Canada Permanent Resident FAQ

Can I be a Canada permanent resident if I am a citizen of another country?
Yes, Canada does not require that you renounce your citizenship from any other country in order to become a Canada permanent resident. However, you should check with your local government to see if obtaining a Canada permanent resident visa will affect the validity of your citizenship.

Once I become a Canada permanent resident, can I live anywhere in Canada?
Yes, Canada permanent residents are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which grants all Canadians the freedom of mobility, allowing you to live in any Canadian province. If however, you intend on settling in a particular province prior to landing in Canada, you should verify if any provincial nomination programs are available to you.

What makes a Canada permanent resident different from a temporary visa holder?
Canada permanent residents are entitled to sponsor their family members, obtain Medicare immediately and most Canadian schools will allow you to pay local tuition rather than international student fees.

As a Canada permanent resident can I sponsor my family?
Yes, a Canada permanent resident can, under the Federal sponsorship program sponsor your grandparents, parents, a spouse and dependent children. Canada permanent residents must be in Canada to sponsor a family member. There are provincial nomination programs in certain provinces that allow Canada permanent residents to sponsor other close family members.

Does the government charge a fee for the submission of an application for a Canada permanent resident visa?
Yes, the government charges two sets of fees. First, government processing fees for a Canada permanent resident visa are required. The principal applicant and dependents over 22 years old pay $550 CAD and dependents under 22 years old pay $150 CAD. The government also charges a Right of Permanent Residence Fee, which is $490 CAD per person.

Do I have to complete a medical examination in my application for a Canada permanent resident visa?
Yes, the principal applicant and all of their dependents, including dependent children who are not accompanying are required to undergo a medical exam in the application for a Canada permanent resident visa process.

Is a job offer required to obtain a Canada permanent resident visa?
No, there are many categories under which you can apply for a Canada permanent resident visa that does not require a job offer, like the Federal Skilled Worker program.

Will my family members also get Canada permanent resident visas if my application is successful?
Yes, if your application is accepted, your spouse and dependent children will also receive Canada permanent resident visas. Your parents are not entitled to be part of your application, but you can sponsor them, if you meet the requirements once you become a Canada permanent resident.

Contact FWCanada for more information or further questions.