Permanent Resident Card

A permanent resident (PR) of Canada is not a Canadian citizen but someone who has been granted permission to live, work and settle in Canada permanently as long as they maintain their status. A permanent resident of Canada can eventually apply for a citizenship once they become eligible. To become a PR, one needs to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through various immigration programs which Canada has to offer.

As a permanent resident of Canada, if you pay your taxes and abide by the federal and provincial law and order; you get the right to avail social benefits that the Canadian citizens receive. Such as:

• Health Care,
• Canada Pension Plan,
• Employment Insurance and
• Right to live, study or work anywhere in Canada.
• Protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The only restrictions that apply to a permanent resident of Canada is that you are not allowed to run for political office on a PR status and you also may not be allowed to work at some jobs which need high level security clearance.

Your permanent residency status can be renewed every five years, but there are certain requirements which need to be fulfilled in order to retain the PR status. You must be physically present in must live in Canada for at least two years (730 days) in a five-year period. If you live outside of Canada for longer, you may lose your permanent resident status.