Are you dreaming of living in Canada? As a permanent resident, you can enjoy all the benefits and opportunities this beautiful country offers! But there are a few things you need to know before you pack your luggage.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of applying for a Canada Permanent Resident Card. We’ve covered everything, from eligibility requirements to the application form. So buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey toward becoming a Canadian permanent resident!
What are the Eligibility Requirements for a Permanent Resident Card?
To be eligible for a Permanent Resident (PR) Card in Canada, there are several key requirements that applicants must meet:
1. Permanent Resident Status: You must already hold permanent resident status in Canada. This means that you have been granted permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but you are not yet a Canadian citizen.
2. Physical Presence Requirement: You need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (which is equivalent to two years) during the five years immediately before the date of your application. These 730 days do not need to be continuous. Short trips outside Canada are permitted, but the total days spent outside Canada should not exceed what is allowed.
3. Absence Limitations: You must not have been outside Canada for more than 365 days in total during any of the last five years. If you have been absent for longer, you may still be eligible if these absences are accompanied by certain exceptions, such as accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner, or if you are employed by a Canadian business or the public service of Canada while abroad.
4. Criminal Record and Offenses: You must not have unfulfilled conditions related to your immigration status, nor should you be under investigation for, or convicted of, an offense under Canadian law. Here’s a deeper look into this:
- Criminal Convictions: If you have been convicted of a crime, depending on the severity and the time elapsed since completion of the sentence, you may still apply for a PR card renewal or new card. Each case is assessed on an individual basis, and serious criminality might lead to the loss of permanent resident status and possible deportation.
- Immigration Violations: Any breaches in immigration rules, like misrepresentation or having conditions that are not yet met (such as medical screenings or proof of financial support), can affect your eligibility.
5. Application Within Canada: Generally, you should be in Canada when you apply for your PR card. If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you may need to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada.
Meeting these criteria ensures that you maintain your status and can continue living in Canada as a permanent resident, with the possibility of applying for Canadian citizenship once further eligibility criteria are met.
What is the Required Documentation to Apply for a Permanent Resident Card?
To apply for a permanent resident card, you will need to provide the following documentation:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself
- A completed application form
- The application fee
- Proof of your current status in Canada (if applicable)
- Proof of your ties to Canada, such as a job offer letter, property ownership documents, or evidence of family ties in Canada
- Processing Times and Fees for a Permanent Resident Card
The first step in applying for a Permanent Resident Card is to ensure eligibility. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must have granted you permanent resident status. If you are not sure if you are eligible, you can check your immigration status online or contact IRCC.
Once you have confirmed that you are eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Card, you will need to gather the required documentation. The list of required documents can be found on the IRCC website.
Be sure to have all of the required documents before beginning the application process, as incomplete applications will not be accepted.
After you have gathered all of the required documentation, you can begin the online application process on the IRCC website. The entire application process must be completed online; paper applications will not be accepted.
You will be asked to pay the processing fee during the application process. The current processing fee for a Permanent Resident Card is $75.
Processing times for a Permanent Resident Card vary depending on individual circumstances. In most cases, processing takes between 4-6 weeks.
However, some applications may take longer to process due to incomplete documentation or other factors. You can always check the status of your application online at any time.
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your Permanent Resident Card in the mail. The card is valid for five years and must be renewed prior to expiration.
How to Apply for Canada Permanent Resident Card?
A Canada Permanent Resident Card (PR card) is an identification document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that proves you are a permanent resident of Canada.
It is used as a travel document to re-enter Canada after temporary absences such as vacations outside of the country. You can apply for a new PR card if your current one has expired.
As a permanent resident of Canada, you have many of the same rights and responsibilities as Canadian citizens, including access to free public healthcare and education.
You can also work anywhere in Canada without having to obtain a work permit. However, there are some restrictions on your ability to vote or hold certain jobs.
If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you must carry your PR card with you whenever you travel outside of the country and present it to authorities when requested. If you do not have your PR card with you, you may be refused entry into Canada when trying to return.
Steps to Apply for a Permanent Resident Card
There are a few steps that you need to follow in order to apply for your permanent resident card. The first step is to ensure that you are qualified to apply. Check the criteria on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to do this.
Once you have confirmed that you are eligible, you must gather all the required documents. These include things like your birth certificate, passport, and proof of residence. On the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you may obtain a complete list of necessary documents.
Once you have all your documents ready, you must fill out an application form. You can find this form on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Once you have filled out the form, you will need to submit it along with your supporting documents. You will then need to pay the application fee. The current fee is $550. You can pay this fee online or by mail.
Once your application has been processed, you will be contacted about your permanent resident card. If your application is approved, you will receive your card in the mail. Congratulations! Right now, you are a permanent resident of Canada!
Renewing or Replacing Your Permanent Resident Card
You can apply for a new one if your permanent resident card (PR card) is lost, stolen or damaged. If you need to renew your PR card, you should apply for a new one at least six months before it expires.
To apply for a new PR card, you need to:
- Complete the application form
- Pay the processing fee
- Include two passport photographs of yourself that meet certain criteria
- Include any other documents that are required
If your PR card has expired or will expire within the next six months, you should include a copy of the front and back of your current PR card with your application.
If you do not have your current PR card, you will need to provide proof of your status in Canada, such as a copy of your Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Canadian Permanent Resident
As a permanent resident of Canada, you have certain responsibilities. You must obey Canada’s laws and respect others’ rights and freedoms. You are also required to help support the democratic principles of government in Canada.
In addition, you must not:
- Engage in any activity that would jeopardize your status as a permanent resident, such as working illegally
- Become involved in any activity that is against the law, such as a crime
- Fail to provide information that immigration authorities request from you.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canada Permanent Resident Card can seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it’s actually quite simple. A Canadian permanent resident card will give you access to numerous rights and benefits that are not available to regular visitors or tourists.
We hope this article has provided useful tips on applying for a Canada PR card so you can start enjoying the privileges of being a Canadian citizen as soon as possible. Best of luck!
FAQ – How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Resident Card?
How long does it take to get a permanent resident card for Canada?
The processing time for receiving a permanent resident card in Canada typically takes up to 45 days, although it can be longer if additional documentation or an immigration medical examination is required.
What is the easiest way to get permanent residency in Canada?
One of the most straightforward paths to obtaining permanent residency in Canada is through the Express Entry system, which manages applications for skilled workers and is generally faster compared to other methods.
How much does it cost to get a PR card?
The cost of applying for a PR card varies depending on your specific situation. If you are already a permanent resident of Canada, the fee is $50. If you are applying from outside of Canada, the fee is $550.
Can I get PR in one year in Canada?
It is generally not possible to obtain permanent residency in Canada within just one year due to the requirement of having been physically present in Canada for at least 1,460 days over the last six years, among other criteria.
Can I apply for PR without a job?
While having a job offer enhances your application, it is possible to apply for PR without a job through programs like the Canadian Experience Class within Express Entry, provided you have relevant Canadian work experience or other qualifying factors like education or language proficiency.
