Permanent Residency in Canada

A permanent resident holds many of the same rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen, including the right to live, work (subject to some restrictions), and study in any province or territory of Canada. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries. All permanent residents may avail themselves of the rights, freedoms, and protections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, other than those exclusively granted to citizens.

Permanent residents may apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for a certain amount of time. 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,
  • protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. You are not allowed to:

  • vote or run for political office,
  • hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance

What Are The Options For Immigrating To Canada From India?

If you are looking to apply for Canada permanent residence from India, the first step is to assess which programs give you the best chance of success. Broadly, the options are:

  • Federal Economic Class.
  • Provincial Economic Class.
  • Quebec Immigration.
  • Business Immigration, including the Start-Up Visa Program.
  • Temporary Residence First, Then Transition To Permanent.
  • Family Class Sponsorship.

Canada Permanent Resident Card

The permanent resident card (PR card; French: carte de résident permanent) is an identification document and a travel document for permanent residents of Canada. The PR card expires every five years and then may be renewed by making an application and proving that the applicant has been physically present in Canada for the requisite time period, or has otherwise satisfied the residency requirements. Although an individual may meet the residency requirements by living outside of Canada with a Canadian citizen spouse or working outside Canada for Canadian business, the Permanent Resident Card cannot be renewed without being present in Canada and having a Canadian address.