen, many resources are available to help you get started. 

The Canadian government offers programs and services specifically designed to support entrepreneurs, so investigate those options before getting started.

Look For Other Long-term Visas

If you can’t find yourself suitable for the above programs, don’t think mother fate is not in your favour because there are still many other options available.  

1. First and foremost, apply for what is called an immigrant visa. This can be done through various programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Provincial Nominee Program.
2. Another way to get a permanent Canadian visa is to apply for a work permit. This can be done if you have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Once you have a work permit, you can apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry program. 
3. Still confused? Apply for student visas and then later apply for work permits and permanent residency. Told you that programs haven’t come to an end yet.

Requirements of the Permanent Visas

Many requirements must be met to obtain a permanent Canadian visa. 

1. Firstly, applicants must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship. 
2. They will also need to provide proof of their English or French language proficiency, as well as proof of financial stability. 
3. Additionally, applicants must pass a medical examination and criminal background check. 
4. Finally, they must submit an application form and supporting documents to the Canadian embassy or consulate. 

If these requirements are met, the applicant may be granted a permanent visa to Canada.

Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility 

The first step in applying for a permanent Canadian visa is to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements include having a valid passport, being of sound mind, and having no criminal convictions. 

Giving straightforward eligibility criteria on your way to a Canada permanent resident status (the Canadian PR Status) is not an easy task, in particular, because these criteria can change at any given moment. However, for a long time, a few have prevailed and have remained somewhat unchanged: 

• Scoring 67/100 points on the eligibility criteria, 
• Your occupation is listed in Canada’s demand list, 
• Having sufficient funds to support yourself (to avoid overreliance on Canadian social programs), 
• A good score on the IELTS exam, and 
• Sufficient and valid paperwork to prove your education, employment, language level (language proficiency, etc.) 

Fill Out The Application Form

If you meet these requirements, you can begin the application process by filling out an online application form.

Get Ready For Documentation

When applying for the Canada permanent resident visa, you will need to gather quite a lot of documents. This is necessary for a complete application. Please understand that incomplete applications submitted by those looking to become permanent residents will be refused, and you will not be able to proceed with the application for permanent resident status in the same cycle (generally every two weeks). 

All the documents that you will need are included in the IMM 5690 E form, and will need to be translated by a certified translator (court-sworn translator, in some countries, or a notary public, in others). You will need to submit certified true copies whenever that is required. You can submit them in French or English. The same is true for any police certificates, as well as documents about convictions/offenses outside of Canada. 

Here are some of the documents the IMM 5690 E form names as necessary for the permanent resident status application: 

1. IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form to Canada, original, 
2. IMM 5669 – Background/Declaration, original, 
3. IMM 0008DEP, original, 
4. IMM 5562, original, 
5. Schedule 4: Economic Classes – Provincial Nominees, and Schedule 4A: Economic Classes – Provincial Nominees – Business Nominees (if applicable), 
6. Schedule 5: Declaration of Intent to Resident in Quebec: Economy Classes, original, only if applying through the Quebec Skilled Worker Programme, 
7. IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information, original, 
8. IMM 5476 – Use of Representative, original, 
9. Travel Documents and Passports (all must be valid), copies, 
10. CSQ – Certifical de Selection du Quebec, original, 
11. Confirmation of Nomination, copy, 
12. Proof of Language Proficiency – IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, copy, 
13. Identity and Civil Status Documents – Including birth certificates, legal documents showing any changes to the birth documents, marriage certificates, marriage certificate, death certificate for a former spouse, national IDs, Statutory declaration of Common Law Union (IMM 5409), copies of all, 
14. Children’s documents and information, including birth certificates, adoption papers, proof of full custody, Statutory Declaration from non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada (IMM 5604), copies and originals where stated, 
15. Police Certificates and Clearances, originals, 
16. 2 Photos for each applicant, original, 
17. Fee Payment Proof, do not enclose cash, this cannot be processed, and your application will be declined. 

Please, whenever making an application, go back to the original IMM 5690 E form and check it – changes may have occurred since the day this article was posted; all information outlined here is of informative nature. 

Celebrate! 

Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed by a visa officer. You will be issued a permanent Canadian visa if your application is approved.

Check Out 5 Guaranteed Ways to Secure Canadian Permanent Residency Visa

What Is a PR Card?

A PR card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an identification card issued to permanent residents of Canada. 

The card allows you to return to Canada after temporary absences, such as vacations or business trips. It also serves as proof of your status as a permanent resident. If your PR card expires, you can apply for a new one.

Card Renewal

You’ll need to renew your PR card every five years. Renewing your PR card is pretty simple as long as you’re eligible and have all the required documents.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting a Canadian PR Card renewal.

1. The first step is ensuring you’re eligible for renewal. You must have been a permanent resident for at least five years and not have been convicted of serious crimes during that time.
2. If you meet those requirements, the next step is to gather the necessary documents. You’ll need to provide the following.

• Proof of your identity
• Proof of your permanent resident status
• Two passport-sized photos. 

3. Once you have your documents, you can apply for a PR card renewal online or by mail.  

• If you apply online, you must create an account with the Canadian Government’s My CIC website. 

4. You can download the application form from the Government of Canada website if you choose to apply by mail. 
5. Once you’ve completed the form, you must send it along with your documents to the designated address. 

• Once your application has been received, it will be processed, and you should receive your new PR card in the mail within 6-8 weeks.

 Renewing your PR card is a simple process as long as you do it before it expires. 

Temporary PR Card

You can apply for a temporary PR card if you need to travel outside of Canada before your new card arrives. This is valid for up to 1 year and will allow you to re-enter the country. The process of getting a Temporary PR Card is pretty much the same as above.

What Is a Permanent Resident Travel Document or PRTD?

A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is a re-entry visa.

You need a PRTD if:

• You are a permanent resident of Canada, and you do not have a valid PR card;
• Your PR card has expired, and you cannot get a new one because you are outside of Canada;
• Your PR card is going to expire within six months, and you cannot get a new one because you are outside of Canada; or
• Your PR card got cancelled.

If you do not have a PRTD and try to board a plane to Canada, the airline will not let you fly.

How Can You Apply For A PRTD?

You can apply for a PRTD from inside or outside of Canada. If you are inside Canada, you must apply at a Canadian visa office. If you are outside Canada, you must apply at a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate.

The processing time for a PRTD application is about eight weeks. You can pay an extra fee to process your application in 2 weeks or less. You can pay the fee online with a credit card or at a Canadian visa office with a bank draft, certified cheque or money order.

What Are The Required Documents For A PRTD Application?

You must include the following documents with your PRTD application:

• a valid passport or travel document;
• two recent passport photographs;
• your PR card or a copy of it;
• proof of your ties to Canada, such as a job offer letter, property ownership or lease, bank statements or utility bills;
•  proof of your travel plans, such as plane tickets; and
• you may also need to provide additional documents, such as a police certificate.

You will need to give your fingerprints and take your photo when applying for a PRTD.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

So tell us what happened? Are you eligible and ready to become a permanent resident of Canada? If yes, that’s great! If not, why? We recommend you explore OnTheMoveCanada and consult with an experienced immigration lawyer. 

We hope you got all the pieces together. Don’t keep a brighter future waiting, and apply for permanent residency today if you are eligible. Best of Luck!