A permanent resident is a foreign national who has been granted permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada. Permanent Residents are not Canadian citizens. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries.
Temporary residents in Canada such as Students, Temporary Foreign Workers, Visitors are not Permanent Residents. Temporary residents are only allowed to stay in Canada for a specific period of time. The terms are stated on their visas. Once their allotted tenure is over, they either need to leave Canada or seek extension of their stay sighting valid reasons. An application needs to submitted in such cases and once/if approved, they can extend their stay in Canada.
As opposed to that, Permanent Residents are allowed to stay in the country indefinitely as long as they fulfill their residency requirements.
Permanent Residents* and their dependents have the right to:
Receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage.
Live, work or study anywhere in Canada. They are not restricted to specific jobs, colleges or working hours etc.
To apply for Canadian citizenship after a period of residence. (1065 days in Canada as a Permanent Resident.)
Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
*As a permanent resident, you also must pay taxes, and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
So, what are you not allowed to do as a Permanent Resident?
vote or run for political office,
hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.
You risk losing your Permanent residency status when:
an adjudicator determines you are no longer a permanent resident after an inquiry or PRTD appeal;
you voluntarily renounce your permanent resident status;
a removal order is made against you and comes into force; or
you become a Canadian citizen.
Even if you don't meet the residency obligation, you are still a PR until an official decision is made on your status.
To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days.
Who Can Apply for Permanent Resident Status?
Anyone is allowed to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Candidates/ applicants are selected based on their age, level of education, official language proficiency, second official language and Canadian work experience among other factors.
Click here to get a FREE assessment to check your eligibility for Permanent Residency in Canada.
Disclaimer: These articles provide information of a general nature only. It may no longer be current. It does not give legal advice nor should you rely on it as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions, you should consult a lawyer. If you are looking for immigration advice, book an appointment.