How to Become a Permanent Resident of Canada

A country that embraces multiculturalism and diversity, Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for immigration. Every year thousands of people apply for permanent residence status in Canada and wait for the golden opportunity. In fact, Canada is also increasing the number of successful applicants each year. Canada aims to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. In this post, we are sharing the various pathways that can help you become a permanent resident of Canada.

Before we understand the immigration pathways. Here are some important points that you must note about permanent residency in Canada:

Who is a permanent resident?

A permanent resident of Canada is the one who achieves the status of a permanent resident by immigrating to Canada as per the protocols. Permanent residents are not citizens of Canada. They are citizens of other countries. Canada gives certain rights to permanent residents:

• Permanent residents receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage
• They can live, study and work anywhere in Canada
• They can apply for Canadian citizenship
• They have the right to protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• They are also required to pay taxes and follow all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels

Permanent residents must live in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous.

Who is NOT a permanent resident?

Any person who is visiting Canada temporarily, for instance, a student or a worker, is not a permanent resident. Refugees are also not permanent residents. However, temporary visitors and refugees can become permanent residents of Canada if they apply for the same through permanent residence programs.

What is a PR card?

PR Card or Permanent Residence Card is given to every permanent resident in Canada. If permanent residents travel outside Canada, they need to show their PR card and passport when they come back on a commercial vehicle, like an aeroplane, boat, train or bus.

Immigration Pathways for Permanent Residence in Canada

Express Entry

Express entry is a Canadian immigration program for obtaining permanent resident status. Under this program, skilled workers can apply for immigration to Canada as permanent residents. Express Entry includes four different kinds of immigration programs:

• 1. Federal Skilled Worker Program: This is a points-based express entry program in which candidates with the same occupations as listed in the eligible occupations list and those who meet the minimum entry criteria, can submit their express entry profiles. Then, they need to wait for an invite from the Canadian immigration authorities to apply for permanent residence. This invite is based on a cut-off score.
• 2. Federal Skilled Trades Program: This program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. For instance, industrial, electrical and construction trades, maintenance and equipment operation trades, chefs and cooks etc.
• 3. Canada Experience Class: This program is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. It is also based on a points system like the FSW program.
• 4. Provincial Nominee Programs: This program is for workers who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory of Canada. They must also want to live in that province. It is also based on a points system like the FSW program.

Family Class Immigration

Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their family members (children, spouse, parents, grandparents and others) to come to Canada through this visa program. They can live, study and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada.

Quebec Selected Skilled Workers

Skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and live in Quebec can apply through this pathway. Quebec has its own rules for choosing immigrants. First, you have to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate. This certificate shows that Quebec has selected you to live there as an immigrant. Then, you have to apply for permanent residence through IRCC or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Self-employed Immigration

If you have certain experience in cultural activities or athletics, you can apply for permanent residence under this pathway. You must also be willing to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. The processing time of this program is quite slow.

Can someone lose their permanent residence status?

Yes, one can lose their permanent residence status in Canada if any of the following situations arise:

• an adjudicator determines that they are no longer a permanent resident after an inquiry or PRTD appeal
• they voluntarily renounce their permanent resident status
• a removal order is made against them and comes into force
• they become a Canadian citizen

V2I can help you become a permanent resident of Canada

The process of achieving permanent resident status in Canada is quite complex and time-consuming. At times applicants are unable to understand the technicalities and language of the application. Sometimes they get confused in choosing the best pathway for them to immigrate to Canada. V2I Canada visa experts are here to provide unmatched guidance and authentic advice for immigration. We have helped many individuals and families migrate to Canada for a better life ahead. Consult us right now for more information on the Canada PR process, application, processing times and more!