Permanent Residence

Understanding Permanent Resident Status

Key Responsibilities and Privileges of PRs:

• • Ensure your PR card is valid when returning from travel outside Canada.
  • Apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.
  • You will not lose PR status if your card expires; however, it is crucial to maintain its validity for travel purposes.

Who is a Permanent Resident?

• • If you make a refugee claim in Canada, you must first have your claim approved by the Immigration and Refugee Board before applying for PR status.
  • A PR is someone who has been granted PR status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen.
    PRs are usually citizens of other countries or stateless persons.
  • Refugees resettled in Canada from overseas become PRs through the Government-Assisted Refugee Program or the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

What PRs Can and Cannot Do

Can Do:

• • Receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including a social insurance number and healthcare coverage.
  • Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada.
  • Apply for Canadian citizenship.
  • Receive protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  • Must pay taxes and obey all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

Cannot Do:

• • Hold some jobs that require high-level security clearance.
  • Vote or run for political office.

Maintaining Permanent Residency Status

Maintaining Permanent Residency (PR) Status:

• • To keep your PR status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. This period does not need to be continuous, and some of your time outside Canada may count towards these 730 days.

Losing Permanent Residency (PR) Status:

• • You will remain a PR until an official decision is made on your status.
  • PR status is only lost if:
    • An officer determines you are no longer a PR after an inquiry or PRTD appeal following a refusal.
    • You voluntarily renounce your PR status.
    • A removal order against you comes into force.
    • You become a Canadian citizen.

Applying for, Renewing, or Replacing a Permanent Residence Card

About the Process:

• • Processing time for renewing or replacing a PR card is approximately 75 days, while a new PR card takes about 63 days.
  • The fee for a PR card is $50.

Validity of PR Card:

• • PR cards are usually issued for 5 years but can sometimes be issued for 1 year.
  • PR cards are only sent to addresses within Canada, and in some cases, you may need to pick up your card in person at a Canadian office.

Fixing Mistakes on Your PR Card:

• • If you find a mistake on your PR card, you can request a reissue. Sometimes names are shortened to fit on the card, which is not considered a mistake.

Traveling Outside Canada:

• • Ensure you have a valid PR card before leaving Canada.
    Apply to renew your PR card before your trip if it is close to expiring.
  • If you leave Canada without a valid PR card, apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada. This process can take longer and might delay your return.

Returning to Canada:

• • You need a valid PR card or PRTD to travel to Canada by plane, train, bus, or boat. Without these documents, you may not be allowed to board.