Canada Permanent Resident

Are you looking to become a Canada permanent resident? You are not alone, last year 280,636 people became Canada permanent residents. Most applicants want to become Canada permanent residents so that they can obtain citizenship and a Canadian passport. There are many different Canadian immigration programs under which a person can apply to become a Canada permanent resident. Categories for foreigners who have the following include:

• Family members in Canada
• A job offer from a Canadian employer
• Skills and work experience that are in demand in Canada
• The intention to make a guaranteed investment with a Canadian bank
• The intention to start or invest in a business in Canada
• A skill or trade which they intend to practice as a self-employed individual

Once an application is submitted and approved and the foreign national obtains their Canada permanent resident visa, they have many of the same rights as Canadian citizens. Canada permanent residents are entitled to healthcare, establish their residence and work in any Canadian province, protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and apply for Canadian citizenship once the requirements have been met.

In effect, the only difference between Canada permanent residents and citizens is the right to hold public office, join the military and vote. Becoming a Canada permanent resident is a privilege, which can be withdrawn if the Canada permanent resident is convicted of a serious offence and as a result is deported.

Another way in which a Canada permanent resident can lose their status is by failing to meet their residency obligation. A Canada permanent resident is required to spend two years, of every five year period, in Canada. If, at a port of entry or at a Canadian visa office an officer is concerned that a Canada permanent resident has not fulfilled their residency obligation, they can count back five years to verify that the Canada permanent resident spent at least 730 days in Canada.

In order to fulfill the residency obligation, a Canada permanent resident must have spent 730 days within the last five years doing one of the following:

• Residing and remaining in Canada
• Accompanying their Canadian citizen spouse abroad
• Working abroad for a Canadian company

To see if you qualify for a Canada permanent resident visa, click here.