In more ways than one, Canada is considered to be a nation that invites diversity, talent, and ambition.
The work culture is inspiring for many who wish to immigrate, and the government offers many means through which people can fulfill their dreams while moving to a land unfamiliar to them. If you’re looking to move to Canada permanently, keep reading!
Are Permanent Resident rights in Canada worth it?
PR Status in Canada
A person who has a Permanent Resident status in Canada is someone who – while not a citizen – has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada. Permanent residents are usually citizens of other countries. It is important to note that a temporary worker, an international student, or a tourist are not considered permanent residents.
Why people want to be eligible for the benefits of Canadian PR
The seeking and approval of PR status in Canada is important and desired by many immigrants because of the exciting opportunities that it presents.
Canada PR benefits include access to social benefits such as health care and work insurance similar to those accessible by citizens of the country. The PR status also protects individuals under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
How to gain PR benefits in Canada through Express Entry
There are several ways to apply for PR status, depending on your country of origin and other factors. However, Express Entry has, over the years, gained popularity for the ease with which processes are approved.
- Eligibility: Before applying, you may want to understand and verify whether you are eligible for applying. That involves answering questions about basic language and funding requirements and knowing the detailed demands of each program.
- Documents: All the documents needed, such as language and medical test results, proof of funds, and other identification have to be provided to be accepted through Express Entry. Since some documents might take longer to source than expected, it is suggested that the documents be procured well in advance.
- Submit profile: The Express Entry profile you create is where you provide all relevant information about yourself to the government and committee overlooking your application. If approved, your profile is then a part of a pool of candidates where your profile is ranked based on a points system.
- Score: A high score will help to ensure that your application isn’t rejected.
- Submit!
What are the Canadian PR benefits?
PR in Canada is a very sought-after status – because of some exceptional Canadian permanent resident benefits!
Right to Live and Work in Canada
There are several reasons why Canada is listed as one of the top countries in the world worth working in and living in.
As a location that emphasizes overall sustainability, cultural congruence, economic influence, and diversity, while encouraging a growing quality of life, Canada can be a wonderful choice of a city to live in. Once approved for permanent residence, an immigrant is free to move to any location within Canada with no restrictions based on employment, employer, or province.
Extend or Renew your Visa after 5 years
While very few Canadian permanent residence visas are valid for one single year, most are valid for a minimum of 5 years with the option to renew and extend the access document.
There exists no limit on how many times the status can be renewed and extended. The history of your stay, as well as your purpose to remain, will be studied and interviewed to find a valid reason for you to continue your stay as a permanent resident in Canada.
Bring Family Along with You!
One of the most important benefits of being a permanent resident in Canada is that you can bring your family along with you. Your family members will be allowed to accompany you to live, study, and work in Canada and even apply for their own status.
If you are above the age of 18, you may be required to sponsor and prove the availability of required funds for your other family members.
Have access to healthcare and social services
Universal healthcare is not a privilege provided in many countries, and Canada has often been identified as the torch-bearer for making a change in public healthcare.
According to policy, every Canadian PR visa holder has access to free medical care, prescription drugs, and can also access public health insurance in the country.
Study anywhere in Canada
Education can also be counted as one of the Canadian permanent residency benefits. The country offers free education for the children of those who hold PR status in Canada till the age of 18 (or Grade 12).
Additionally, university tuition and dorm fees are substantially reduced for those who hold PR status or their children.
Gain access to employment opportunities
With the PR status in hand, immigrants gain the right to live and work in Canada, one of the best-ranked countries in the world for livelihood and employment.
Considering it is one of the highly sought destinations for cultural influence, entrepreneurship, diversity, and overall quality of life, this is a huge factor to consider for those applying for permanent residence in Canada.
Be protected under Canadian law
Once a permanent resident in Canada, each individual, and their family members are protected and governed under the laws and beliefs of the Canadian law system and jurisdiction.
Social benefits
All immigrants verified and approved under the permanent residence visa also enjoy several social security benefits if they have more than 40 points accumulated in the system.
This is typically equivalent to 10 years of work. These residents may then have access to high-income employment, benefits provided to those with disabilities and access issues, as well as tax rebates that may allow a resident to enjoy their life with superior quality. Other benefits extended to immigrants under PR include retirement payments, health care, as well as survivors’ benefits for deceased workers and employees.
Road to Canadian Citizenship
Once you get approved for permanent residence status in Canada, the visa is typically valid for a minimum of 5 years.
However, if you have resided physically in the country for up to 3 years or 1095 days out of those 5 years, you will also become eligible for Canadian citizenship. It is important to note that only the 5 years preceding the date of filing the application for citizenship are counted and valid for the approval of said citizenship. The main difference between Canadian citizens and permanent residents is that the latter cannot have a Canadian passport. However, since being a permanent resident puts you on the road to becoming a citizen, this can be seen as another benefit albeit conditional.
Freedom of Movement
With an approved PR status and card, an immigrant is free to move within, outside, and inside Canada with no restrictions.
The visa allows you the freedom to move and change addresses, including other provinces regardless of a new job opportunity or not. You can also pursue new jobs and employers anywhere in the country.
Freedom to Start and Operate a Business
Permanent residents in Canada are granted the right to legally start their own company, enterprise, and more within the Canadian business guidelines. This includes sole proprietorship, franchises, corporations, and more!
Safe Environment
Apart from the official nomination of Canada as the most peaceful country in the world by The Economist in 2007, the government has, over the last 5 years, undertaken several initiatives to preserve nature and pay heed to the climate crisis.
With all the rights under the Canadian Charter being granted to immigrants under PR, it is evident that Canada prides itself on providing safety and security to all those that live on their land.
Are you eligible to receive the benefits of Canada PR?
Eligibility is the most important criterion to fulfill before submitting an application. You are eligible for PR status in Canada if:
- You have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada in the span of 3 years prior to filing for PR.
- You meet the required language levels and proficiency required for the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and provide proof of work experience in the language for speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
Am I likely to be accepted?
Express Entry is one of the fastest and smoothest ways available to apply for a Canadian PR status, but the approval depends entirely on the applicant’s CRS score. In case your score is lower than what is accepted on an average scale, there are several ways in which to improve and increase your score.
We can help you with the benefits of permanent residency in Canada
Confused and overwhelmed? We understand, which is why we’re here to help. Whether you’re ready to apply or need more info, check out Express Entry to kick-start your Canadian immigration journey.