The right to live and work in Canada without a time limit is given to those who do not hold Canadian citizenship through the status known as Permanent Residents (PR). A foreign national must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), formerly known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada, under one of many programs in order to become a permanent resident. A major advantage of permanent residency is the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship after a specific period of time, in addition to the given right to reside in Canada.
What is a PR Card?
The Permanent Resident card serves as both an identification document and a travel document for Canadian permanent residents. It is one of the methods for Canadian permanent residents to prove their status and, along with the permanent resident travel document (PRTD), is one of the only documents that allows permanent residents to return to Canada via commercial carrier.
The PR card was first proposed in 2001 as part of the Canadian government’s turnaround of immigration and security laws and is still colloquially known as the “Maple Leaf card.” The first PR cards were distributed on June 28, 2002, following the passage of the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in 2001.
All PR cards, like Canadian passports, are the property of the Canadian Crown and must be returned upon request.
You need a PR card if:
- you are a permanent resident (including a child),
- you plan on traveling outside Canada, and
- you plan on returning to Canada by any commercial transporter, such as a plane, train, boat, or bus
Eligibility Requirements for PR Card
- A permanent resident card application requires that you:
- already be a permanent resident.
- be present in Canada physically.
- not have received an order to leave Canada from the Canadian government. and not a citizen of Canada.
If applicable, you may be required to complete and submit the following documents for Canada PR Card:
Proof of residency is required if you have spent 1095 days or more outside of Canada in the last five (5) years. Provide supporting documents as they apply to you based on the situation.
- Fees, copy of the receipt showing the amount paid
- Two photos of yours in an envelope with your name written on it.
- Your valid passport or travel Document.
- Copy of any identity documents issued outside Canada before you came to Canada.
- Language fluency English or French
Urgent Permanent Residents Application eligibility
You may be eligible for urgent processing of your application. You must prove that you require your PR card to travel within the next three months for one of the following reasons, such as; your own serious illness, a family member’s serious illness or death, work, whether related to your current job or a job opportunity, or you’re in a crisis, an emergency, or a dangerous situation.
For urgent processing of your application are:
- A copy of proof of travel, such as tickets or an itinerary, indicating the destination and dates of travel.
- A copy of proof of travel, such as tickets or an itinerary, indicating the destination and dates of travel.
- A letter explaining the urgency
- Proof of urgency (e.g., a doctor’s note, death certificate, employer letter, etc.)
Benefits of Having Canadian Permanent Residents
You have the following benefits as a permanent resident:
- enjoy the most social benefits available to Canadian citizens, including insurance coverage.
- to work, study, or live anywhere in Canada.
- apply for citizenship in Canada.
- protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the laws of Canada.
Ready to take the next step and become a Canadian citizen? Gunness & Associates is here to help. Our team of seasoned immigration experts will provide you with tailored support throughout the citizenship application process. We understand the importance of this milestone and will work with you to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. Don’t wait any longer, reach out to us today and let us help make your Canadian dream a reality.