The Benefits of Canada PR

Canada is one of the most welcoming, forward- thinking countries in the world with an abundance of opportunities for immigrants who want to gain permanent residence (PR) in Canada.

With free universal healthcare, quality education and improved standard of living, foreign nationals can build a sustainable life for themselves and their families. It is no coincidence that so many immigrants are looking to gain permanent residence in Canada, enabling them to enjoy the benefits that come with their Canada PR application.

In this article, we unravel the process of applying for PR in Canada, and how you can gain maximum benefit as a permanent resident of Canada.

Before you can enjoy the benefits of Canada PR, you will need to know which pathways can be explored for PR, and understand how the process of your Canada PR application will unfold.

Due to the quick results it yields, we will take a look at one of the most commonly used immigration pathways below:

• Provincial Nomination Program (PNP), and
• Express Entry System

Bear in mind that Canada has over 100 immigration pathways and visas to choose from, but selected programs are subject to the individual’s circumstances and needs. In this case, for quick and easy PR in Canada, PNP and the Express Entry system are the most preferred pathways.

Permanent Residence In Canada Under the PNP

If you are a skilled worker who can fill the gap of the labour force needs that a Canadian province falls short of, then this program is ideal for you. The PNP targets immigrants with the right skills, education and work experience that will add value to the Canadian economy. Note that different provinces in Canada call for different needs, making the standard and process specific for each province or region.

There Are Two Steps to Get Started With the PNP.

You must do the following before applying to the PNP:

1. Choose the province or territory you would like to live and work in. You will then be nominated accordingly.

Top tip: Remember to conduct research on employment opportunities, education system, health care and other benefits before applying to that province.

2. Once you are nominated by a province/territory, you would have to apply to the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (IRCC) for permanent residence. Your application will be assessed by an immigration officer to check if you meet the program criteria.

Top tip: Be sure to check the territories/provinces that offer nomination programs in Canada, as well as the criteria by province or territory to ensure eligibility.

Your Journey Starts Here

Permanent Residence through the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system is a points-driven online system, and it is one of the best options for immigrants looking to gain PR in Canada. Express Entry is highly versatile in that it comprises three immigration programs that accommodates an array of needs.

The following programs falls under the Express Entry system:

1. Canadian Experience Class
2. Federal Skilled Program
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program

Whichever immigration program you choose, we urge you to double-check all program requirements, fill out the forms correctly and submit all supporting documents with your Canada PR application. Should you have a job offer lined up in one of the provinces, you should ensure that you can meet the criteria and conditions of the job offer, where applicable.

If you meet all the requirements, you will have the option of applying for a temporary work permit, depending on the nature or circumstances of your application. You can find out more about how to apply for a temporary work permit here.

What are the Steps for my Canada PR Application?

Irrespective of the program you are applying to, you will need to follow these steps before you can enjoy the benefits of Canada PR:

1. Step 1: Check if You Meet the Program Criteria
2. Step 2: Check Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
3. Step 3: Gather Your Documents in Advance
4. Step 4: Create Your Online Profile
5. Step 5: Apply to the Program and Submit your Application

Once you have undergone all the steps for PR, you may want to double-check that you have everything in order before you officially submit your application.

Note that the final decision on your application will be based on whether or not you meet the criteria of the program, and your admissibility to Canada. You will need to submit your medical exam results and be open to background checks before a decision can be made.

Canada Awaits - Apply Now

What Does it Mean to have Canadian PR?

Now that you have PR, you would have to understand what it means to hold PR status in Canada. Permanent Residents (PRs) of Canada are required to carry a valid PR card, or a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). These documents would have to be presented every time you travel by flight, train, bus or boat to Canada. Should you fail to have your PR card or PRTD, you would be denied access to board the bus, train, flight or boat to Canada.

Note that PRs must ensure that their PR card is still valid should they return to Canada after being outside of the country. Though, it is worth mentioning that the expiration of your PR card does not suggest that you are no longer a Canadian PR. In this case, you would have to re-apply or renew your PR card if the previous one expired.

Shall We Explore The Benefits of Canada PR?

At this point, you have undergone the steps required to gain PR and now you can enjoy the benefits of Canada PR. Below we unfold some benefits you can enjoy as a PR status holder of Canada.

As a PR status holder of Canada, you can:

• Gain maximum benefit from social assistance such as free universal health care coverage;
• travel in and around Canada to explore its unique features and work wherever you like (as long as you comply with your work permit conditions);
• you can apply for Canadian citizenship and
• gain protection under Canadian law and execute your rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Now that you know what you can do as a Canadian PR, it only makes sense to highlight what you cannot do. You cannot:

• vote or run for office,
• work in jobs that requires critical or high security clearance.

We would like to highlight the fact there is no superior or special treatment Canadian PRs hold. Like foreign nationals and regular Candian citizens, PRs must still remain cognizant of the law, as the rules of the country should still be maintained and executed. To clear any potential misconceptions, PRs must still pay taxes and uphold all Canadian laws governed by the federal, provincial and municipal bodies.

Benefits of PR in Canada at a Glance

Now that you have greater insight into the benefits that await your PR status in Canada, you can decide on a suitable program for your needs and circumstances, and start your journey to Canada today. Feeling uncertain about where to start is perfectly natural, so feel free to get in touch with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to advise and guide you through the process.

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FAQs

1. Can I leave Canada after applying for PR?

Absolutely. You can leave Canada and travel wherever you like. However, you would have to return and make sure that your PR status is updated before returning to Canada. You would also have to ensure that you are able to comply with the admissibility rules, have a valid passport and other relevant documents required.

2. How many countries can you visit with a Canadian passport?

Permanent residents of Canada can visit 183 countries in the world out of 195 that exist. 

3. How long is my PR card valid for?

Most permanent resident (PR) cards are valid for five years, however, depending on your circumstances, some may be valid for one year. You would need a valid permanent resident (PR) card before you can return back to Canada. The PR card would have to be renewed and you would have to collect it yourself as the Canadian government will not allow third parties to collect.