Time in Canada

What is a Permanent Resident:

A Permanent Resident of Canada is someone who has applied for and been approved for Permanent Resident status within Canada. A Permanent Resident is not yet a Citizen. A Permanent Resident is still considered a Citizen of another country. Permanent residency allows an individual to work and live in Canada without being a citizen of Canada yet.

A Permanent Resident does not have a time limit on how long there are allowed to stay. A Permanent Resident has many of the same obligations as a Canadian Citizen.

What Permanent Residents are allowed to do:

• Permanent Residents are able to receive most social benefits that are available to Canadian citizens.
• Permanent Residents are allowed to live, work, and study anywhere within Canada.
• Permanent Residents are enabled to apply for Canadian citizenship.
• Permanent Residents are offered and guaranteed protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Permanent Residents are expected to pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

What Permanent Residents are not allowed to do:

• Permanent Residents do not have the right to vote.
• Permanent Residents cannot run for political office.
• Permanent Residents are not enabled to hold jobs that require a high level of security clearance.

When an individual obtains a permanent residence, they are allowed to live outside of Canada as well. However, this individual must live in Canada for a span of at least two years within a five year period. If the individual does not oblige, they are at risk of losing their Permanent Resident status.

If you have questions about your residency obligation or are perhaps considering applying for citizenship, contact us for more information and will be happy to assess your qualifications.