If you are planning to immigrate to Canada whether to work, study or live permanently, you’ll want to apply for permanent residency as soon as you arrive. The permanent residency card is your proof of being granted permanent resident status by the Government of Canada even though you are not a Canadian citizen.

To be considered a permanent resident, you must accumulate 2 years’ worth of residency days in every five-year time period. Without this residency time, you risk losing permanent resident status. The two years can be accumulated by physically being in the country, or in certain situations by being outside Canada. Those applying who have not been permanent residents for five years must prove they can meet the two-year requirement after becoming a permanent resident.

We can help you understand these distinctions as well as when and how to apply for your permanent residency card. Your card grants you access back into Canada whenever you travel outside the country. By paying taxes and obeying Canada’s laws, as a permanent resident, you have the right to receive the majority of social benefits available to Canadian citizens (including health care and the Canada Pension Plan), work, live or study anywhere in the country, receive protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and apply for Canadian citizenship.