Permanent Residency in Canada – Quick Ways to Obtain PR in Canada
Are you looking to settle down? Do you have stable circumstances and don’t want to immigrate at any cost? The PR card is exactly what you’re after; in fact, it’s the key to achieving permanent residency in Canada. There’s a way to get your PR card with minimal risk.
In this article, we’ll discuss the paths to permanent residency, provide a definition of the PR card and how to obtain it, and talk about the costs associated with permanent residency.
What is PR in Canada?
Who is considered a permanent resident?
Permanent residency (PR) is a status that gives immigrants the chance to live permanently. A Permanent Resident is not considered a Canadian citizen; instead, they hold citizenship from another country. A permanent resident can live and work in Canada and have access to social benefits. However, permanent residents have some limitations compared to Canadian citizens and must adhere to residency conditions to maintain their status.
What is a Permanent Residency Card (PR Card)?
The PR card in Canada is a type of identification that shows you have permanent residency in Canada. This card serves as the official document of your status as a permanent resident. If you leave Canada, you must show your PR card upon re-entry.
Differences between Temporary Residency, Permanent Residency, and Citizenship
| Temporary Resident | Permanent Resident | Citizen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering and exiting Canada | Can only exit and enter when the visa is valid | Can exit and enter freely with a PR card | Can exit and enter freely with a Canadian passport |
| Taxes | No need to pay taxes if there is no Canadian income | Taxpayer | Taxpayer |
| Voting rights | Can't vote | Can't vote in Canadian federal elections | Eligible to vote |
| Passport eligibility | Cannot apply for a Canadian passport | Can apply for a passport after becoming a citizen | Can obtain a passport |
| Healthcare services | Can't access free healthcare services | Eligible to access free healthcare services after a while | Can access free healthcare services |
| School tuition | Pays tuition | Free | Free |
What are the benefits of having PR in Canada?
You can obtain Canadian citizenship after you become eligible.
You will gain most of the benefits that Canadian citizens receive.
You can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada that you want.
You are protected under Canadian laws.
You can sponsor your family members to come to Canada for tourism or immigration.
Your children will benefit from free education in Canada.
You can access free healthcare services.
You can benefit from bank loans to buy a house.
Direct pathways to Canadian permanent residency
There are more than 100 ways to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
If you want to go directly to Canadian permanent residency, you can take the following pathways:
Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry
The Express Entry system is the main method for obtaining Canadian permanent residency. This system has three main programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
In the Express Entry method, you are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). If you are eligible, you can create your profile by completing the necessary documents. Ultimately, among the ranked individuals, a draw will take place, and those who score the highest will receive an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency (ITA).
Express Entry has two types of draws for selecting applicants:
General Draws
Targeted Draws
Targeted draws allow for acceptance into the Express Entry system with lower scores. These draws focus on specific groups, such as individuals with experience in Canada’s in-demand occupations or individuals proficient in French.
Permanent residency in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canadian provinces nominate individuals who qualify to meet their labor market needs for permanent residency in Canada. The Provincial Nominee Program has two main categories:
Express Entry-linked programs
This category of programs is aligned with the federal Express Entry system. In this method, you must first have an Express Entry profile and express your interest in a specific province.
If the province accepts you, you will receive an additional 600 points in the Express Entry points system, which almost guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry.
Independent provincial programs
This category of programs is independent of the Express Entry system. However, their processing times are longer than other programs. In this method, you apply directly through the portal of your chosen province for a specific program.
If you qualify and receive a provincial nomination, you submit your application for permanent residency in Canada to IRCC.
Permanent residency in Canada through investment
Permanent residency in Canada through Startup
The Canadian Startup Visa program is a pathway to permanent residency for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. This program is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business globally in a supportive Canadian environment. If your idea is accepted, you will receive permanent residency in Canada directly.
Permanent residency in Canada through Provincial Entrepreneurship
Provincial entrepreneurship programs are for individuals who intend to establish a business or invest in a specific province and obtain permanent residency in Canada. Most entrepreneurship programs provide a direct or fast track to obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
Permanent residency in Canada through C11 Visa
The C11 pathway is excellent for foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in an existing business in Canada or start a new business.
Permanent residency in Canada through ICT Visa
The C12 or ICT visa is a subset of the IMP visa. Through it, you can obtain an intra-company transfer or open a branch of your company in Canada. The ICT visa is a relatively low-risk method for obtaining permanent residency.
Permanent residency in Canada with the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
This program is one of the pathways to permanent residency in Canada for skilled workers who intend to live and work in Quebec. The QSWP is managed by the province of Quebec, and its points system (Arrima) is largely similar to Express Entry.
If the Quebec government selects you, you will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and can apply for permanent residency by submitting it to the federal government.
Permanent Residency in Canada through the Rural and Northern Immigration Program
The Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP) allows workers or entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The goal of this program is to meet the labor needs and increase the population in rural and low-population areas. However, to immigrate through this method, you must have a job offer from one of the designated communities.
Permanent Residency in Canada through the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot immigration program is designed to help address labor shortages in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. Through the Agri-Food immigration program, you can obtain permanent residency in Canada. However, you must have relevant work experience and, if living outside Canada, provide a valid job offer.
Permanent Residency in Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) aims to attract skilled workers and international graduates to Canada’s Atlantic provinces to address labor shortages and support economic growth in these areas. To qualify, you must have a valid job offer in one of the Atlantic provinces as well as relevant work experience.
One of the advantages of this method is that there is no need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It also has a lower language requirement (CLB 4 or 5).
Permanent Residency in Canada for Home Care Nurses
The home care nurse program allows for permanent residency from the moment of arrival in Canada, and you can work in organizations that provide temporary or part-time care services. This program is designed in response to Canada’s urgent need for childcare and eldercare services. To be eligible, you must have a relevant job offer.
Permanent residency in Canada with the French language
If you speak French, Canada has rolled out the red carpet for you. Pathways like the French-speaking IMP (job offer without the need for LMIA) and Quebec Skilled Worker Program have targeted individuals with French language skills to easily obtain permanent residency in Canada. You can even earn additional points in the Express Entry system with knowledge of the French language.
Permanent residency in Canada through sponsorship visa
Indirect pathways to permanent residency in Canada.
Many individuals choose indirect pathways for immigration to Canada and obtaining permanent residency. This means they enter Canada on a temporary visa and subsequently meet the necessary conditions to obtain permanent residency, ultimately acquiring PR status in Canada. Below, you will read about the most common indirect pathways to achieve permanent residency in Canada.
Permanent residency in Canada with a work permit
You can enter Canada temporarily with a work permit and convert it to permanent residency. Below are some common methods to obtain a Canadian work permit:
Permanent residency in Canada through education
By getting accepted into universities or colleges in Canada and having a Canadian study permit, you can initially enter the country on a temporary basis and later obtain permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class or by applying through the Federal Skilled Worker program (entering the Express Entry system).
Permanent residency in Canada through a tourist visa
The process of converting a tourist visa to permanent residency occurs in two stages: converting the tourist visa to a study or work visa and then obtaining permanent residency.
Costs of obtaining permanent residency
Cost of obtaining a permanent resident card = 50 Canadian dollars
Government fees for obtaining permanent residency = between 1,000 to 3,000 dollars for most permanent residency applications
Investment-related costs may also apply in some pathways, varying depending on the type of business.
What are the conditions for obtaining permanent residency in Canada?
You should not have a criminal record.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You should have sufficient financial means for yourself and your family members.
To apply through the Express Entry system and gain points for education, you must have your educational credentials assessed.
For most pathways, you need to have a language proficiency certificate in English or French.
Documents for obtaining permanent residency and PR card.
Documents required for obtaining permanent residency.
Medical report.
Financial means.
Documents related to the absence of a criminal record.
Birth certificate and passport.
Photo.
Educational documents.
Language certificate if necessary.
Employment documents (proof of work experience).
Marriage or divorce certificate.
And other documents.
How to obtain a PR card.
If you have just obtained permanent residency, the first PR card will be automatically mailed to your address in Canada. Therefore, there is no need to apply for the first PR card.
Documents required for renewing a PR card.
Old or current PR card.
If you are applying to renew your PR card, include a copy of it in your application.
If you are applying to replace a damaged card, send the card along with your application.
A copy of valid identification documents such as:
Valid passport.
Valid travel document.
2 photos taken within 6 months of your application date.
Certificate of compliance with your residency conditions.
Copy of the application fee payment receipt.
Solemn Declaration in case of loss, theft, damage, or non-receipt of the card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada.
Steps to renew a PR card.
1. Download the Canada application package.
The application package contains the guide and all the forms required to apply for a PR card. Attach your documents to your application.
2. Pay the application fee.
You must pay the PR card application fee online. After making the payment, print the receipt and include it with your application.
3. Submit your application.
Complete and sign your application. Attach the documents and send it along with the payment receipt to the Case Processing Centre at the address below. PR card applications must be sent physically to one of the processing centers designated by IRCC.
Mailing address:
Case Processing Centre — PR Card
P.O. Box 10020
SYDNEY, NS B1P 7C1
CANADA
By courier:
Case Processing Centre – PR Card
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2
How can I convert permanent residency to citizenship to obtain a Canadian passport?
Over the course of 5 years, you must have a minimum of 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada.
Pay your taxes.
Achieve a minimum IELTS score of CLB 4 or higher.
Take and pass the Canadian citizenship test.
Attend the citizenship oath ceremony.
Obtain Canadian citizenship.
Apply for a Canadian passport to receive it.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Canadian permanent residency valid for?
Unlike temporary residency, PR in Canada does not have a limited validity period. If you comply with residency conditions, the Government of Canada will not revoke your permanent resident status, and you can maintain your PR.
Is permanent residency the same as citizenship?
No.
Permanent residents of Canada are not considered Canadian citizens. Unlike Canadian citizens, permanent residents do not have a passport from this country. They must also meet certain conditions to avoid losing their permanent residency.
Can permanent residents of Canada leave the country?
Yes.
Permanent residents can leave Canada whenever they wish, but they must still meet the physical presence requirements.
After how many years does Canada grant permanent residency?
If you can earn enough points in Express Entry, you can immediately convert your status to permanent residency.
However, if your points are not sufficient, with 1 year of Canadian work experience, you may qualify to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class.
Can you travel without a visa with a Canadian PR card?
With a PR card from Canada, you can travel to about 25 countries around the world without a visa.
How can I transfer my money and assets after obtaining permanent residency?
You can do this through currency exchanges.
Can you obtain PR with a few months of presence in Canada and return to Iran?
No. You cannot obtain permanent residency by being physically present in Canada; you must apply through immigration pathways
.Also, keep in mind that if you have PR, you must meet the residency requirements for permanent residency in Canada, which includes being physically present for at least 730 days within 5 years.
Is it possible to obtain permanent residency in Canada through property purchase?
No.
Obtaining PR in Canada through property purchase is not possible. For more information on how you can find a shortcut in this area, you can refer to the article on Canadian residency through property purchase.
Is credential assessment mandatory for applying for permanent residency in Canada?
To apply through the Express Entry pathway, having equivalent credentials, especially for the Federal Skilled Worker pathway, is mandatory in order to obtain education points. In other pathways, credential equivalence is not required.
What is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)?
Permanent residents traveling outside Canada without a valid PR card or without their PR card with them must obtain a PRTD travel document before returning to Canada by commercial means. The PRTD document is typically used for a single entry into Canada and allows the permanent resident to enter the country before applying for a PR card or while renewing the PR card.