Every year, many newcomers come to Canada looking to become a Permanent Resident for the highly attractive benefits that the country offers. Permanent residence status not only grants individuals the right to reside in Canada but also provides the freedom to study, work, and live, along with many promising opportunities and equalities.

What is a Permanent Resident?

Permanent Residents are individuals from other countries who have been granted Permanent Resident status by immigrating to Canada. They receive a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a “PR card,” as proof of their immigration status, especially after traveling outside Canada.

Although Permanent Residents cannot vote or run for public office, they enjoy almost the same rights and responsibilities as Canadian citizens. In addition, individuals holding PR can apply for Canadian citizenship after residing in the country for three years. Alternatively, PR holders can extend their Permanent Residence without any limitations.

Health in Canada

Canada provides excellent medical healthcare benefits to its citizens and Permanent Residents. Universal access to publicly funded health services is considered a fundamental value, covering most medical expenses through the Canadian universal healthcare program. This includes visits to family doctors, specialists, emergency rooms, immunizations, and yearly exams after a certain age. 

Education in Canada

New Permanent Residents benefit from significant reductions in educational costs, gaining access to Canadian higher education at the same rates as citizens. This reduction can be substantial, sometimes up to six times less, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Additionally, PRs are considered domestic students under Canadian law, making them eligible for various financial aid options, including federal and provincial loans, scholarships, and bursaries.

Canadian residents have access to world-class free schooling, with children under 18 entitled to free education in the Canadian public school system. The government also offers highly subsidized university education. Permanent Residents’ children have the opportunity to learn both English and French, along with their parents’ language.

Employment Opportunity

Canada presents numerous opportunities for skilled workers in industries such as aerospace, IT, tourism, real estate, hospitality, infrastructure, and automobile manufacturing. Permanent Residents can work from the day they arrive, adapting to a new work style and job application methods. They can also start businesses, receiving financial assistance through government financing programs for small businesses.

Employment Insurance provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, offering financial assistance of up to 55% of earnings. Canada also provides Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Canada Pension Plan for financial support to workers after they reach retirement age.

Maternity and Paternity

Working parents in Canada are granted time off when a new baby is born or adopted. Maternity leave can extend up to 12 months, with 50 to 65% of normal income covered. Partially paid parental leave is available for up to 35 weeks. In case of unemployment, social security benefits provide support to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.

Inclusion and Respect for Diversity

Canada is a multicultural immigration destination promoting peace and harmony. Discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, and other grounds is prohibited by Canadian laws. Canada actively promotes inclusion and respect for diversity, both within its borders and on the global stage. Diversity is acknowledged as a natural and enriching characteristic of every society. In Canada, diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated, recognized as a source of strength that contributes to the nation’s vibrancy and resilience. 

How to Become a Permanent Resident in Canada?

To become a Permanent Resident in Canada, individuals must be accepted under one of Canada’s immigration programs, such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, or Family Class Sponsorship. Admissibility criteria, including criminal and medical background checks, must be met. After fulfilling the residency obligation of living in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period, individuals can apply for permanent residence.