A lot of individuals want to live in Canada permanently. They have good reasons for wanting to move to Canada. It’s known for being one of the friendliest countries for immigrants, and it’s also one of the easiest because of its large land area and small population.
If you’re interested in Canada and want to know how to become a permanent resident, this article will provide the basic information.
This article discusses the requirements for getting permanent residence in Canada. It explains the process of applying for permanent residence and also provides information about the associated costs.
Ways to Migrate to Canada
To obtain permanent residence in Canada, your first step is to move to Canada. There are different ways you can do this, such as for study or work purposes.
Canada provides various programs to assist immigrants in moving and welcoming new residents. The most common programs for immigrating to Canada are the Express Entry program and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
The Express Entry program is highly popular for immigration. However, it operates on a points-based system. To be eligible, you need to possess exceptional skills and the relevant expertise in your specific profession.
The great thing about the Express Entry program is that it processes applications for permanent residence. It is possible to achieve permanent residency in as little as six months through this program!
You can choose to apply to PNPs first and then migrate through the Express Entry program, or you can go through both processes simultaneously.
Who is a Canadian Permanent Resident?
A Canadian permanent resident is someone from another country who has been given permission to stay in Canada as a permanent resident.
A person with permanent resident status has the freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada. They also enjoy various benefits, such as healthcare coverage and social services.
Canadian permanent residents are also protected by Canadian laws. Furthermore, after a certain period as a permanent resident, you can apply to become a Canadian citizen! To obtain permanent resident status, you need to obtain a permanent residence (PR) visa.
The PR visa is valid for five years and can be renewed. However, it’s important to note that holding a permanent residence visa doesn’t make you a Canadian citizen; you still retain citizenship in your own country.
Please remember that as a Canadian permanent resident, you don’t have the right to vote in elections.
Benefits of Having Canada Permanent Residence (PR)
As a bearer of a Canadian permanent residence visa, you are entitled to the following benefits:
- Become a Canadian citizen: Being a permanent resident in Canada is the first step to becoming a Canadian citizen. You can apply for Canadian citizenship if you have lived in Canada for three (out of the five years on your PR visa) years. Those who become Canadian citizens receive a Canadian passport, which is a highly valued travel document around the world. This means that you won’t require a visitor visa to visit most of the world’s developed and developing countries, as most of them provide visas on arrival to Canadian citizens. Furthermore, Canadian citizens can visit the European Union and other G-8 countries for a limited time without requiring a visa.
- Live and work anywhere in Canada:Â Most migrants are concerned about getting a job and exercising their freedom to work freely in their new country when they relocate. A Canadian PR visa allows you the right to work anywhere in the country. You have the legal right to live and work anywhere in Canada after you become a Canadian Permanent Resident. This means that you can simply move within the country from one province or territory to another and are not tied to a certain job or province. Furthermore, because the country is economically stable, it pays well.
- Healthcare and social services: As a permanent resident of Canada you can enjoy access to the country’s first-rate healthcare and social services. The country’s healthcare system is universal, which means you have access to free medical care. Furthermore, the Canadian government provides pension and retirement benefits to its residents.
- Free education for your children:Â Permanent residents of Canada are entitled to free education up to the 12th grade for their children (until the age of 18 years). Furthermore, when it comes to university education, PR holders benefit from lower tuition expenses. In addition, the Canadian government organizes a variety of courses for those who have lost their jobs and wish to start over in a different sector. Aspirants can also benefit from such programs by selecting and obtaining a well-paying job.
- Get your family to join you in Canada:Â As a permanent resident in Canada, you can sponsor your spouse and dependent children to join you. Once your partner and child obtain their permanent residence Visas, they will be eligible for the same advantages as a Canadian Permanent Resident.
- Own a Business in Canada: After your successful immigration, and obtaining a permanent residence in Canada, you can start your businesses there. Businessmen and investors take advantage of lucrative prospects to establish themselves in Canada. Furthermore, as a business owner in Canada, you can use the banking and financial system to grow your company’s interests globally.
Without becoming a Canadian citizen, you can invest in a franchise or launch a new business as a sole partnership or corporation with just your permanent residence visa. - Mobility rights: Section 6 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees Canadian Permanent Residents mobility rights. So, whether you wish to go to different beautiful places or reside in the province of your choosing, you have every right to do so. Note, however, that candidates who receive their invitation through the Express Entry Program can reside in any province, whereas those who apply for PNPs must live in the province that selects them.
Tips on Applying for Canada Permanent Residence
Below are tips you need when you want to apply for permanent residence in Canada:
- Make sure you meet the requirements: Before applying for Canadian permanent residence, you need to check if you qualify. Calculate your Express Entry score using the CRS system. Add up the points you can earn based on categories like age, education level, language proficiency, work experience in Canada, and knowledge of a second language. To be eligible for a permanent resident visa through Express Entry, you must score at least 67 out of 100. Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your family, unless you can already legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canadian company.
- Find the right program for you: As mentioned earlier, Canada offers various immigration programs with different requirements and procedures. Some programs are point-based, while others are not. Some have limited spots on a first-come, first-served basis, while others do not. Some programs require a sponsor, while others do not. Some programs are ongoing, while others have specific timelines. Do thorough research to identify the program that suits you best. If you have multiple options, decide which one you want to pursue. It’s important to know the immigration path that aligns with your goals. Use a guide to help you choose a suitable immigration path to Canada.
- Gather your documents: The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will ask for specific documents as part of your Canada PR application. Some documents may take several months to obtain. Waiting until you are formally requested to submit them can cause unnecessary delays and complications. For example, a police report may be required. Background checks from law enforcement agencies in many countries are usually processed quickly, but in some cases, it may take months to obtain the document(s).
- Check for errors or mistakes: Sometimes, Canadian permanent residence applications are delayed or rejected not because the applicants are ineligible, but due to failure to follow instructions, address an issue, or correct mistakes. Reduce this risk by carefully reading the information, checking for errors and inaccuracies, and rectifying them.
- Avoid gaps in your timeline: Even if you were on vacation, the IRCC may want to know where you were, why you traveled there, and when you visited. It may also be necessary to provide a complete employment and educational history. Gaps in your timeline might attract attention and questions, potentially leading to delays or denials of your Canada permanent residence application. Create a timeline of your activities over the past ten years, ensuring there are no gaps. It may be time-consuming but feasible.
- Keep copies of your documents safe: It’s wise to have copies of your documents and submitted forms, whether in physical or digital form. Take screenshots of different sections of your profile as you progress through the application process before submitting the final Canada PR application. Keep photocopies of the documents that establish your relationship with common-law or spousal sponsorship candidates. You never know when you might need to refer back to any part of your application, so having duplicates of everything stored securely in physical and/or electronic format is always a good idea. Your scanner can be a valuable tool.
- Be honest: Even if you don’t get caught immediately, lying can jeopardize your chances. “Misrepresentation” refers to providing false information on an immigration application and can result in serious legal consequences. For instance, in the Express Entry system, if it’s discovered that a candidate provided false information when entering the pool, they may be banned from re-entering the pool or even entering Canada for five years. Anyone found to have lied on any immigration application may face a five-year ban. Therefore, it is crucial to provide accurate and up-to-date information right from the beginning. If it is discovered that you obtained permanent residency through fraudulent means, such as lying on your application, you may be deported.
Cost of Getting a Canada Permanent Residence
The price for a Permanent Resident visa is 1,325 CAD per person applying. Typically, the payment for a Canadian PR visa is requested towards the end of the process. At the initial stage of the Canadian Permanent Residency process, you will be asked to pay an Education Credential Assessment fee. This fee is 285 CAD per applicant and is used to assess if your education meets Canadian standards and if you are ready for the process.
Can Students Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada?
If you are an international student studying in Canada, you have the option to apply for Canadian permanent residency while still in Canada or after finishing your studies, provided you meet the requirements of the Canadian immigration program you apply under. Applying for both a Canada study visa and Canadian permanent residency simultaneously is called “dual intent,” and it is an accepted and allowed process according to Canadian immigration law.
To increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident in Canada, it’s important to plan ahead and make necessary preparations. Make sure you have accurate information and put in the effort to secure one of the best permanent residency opportunities available.
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