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 with an initial validity of 5 years. PR's can extend their stay or 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.

Medical exams are required to ensure that applicants do not have health conditions that could pose a public health risk or result in excessive demand on Canada's health and social services. The medical exam must be performed by a panel physician approved by IRCC, with fees varying by country. You may find a panel physician from the link below : https://secure.cic.gc.ca/PanelPhysicianMedecinDesigne/en/Home

Required documents include proof of identity, language test results, medical exams, police certificates, educational assessments, proof of funds, and work experience. Specific documents vary by program. For a tailored list of what you need based on your circumstances, consult Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free assessment of your eligibility.

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 Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW) 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.

Application fees for permanent residency start at CAD $1,365 for a single applicant under Express Entry. Additional fees apply for spouses (CAD $1,365) and dependent children (CAD $230). There may also be fees for language tests, medical exams, and police certificates. To get a cost estimate based on your case, consider using Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free PR eligibility assessment.

Yes, many applicants can apply for permanent residency from within Canada, including those under family sponsorship, Express Entry, or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To explore your options, use Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free eligibility assessment for Permanent Residence tailored to your situation.

You can check the status of your permanent residence application online through the IRCC’s "Check your application status" portal. You will need your application number and personal information to access updates. Alternatively, you can use the Client Application Status (CAS) tool on the IRCC website.

The Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is an official document issued by IRCC to applicants who have been approved for permanent residency. It confirms the applicant’s status and is required when landing in Canada to complete the permanent residency process.

After receiving permanent residence, you can travel to Canada as soon as you have your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa, if applicable. You must complete the landing process at a port of entry or an IRCC office to officially obtain PR status.

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.

Permanent residents cannot vote in federal or provincial elections, run for political office, or hold jobs requiring high-level security clearance, such as certain government positions. Additionally, PRs must meet residency requirements or risk losing their status if they spend too much time outside Canada.

Yes, permanent residents can work in any province or territory in Canada. They can apply for any job, except for those requiring Canadian citizenship. To explore your options for working in Canada, Aïa, our immigration assistant, offers a free Permanent Residence assessment of your eligibility based on your profile.

Yes, permanent residents have the right to study in Canada. They benefit from domestic tuition fees and can access student financial aid programs. To explore how you can study in Canada as a permanent resident, Aïa, our immigration assistant, offers a free eligibility assessment tailored to your situation.

No, permanent residents can live and work in any province or territory in Canada. But, those nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are expected to live in the nominating province for a period. To learn more about where you can live as a PR, try Aïa, our immigration assistant, for a free eligibility assessment.

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.

Yes, permanent residence (PR) can be revoked if the resident fails to meet the 730-day residency requirement in a 5-year period, commits serious criminal offenses, or is found to have misrepresented information during the application process. PR status may also be lost if a person becomes a Canadian citizen.

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.

No, once you have been granted permanent resident (PR) status, your spouse cannot cancel it. Sponsorship can only be withdrawn before PR is granted. After obtaining PR, your status is independent of your sponsor. However, if misrepresentation is found during the application, PR may be revoked.

Divorce itself does not lead to deportation. However, a permanent resident can be deported if they violate Canadian law, commit serious crimes, or fail to meet the residency requirement. Divorce does not impact PR status unless there was fraud or misrepresentation in the sponsorship process.

Yes, as a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you can sponsor eligible family members, such as a spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, or grandparents for permanent residence. You must meet income requirements and submit the necessary documentation to IRCC.

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner in your permanent residence application. Both of you must meet specific requirements, such as language proficiency and providing proof of your relationship, like marriage certificates or cohabitation documents, depending on the program.

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.

You must reside in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) out of every 5-year period to maintain your PR status. These 730 days can be spread out and do not need to be consecutive. Some time spent abroad may count if you are working for a Canadian company or accompanying a Canadian spouse 

Yes, you can leave Canada after obtaining PR. However, to maintain your status, you must spend at least 730 days in Canada within any 5-year period. If you plan to travel, make sure your PR card is valid, as it is required for re-entry into Canada.

Yes, you can lose your PR status if you fail to meet the residency requirement of staying in Canada for 730 days (2 years) within a 5-year period. Long absences without maintaining these residency requirements can lead to the loss of permanent resident status.

Yes, you can stay out of Canada for more than 6 months, but you must ensure that within any 5-year period, you accumulate at least 730 days in Canada to maintain your PR status. Some time spent abroad may count if you're with a Canadian spouse or working for a Canadian company.

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.