Canada PR status is one option for immigrating to Canada. If you want to live and work in Canada, you can also do so by securing a visa or a work permit to come to Canada. You can also become a citizen of Canada. If you want to immigrate while remaining a citizen of another country, permanent residency status may be something you wish to pursue.
What is PR in Canada?
In Canada, permanent resident status allows you to live and work in Canada with no time limit by which you have to leave. While you do not have the rights of citizenship, your PR status allows you to get health care and other social services and even sponsor family to come to Canada. As someone with Canada PR status, you are protected under Canadian law, can move freely in and out of the country and can eventually apply for citizenship.
In Canada, permanent residents can secure a PR card which is a form of ID showing PR status. It is important to have this card with you, especially if you plan to travel outside the country. While permanent residency is permanent, you can lose your status through formal proceedings if you live outside of Canada for longer than two years in any given five-year period.
How Can I Get PR Status in Canada?
There are many paths to permanent residency in Canada. You can apply through family sponsorship or apply as a worker through the Express Entry program. If you are a caregiver, self-employed or are a business person or investor, there are also programs to help you immigrate to Canada. The government of Canada even has an online tool to help you determine whether you qualify for permanent residency.
How long does it take to get a PR card in Canada?
Processing times for a Canada PR card can vary on a number of factors, including your application and the number of applications submitted. Waiting in excess of 100 days is not uncommon, but you can apply for urgent processing if you need your PR card before then. You can also use the Canada government website to determine your waiting time. You can also avoid additional delays that add to your Canada PR card processing time by ensuring you submit your PR card application correctly.
Canada PR Requirements
Canada PR eligibility and requirements will depend on which program you are using to apply to come to Canada. For example, if you are applying to come to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class, you must have at least a year of full-time work (or the part-time equivalent) in a skilled position (as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels) in Canada during the three years before you submit your application. You must also at least meet the needed language ability established by IRCC. the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level for your job.
If you are applying through family sponsorship, your Canada PR eligibility will depend on having a close family member who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada who is at least 18 years old. You may need to pass a medical exam and your family must be able to provide you with financial support during your stay in Canada, so you do not need to use social services.
To determine the eligibility requirements for you, read the instructions and eligibility requirements for the program you are considering using to come to Canada.
Are You Interested in Getting Canada PR Status?
If you would like to move to Canada and become a permanent resident, you will need to apply. If you need help understanding the basics of applications and eligibility, Immigration Direct has resources to help you for after you become a permanent resident
Learn How US Citizens Can Move to Canada - Click Here