Moving to a new country and working hard to acquire the status of a permanent resident is tricky; I get it. 

But it doesn’t make sense to live anywhere without enjoying the full-fledged rights of a citizen. People who were not born in Canada but have resided there for extended periods can attain permanent residence in Canada.

Pragya

An outsider residing in Canada without having a permanent residence or PR card of Canada, may not enjoy all the facilities available for a permanent resident in Canada.

It allows the person to stay as long as they want without feeling left out. However, I think the right time to apply for the PR Card is when you are sure of your employment in the country. Also, one can apply for Canadian citizenship after staying there as a permanent resident for more than three or four years.

To become a permanent resident of Canada, you must apply for permanent residence there. There are some procedures that one needs to follow. Below, I have mentioned all the procedure details in steps. I hope you won’t face any difficulty or confusion after going through these.

Confirm Your Eligibility

It is essential to confirm your eligibility before applying for the PR Card because doing it again can become tedious, and we all know how annoying it can be. 

Register a Claim

Register a claim with the Canadian government if you are applying as a refugee. You will be eligible to apply for permanent residency only if Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board approves your claim.

Many refugees have been resettled as permanent residents by the Canadian Government with the help of the Canada Immigration and Refugee Board.

Stay in Canada

While you apply for permanent residency, you are advised to stay in Canada only. You won’t be allowed to apply while living outside Canada until you complete the application process.

Express Entry

If I had a choice between doing these things offline and online, I would go for the online process. Express entry is an online system that ranks candidates based on various factors. Eligible contenders are supposed to share an Online Profile or Expression of Interest under any of the three Canadian Immigration Programs to the Express Entry Pool.

• Economic class
• Family class
• Business class

The highest-ranked candidates are considered for the Invitation to Apply(ITA). Only the candidates who receive ITA are eligible to apply for permanent resident status. This Express Entry invitation remains valid for only 60 days. Therefore, you must fill out your form immediately after receiving it.

How to Apply?

The application procedure is quite simple. Have a look at this:

• Once you prove eligible to apply for a permanent resident card in Canada and receive an invitation to apply, the next step in this process is to fill out the application form.
• If you are unsure about filling out the form, consult a representative. They could be a lawyer, legal guardian, or family member. 
• You can download the online application from the Government of Canada website. Read the form thoroughly. If any question is not applicable, you can fill it out as NA.
• Fill in all the personal details, including your name, age, gender, contact number, citizenship, and mailing address within Canada very accurately.
• You must provide detailed information regarding your educational institutions, employers, and professional trips in and outside Canada for at least the last five years.
• If you have any travel document provided by the Canadian Government for your refugee status, attach its certified copy with the form or any identity document issued by any other country.
• You also need to give your latest photographs with the form according to the guidelines issued.
• Once you finish all the entries, take its printout and add your legit signature with the date.
• You can pay the processing fee for this application via cheque, money order, your Canadian bank account’s credit card, or online banking. Read the application guidelines thoroughly to learn about your fees.
• Please attach your filled permanent residency application form with all required documents and photographs and mail it to the address mentioned there.
• You must provide an appropriate Canadian mailing address to receive the PR card. Contact the authorities if you don’t receive it within 180 days of submission. If your application is canceled for any reason during the process, you can reapply using the same procedure.
• Don’t forget to renew your PR Card before its expiry date. You don’t need to restore it if you apply for Canadian citizenship before expiration.

The Canada Hustle team talked to Duman Zhumagulov, CEO of Box Star Movers, about valuable tips to move to Canada to pursue permanent residency. Here is what he said:

“I think moving to Canada is an exciting journey, but it comes with its challenges. When I first applied for permanent residency, I found that being organized was key. I made sure to double-check all my documents and kept a checklist to track my progress.

It’s important to stay updated with the latest immigration policies, so I followed official Canadian immigration websites and joined online forums to connect with others who were going through the same process.

When I arrived in Canada, I focused on settling in by familiarizing myself with the local services. I registered for a health card, opened a bank account, and got a local phone number as soon as possible.

I think these small steps made a big difference in feeling at home. I also joined community groups and attended local events to meet new people and build a support network.

Adapting to Canadian culture was another significant aspect of my journey. I immersed myself in the culture by trying out local foods, learning about Canadian traditions, and even participating in winter sports.

I think being open-minded and curious helped me adapt more quickly. I also made an effort to improve my English and understand Canadian slang, which helped me communicate better and feel more integrated.”

Other Ways to Get a Permanent Residency in Canada

If you are not eligible based on the above-mentioned criteria or couldn’t apply for a PR card; don’t be disappointed. I’ll tell few more ways to get permanent residency in Canada.

1. The Provincial Nominee Program

There are many In-demand jobs in Canada in almost every sector, providing numerous opportunities in several Canadian provinces to fill the labour gap in these sectors and improve the Canadian economy. Provinces in Canada have their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which has different requirements for qualifying for permanent residence. However, some provinces have their unique immigration programs outside of the PNP. 

The more in-demand job you are in, the greater the chances of your approval for permanent residency in that province.

Pragya

Most of these PNP programs are linked to the Express Entry system. It means you can be selected directly through the Express Entry draw pool, and you will receive a Provincial Nomination(PN). Thus, your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) increase, and ultimately, you can get permanent residence in that Canadian province.

NOTE– Choose the province that has your job in demand.

2. Family Sponsorship Visa

One can be a permanent resident in Canada under a Family Sponsorship Visa if any of their family members are already permanent residents there.

You must be wondering how’s that possible. Yes it’s possible. A permanent resident of Canada living or working there can sponsor their family member (spouse, dependent children, parents, grandparents, conjugal partner, common-law partner, or legal partner) for permanent residence or citizenship of Canada.

NOTE – The person should be physically present in Canada during the process. I’ll explain this in detail

• The process goes through an application form. One should have the application package, including the checklist for both the permanent resident and the person to be sponsored.
• The application is submitted after correctly filling out all the details of both parties and submitting all the necessary documents, including valid proof of income, relationship, and support.
• Pay the application fees along with other clearance fees.
• Once the application is cleared, you get the permanent resident status and further instructions.

Lucian Sterling, the CEO and Founder of Dasklokal, talked to the Canada Hustle team about things to consider to pursue permanent residency in Canada. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

“Considering a move to Canada for permanent residency marks a significant life decision, one filled with excitement and challenges alike. As you embark on this journey, understanding the application process is crucial.

Familiarize yourself with the different immigration programs available, such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Program, or family sponsorship routes.

Each program has its requirements and eligibility criteria, so thorough research and possibly seeking guidance from immigration consultants can streamline your application process.

Upon receiving permanent residency, the next phase involves settling into your new Canadian home. Take advantage of resources provided by the Canadian government and local community services to aid in your transition.

This may include assistance with finding accommodation, employment, healthcare, and enrolling in language classes if English or French is not your first language.

Networking with other newcomers and joining community groups can also provide invaluable support and camaraderie during this adjustment period.

Adapting to Canadian culture and lifestyle is a journey that requires an open mind and willingness to embrace new experiences. Canada prides itself on its diversity and multiculturalism, offering a rich tapestry of traditions, cuisines, and customs from around the world.

Take the time to explore your new surroundings, engage with locals, and participate in cultural events and festivities. Learning about Canadian history, values, and social norms will not only enrich your experience but also foster a sense of belonging in your new homeland.

Above all, patience, resilience, and a positive attitude will serve you well throughout this transition. Moving to a new country involves both highs and lows, but with determination and a spirit of adventure, you can thrive in your new Canadian life.

Embrace the opportunities that come your way, stay connected with loved ones back home, and remember that you are embarking on an exciting chapter filled with endless possibilities in the Great White North.”

Benefits of Attaining Permanent Residency in Canada

The Canadian Law and Freedom and Canadian Charter of Rights allow permanent residents of Canada to apply for Canadian citizenship and also provide them with certain benefits.

• You receive several social benefits from being a Canadian citizen.
• Permanent residents get a free education in Canada up to 12th grade. Later, they also get some reduction in tuition fees for university education.
• It is needed for students and people working in Canada for an extended period. A permanent residence status gives you access to free health and medical facilities.
• You can stay or work at any of your desired places in Canada.
• It provides you with certain fundamental legal rights in Canada.
• You can easily apply for Canadian citizenship.
• If you don’t want to acquire Canadian citizenship, you can stay as a permanent resident. This will keep you connected with your own country.
• A permanent resident of Canada can also sponsor their relative for a PR Card or Canadian citizenship as per the guidelines issued.

You must have got your answer now. These are very simple ways to be a permanent resident there. So, follow these instructions and fulfill your dream to become a permanent resident or citizen of the multicultural and vibrant country of Canada.

Once you get the permanent resident card, you can leave or go abroad, but make sure you don’t stay outside for more than two years. The residency obligations in Canada require you to live for at least two years in every five-year term. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you can lose your permanent residency in Canada.

Also, remember that a permanent resident in Canada is still an immigrant and not a citizen of Canada, but he becomes eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on June 3, 2024 by Saket