Permanent Residence in Canada

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A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status by the Canadian government, but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries. Lawful immigrants to Canada usually become permanent residents upon their initial entry to Canada with a valid immigration visa.

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Permanent residents rights and obligations are very similar to those of Canadian Citizens with a few important differences.

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Permanent residents of Canada have the right to:

• get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage,

• live, work or study anywhere in Canada,

• apply for Canadian citizenship,

• protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

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Permanent residents are not allowed to:

• vote or run for political office,

• hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.

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Since permanent resident are not Canadian Citizens they do not have the right for a Canadian passport.

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When you are a permanent resident, you can live outside of Canada, but must live in Canada for at least two years in a five-year period. If you live outside of Canada for longer, you may lose your permanent resident status.

 

To find out if you may become a permanent resident of Canada purchase one of our affordable evaluation and consultation packages here.

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