Immigration to Canada with Permanent Residency

If you are seeking immigration to Canada, permanent residency allows you to immigrate and settle on a permanent basis.

Permanent residency is permission for someone to live and work in Canada with no time restrictions. Permanent resdincy holders must however live in Canada for 2 out of every 5 years or risk losing their permanent resdincy status.

When reviewing your options for immigration to Canada it is important to distinguish between the federal programs that allow application for permanent residency and the provincial nomination programs.

Permanent Residency via the Canadian Federal Programs

Federal immigration programs allow permanent residency to be applied for by making applications directly to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. They allow the immigrant to obtain permanent residency and settle anywhere with Canada, the only exception to this being Quebec which has its own immigration regulations.

Permanent residency options include:

Permanent Residency via Provincial Nomination Programs

Obtaining permanent residency via provincial nomination programs can expedite the process of immigration to Canada. Immigrants looking to settle in a specific province should have their eligibility accessed and make an application for a provincial nomination certificate.

Upon the successfully issuance of a provincial nomination certificate an application is then made to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Whilst the province nominates the potential immigrant various checks, including medical, background and security, remain in the domain of Citizenship and Canada. Once these are completed permanent residency may be granted.

Details on all the provincial nomination schemes can be found below (excluding Quebec)

What are Canadian Permanent Residency Holders entitled to?

Permanent resdincy holder enjoys many of the benefits that a Canadian Citizen does including:

Protection under the Canadian law and Canadian Charter for rights and freedom.
Access to most Canadian Social supports including medical.
To live work and study in Canada
To be apply to apply for Canadian Citizenship.

Restrictions on Canadian Permanent Residency Holders

There are certain restrictions for permanent residency holders which include:

If convicted of a serious criminal offence you may be asked to leave Canada.
Hold a political office.
Vote.
Hold certain jobs that require high level security clearance.