Canadian PR
According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the country plans to welcome over 430,000 immigrants by the end of 2022 and even higher numbers over the coming years.
If you want to be one of the successful immigrants in Canada, contact us today at +1 844 290 6312. Our expert immigration lawyers can help you understand the requirements for Canadian permanent residency and assist you with every step of the application process.
Understand Permanent Resident Status
Permanent resident (PR) status in Canada is a right granted to citizens of other countries to live and work in Canada without a time limit. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) grants the PR status to foreign nationals who satisfy requirements under one of several programs.
A person granted the PR status in Canada must carry and present their valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when travelling to Canada. The border authorities may not allow an individual with PR status to board a flight, train, bus or boat to Canada without presenting a PR card or a PRTD.
A permanent resident in Canada is responsible for ensuring the PR card’s validity. The IRCC recommends renewing the PR card six months before its expiration date and for the holder to ensure its validity when returning from travel outside the country.
Benefits of a Permanent Resident Status in Canada
A Permanent Resident enjoys the same rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen. A permanent resident in Canada has the right to:
- Access most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage.
- Live, work or study anywhere in the country.
- Apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Receive protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
However, according to the IRCC, permanent residents cannot run for political office. They are also not allowed to assume high-level security clearance jobs.

Obtaining Canada Permanent Residence Status
Canada offers various immigration programs that provide an opportunity for permanent residency.
Some of these routes include:
- Express Entry
- Canadian Business Immigration
- Family Immigration
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Typical Documents to Prepare When Applying for Canada PR
An applicant must comply with the general and specific requirements when applying for a Canadian permanent resident visa. Below are the general requirements you may need:
- A valid government-issued passport
- A translation from an authorized translator of any documents in a written language other than English or French
- Two photos which complied with the Canada Visa Photo Requirements
- A clean criminal history validated through court documents.
- Proof of visa and processing fee payments
- Completed Visa Application Center consent form
- Medical exam certificate.
After securing these general requirements, you can proceed to obtain the visa-specific requirements.
Temporary Residence Permit Holders
A temporary resident in Canada can become a permanent resident after meeting specific residency requirements. However, temporary resident permit (TRP) holders may not include accompanying family members in their application. The accompanying family member originally entered Canada through a TRP, so the IRCC requires them to submit their application to be considered for permanent residency status.
Permanent Residence Cards
The IRCC issues PR cards to all new Canadian permanent residents. When travelling to Canada, a person with PR status must carry and present a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD).
The border authorities may not allow an individual with PR status to board a flight, train, bus or boat to Canada without presenting a PR card or a PRTD.
The IRCC issues PR cards to all new Canadian permanent residents. When travelling to Canada, a person with PR status must carry and present a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD).
The border authorities may not allow an individual with PR status to board a flight, train, bus or boat to Canada without presenting a PR card or a PRTD.
Permanent residence card renewal
The IRCC recommends renewing the PR card six months before its expiration date and for the holder to ensure its validity when returning from travel outside the country.
What happens if my permanent resident card expires while I am outside Canada?
The PR card may be issued only in Canada. If you are a permanent resident and your PR card expires outside Canada, you must apply for a single-use PRTD from the nearest diplomatic office of Canada.
Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
A PRTD is a document that a permanent resident outside Canada must secure if they cannot present a valid PR card when returning to Canada. It is a temporary official document to prove the traveller’s PR status in Canada.
How Can IAS Immigration Lawyers Help?
Applying for Canadian permanent residency can be a daunting task. The application process is complex and challenging to navigate without help.
Call us at +1 844 290 6312 and let our immigration lawyers help you.
AIS immigration lawyers are experts in the field of Canadian immigration law.
We can help you every step of the way, so you’ll have the best chance of securing permanent residence status in Canada.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Last modified on August 24th, 2023 at 10:02 am

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Frequently Asked Questions
The processing time for a Canada Permanent Resident Visa varies depending on the immigration program you apply for. Typically, the immigration authorities process Express Entry System applications within six months, while Provincial Nominee Program and other PR visa applications may take longer to process.
The factors that affect the processing time for PR Visa applications include:
- the type of PR visa application
- whether the submitted application is complete
- how quickly the immigration authorities expect to process pending applications
- how easy it is to verify the applicant’s information
- how long the applicant takes time to respond to any concerns from the immigration authorities
Canadian permanent residency and citizenship are two different statuses. Canadian permanent residency is granted to individuals who meet the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These requirements may include holding a valid passport, having a clean criminal record, and demonstrating sufficient financial resources.
A Canadian permanent residence card is valid for five years. The card will expire on the date printed on the card. If your PR card expires within six months, you must apply to renew it to avoid inconveniences, especially when travelling outside Canada.
Permanent residents may travel outside Canada but must meet certain residency obligations to maintain their status. To meet these residency obligations, a permanent resident must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within five years.
Remember that permanent residents are expected to abide by Canadian laws. They can be deported from Canada if they commit a serious offence. Further, a permanent resident may lose residency under the following conditions:
- not been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days out of the last five years
- becoming a Canadian citizen
- the immigrants voluntarily renounce their residency status
- becoming inadmissible to Canada.
As a permanent resident, you have the right to:
- get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage,
- live, work or study anywhere in Canada,
- apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the IRCC requirements
- pay taxes and respect Canadian laws.