FAQ — Permanent Residence in Canada

Permanent residence in Canada grants non-citizens the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely. Permanent residents have access to social benefits, healthcare, and protection under Canadian law. They cannot vote or hold certain government jobs. If you’re thinking of becoming a permanent resident, try Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free assessment of your eligibility.

A "Canadian resident" refers to anyone living in Canada, including temporary residents. In contrast, a permanent resident (PR) holds legal status allowing indefinite residency. PRs can apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements. If you’re considering permanent residency, Aïa, our immigration assistant, can provide you with a free eligibility assessment tailored to your situation.

Canadian citizens can vote, get a Canadian passport, and run for political office. Permanent residents enjoy many rights but cannot vote or hold high-security jobs. If you’re interested in exploring pathways to permanent residency, Aïa, our immigration assistant, offers a free eligibility assessment personalized to your profile.

Individuals qualify for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), family sponsorship, and refugee programs. Applicants must meet requirements related to work experience, education, language skills, and financial stability. To check if you qualify, use Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free assessment customized to your profile.

Individuals with a serious criminal record, a history of misrepresentation, or those deemed inadmissible for health or security reasons cannot apply for permanent residence in Canada. Certain temporary residents may also be ineligible, depending on their legal status or violation of immigration laws.

You can apply for permanent residency through several programs, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, or humanitarian pathways. Each program has specific eligibility criteria, including language skills, work experience, and financial stability. For more guidance, try Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free eligibility assessment tailored to your case.

The fastest way to obtain permanent residency is often through the Express Entry system, particularly under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Express Entry processing times are usually around 6 months. To see if you're eligible, try Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free permanent residence assessment customized to your profile.

The easiest way depends on your qualifications. Skilled workers might find Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) the best options, while family sponsorship is another straightforward route. To discover the easiest path for your situation, Aïa, our immigration assistant, can help with a free eligibility assessment.

The processing time varies by program. Express Entry typically takes 6 months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), while family sponsorship or PNP can take 12 to 24 months. To understand the timelines for your case, consider using Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free eligibility assessment.

The four main categories are: 1) Economic immigration (Express Entry, PNP), 2) Family sponsorship, 3) Refugees and protected persons, and 4) Humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Each category has specific requirements. To find which one fits your situation, Aïa, our immigration assistant, can provide a free permanent residence assessment tailored to your profile.

Permanent residents must live in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period. They must also comply with Canadian laws and keep their PR card valid for travel. If you’re interested in maintaining your PR status, Aïa, our immigration assistant, can guide you with a free eligibility assessment.

Permanent residents enjoy the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. They have access to healthcare and social services, and can eventually apply for citizenship. To start your journey as a permanent resident, Aïa, our immigration assistant, offers a free PR assessment to help you explore your eligibility.

As a permanent resident (PR), you can stay in Canada indefinitely, but you must meet the residency requirement by living in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) out of every 5-year period. These days do not need to be consecutive, but failure to meet this requirement may lead to loss of PR status.

Permanent resident status itself does not expire, but the PR card, which serves as proof of your status, expires every 5 years. You must renew your PR card to travel in and out of Canada. PR status can be revoked if residency requirements are not met or due to serious criminality.

PR status is valid indefinitely as long as you meet the residency requirement of 730 days in Canada every 5 years. However, the PR card, which is used for travel, expires every 5 years and must be renewed for continued proof of status.

There is no limit to how many times you can renew your PR card as long as you continue to meet the residency requirement. PR cards are typically valid for 5 years, and each renewal requires proof of maintaining your PR status in Canada.

Permanent residence itself does not need to be renewed, but the PR card must be renewed every 5 years. If you meet the 730-day residency requirement, you can renew your PR card as needed. Permanent residence can only be revoked under special circumstances, such as failure to meet residency requirements.

To renew your PR card, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), providing proof that you have met the 730-day residency requirement in the last 5 years. The renewal fee is $50 CAD, and processing typically takes a few months.

Marrying a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can make you eligible for sponsorship under family reunification programs. However, marriage alone does not automatically grant PR. You must go through the sponsorship process, meet financial and relationship requirements, and submit an application.

If you marry a permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residency in Canada. The process involves proving the legitimacy of your relationship and ensuring that your spouse meets the financial requirements. However, marrying a PR does not automatically grant you permanent residency.

No, your PR status will not automatically be revoked if you divorce. Once granted, permanent residence is not dependent on your marital status. However, if misrepresentation occurred during the sponsorship process, or if residency requirements are not met, PR could be at risk.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must have been a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person may count towards this requirement, but only up to 365 days. Government fees are $630 for adults and $100 for minors.

You can apply for citizenship after being a permanent resident for at least 3 years (1,095 days) in the past 5 years. You also need to demonstrate language proficiency (if you're 18-54) and pass a citizenship test on Canadian rights, responsibilities, and history.

Yes, PR status can be lost if you fail to meet the residency requirement (730 days in 5 years), commit a serious crime, or are found to have misrepresented yourself during the application. Additionally, becoming a Canadian citizen automatically revokes PR status.

To maintain your permanent residency, you must live in Canada for at least 730 days within a 5-year period. These days do not need to be consecutive. Meeting this requirement ensures you keep your PR status, and you must also avoid any serious criminal activity or misrepresentation.

Yes, as a permanent resident in Canada, you are eligible to apply for mortgages and loans to purchase a house, similar to Canadian citizens. Your eligibility will depend on factors such as credit history, income, and down payment, but PRs generally have access to the same financial products as citizens.

Yes, permanent residents (PRs) can apply for mortgages in Canada. PRs are eligible for the same mortgage products as Canadian citizens, provided they meet the financial criteria, such as credit history, income, and down payment. Lenders may require proof of PR status and income documentation.