Permanent residency
A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status in Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents to Canada may be skilled workers, immigrant investors or entrepreneurs, sponsored family members or refugees.
Check the Government of Canada's website for information about how to apply to be a permanent resident of Canada, fees, processing times and to access relevant forms.
As a permanent resident, you have the right to:
- Most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including provincial health insurance.
- Live, work or study anywhere in Canada.
- Apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
You must pay taxes and respect the laws of Canada and its provinces, territories and municipalities.
Citizenship
As a permanent resident to Canada, you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship if you meet conditions in the following areas:
- Age
- Permanent resident status
- Time lived in Canada
- Income tax filing
- Intent to reside in Canada
- Language skills
- How well you know Canada
- Prohibitions.
Visit the Government of Canada's website for information about how to apply for citizenship, fees and processing times, preparing for the citizenship test, finding citizenship ceremonies and what to do after you apply for citizenship.
Contacts