Permanent Residency

How do I keep my Canada PR status?

To remain a Canadian permanent resident, you will need to meet a residency obligation, which means that you need to physically be in Canada for a specified amount of time. The current residency obligation is for a permanent resident to be in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period unless you meet any of the following exceptions:

If you want to immigrate to Canada and get permanent residency you will need to not only meet the requirements of your chosen immigration programs but also be considered eligible to enter or be admissible to Canada. This usually requires having a clear criminal record, being in good health, having enough funds to support yourself and your family, and being able to settle in Canada with ease.

How do I keep my Canada PR status?

To remain a Canadian permanent resident, you will need to meet a residency obligation, which means that you need to physically be in Canada for a specified amount of time. The current residency obligation is for a permanent resident to be in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period unless you meet any of the following exceptions:

• your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen and you are accompanying them while outside of Canada;

• if you are a child accompanying your parents outside of Canada;

• you're outside of Canada for work purposes and are employed full-time by a Canadian business;

• your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen and you are accompanying them for work while outside of Canada for business (full-time employment) or in public service of Canada or a Canadian province.

Your Rights as a Canadian Permanent Resident

But there are also things you are not entitled to do as a permanent resident of Canada. For example, you are not allowed to vote, run for political office, or have a job with a high-level security clearance

If you wish to travel abroad, you must take your Permanent Resident Card with you. You can use it to provide proof that you are a Canadian permanent resident and it can be used to re-enter Canada’s borders.

If you have lost your Permanent Resident Card, you will need a document called a Permanent Resident Travel Document to return back to Canada. This document can only be used once to enter Canada.

Losing Your Permanent Residency in Canada

You cannot automatically lose your PR status in Canada nor does it expire. Your PR card can however expire and will need to be renewed. In order for your permanent residence status to be lost, you will need to go through an official process.

TR to PR in Canada

There are various ways you can turn your TR to PR in Canada. You could be living in Canada as a temporary resident if you work or study. If you're a worker, you can apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)after a year of Canadian work experience. The CECoffers prospective immigrants a chance to settle in Canada regardless of the NOC. If you are a student, you can also apply for the CEC, if you qualify for the work criteria. However, most students apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) when they're done studying. This program is also a temporary visa but can lead itself to CEC or even Canadian PR through the Express Entry System.

How Long Do You Need to Spend in Canada to Keep your Permanent Resident Status?

If you are a permanent resident, you must spend at least two cumulative years in a five-year period in Canada. If you spend more than three years in another country that is not Canada, you can lose your permanent resident status.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Permanent Resident in Canada?

This, firstly, depends on the immigration program you've chosen; for example, processing times for Express Entry ranges from 6 to 8 months whereas other programs such as Family sponsorship can take up to a year. It also depends on whether Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have all the necessary documents required to complete the application process. On average, it takes about 45 days to process PR cards for new applicants once IRCC has received everything that they need to process the application. Renewed cards can take roundabout 104 days to process.

Can You Stay in Canada While Waiting for Permanent Residency?

Yes, you can as long as your status remains legal. Those with temporary residence status are permitted to stay in Canada fr a specified time only. This needs to remain valid while you are waiting for your Canada PR status to be approved.

Do I Need a Visa if I Have Canadian PR?

No. You can enter Canada without an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visitor's visa. It is, however, recommended that you always carry your PR card with you when traveling.

Can I Get PR in Canada After 1 year?

Yes. There are various ways to do this but perhaps the best way, if you don't qualify for an immigration program, is to get a Canada work visa or study a 1-year course in Canada and apply for a PGWP. Once you have at least one year of Canadian work experience you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the CEC.

Can I get PR in Canada After Studying in Canada and Completing a 2-year Program?

No, but studying in Canada can open up the doors to permanent residency. All students who have completed at least an eight-month study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may be eligible to apply to stay and work in Canada through programs like the PGWP Programs . This will allow you to get the necessary Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence in Canada through programs like the CEC.

Can I Go To the USA with Canadian PR?

All Canadian permanent residents will need a nonimmigrant visa to enter the U.S. unless they are from a participating country in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as well as meet the VWP requirements and want to visit for 90 days or less under the program.

Which Countries Can I Travel to With a Canadian PR Card?

The great part about being a Canadian permanent resident is not only the benefits you receive while in Canada but also those when you leave. If you enjoy traveling you will be able to travel to the following countries, visa-free, just by being a Canada PR holder:

• All Dutch Caribbean territories (90 days)

• Bermuda (maximum 6 months)

• British Virgin Island (up to 6 months)

• Cayman Islands (60 days)

• Costa Rica (30 days, PR card must be valid for more than six months)

• Cuba (30 days, PR card, and a current and valid passport required)

• Dominican Republic (60 days)

• El Salvador (not applicable to all nationalities)

• Georgia (90 days in 180 days)

• Guatemala (not applicable to all nationalities)

• Honduras (not applicable to all nationalities)

• Jamaica (up to 6 months)

• Mexico (6 months)

• Nicaragua (90 days within 180 days, not applicable to all nationalities)

• Panama (30 days or 180 days)

• Philippines (30 days)

• Qatar (30 days)

• South Korea (30 days when in transit, not applicable to all nationalities)

• Taiwan (30 days, online registration required, only applicable to certain nationalities)

• Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)

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