Legally and officially speaking, there is no such thing as a Canada Green Card. However, Canada has its version of a Green Card which is known as a Canada Permanent Resident Card or Canada PR Card.
A PR card is issued to any foreign-born individual who wishes to migrate to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen.
Though you can become a Canadian citizen, the permanent residency allows you to live and work anywhere in Canada and leave the country and enter as you wish.
There are several benefits of obtaining the Canadian Permanent Residency including the chance to sponsor your spouse/family to come and live with you in Canada.
Canada is one of the best places in the world to live and work. This is the major reason why so many people wish to obtain a Canada Green Card.
There are four ways (categories) in which you can obtain the Canadian Permanent Residency. To become a Canadian Permanent Resident, you need to qualify in any one of these categories.
Let’s take a look at how you can become a Permanent Resident of Canada…
How do I obtain a Canada Green Card or Permanent Resident Card?
Formally known as the PR Card, a Canadian Green Card allows you to obtain permanent resident status in Canada. Thus, you can live and work anywhere in the country as you please. While traveling outside the country, you will be required to present the PR card along with the passport when coming back on a commercial vehicle such as an airplane, bus, train, or boat.
The four Canadian Immigration categories are –
- Independent/Skilled Worker Immigration
- Business Immigration
- Family Class Immigration
- Canadian Experience Class Immigration
1. Independent/Skilled Worker Immigration
As the name suggests, a skilled worker possesses skills that are of use to the Canadian labor market. Such individuals usually have higher education coupled with valuable skills.
They must have sufficient work experience in particular fields including skilled trades, professional occupations, or management occupations.
Applicants are assessed using a points system and they need to score points in order to qualify for the skilled worker program.
The higher the score, the better your chances of qualifying. The points are given based on age, work experience, language proficiency, and education. You require a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to qualify.
2. Business Immigration
Self-employed people or investors can apply under business immigration. Investor and business visa is for self-employed individuals having the capacity to establish or purchase a business in Canada. Likewise, such individuals also require a certain business experience and must be able to contribute to the economy via investment.
3. Family Class Immigration
Under this category, individuals, who have a spouse or a close relative as a permanent resident in Canada or who are Canadian citizens, are eligible to apply. Your spouse or close relative can sponsor you via Family Class Sponsorship.
4. Canadian Experience Class
Individuals having a work permit or study permit along with proficiency in either of the two official languages and a work experience in Canada qualify under this category. The Canadian Experience Class is for individuals who are already familiar with the Canadian labor market and Canadian society.
Benefits of Canadian Permanent Resident Card / How is having a Canada Green Card (PR Card) beneficial?
Having a Canadian Permanent Resident Card means you are a permanent resident of Canada and thus you become entitled to the following benefits –
- You get several social benefits that Canadian citizens receive such as health care coverage and more.
- You can sponsor your family to come and live with you in Canada.
- You can live and work anywhere in Canada.
- You are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian law.
- You can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Maintaining your Permanent Residency
Obtaining the Canadian Permanent Residency isn’t enough. You need to maintain your Permanent Residency by following certain rules. When you have permanent residency you can leave and enter the country as and when you wish.
However, you are required to physically reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days every 5 years. Your stay may or may not be for 730 consecutive days. This means that you can spread your stay throughout the 5 years.
Failing to do this may lead to your permanent residency being revoked. Also, while returning to Canada you must have your PR card with you. Hence, make sure that you carry it with you while traveling.
Canada Green Card FAQs
How long does it take to get a Canada Green Card?
A Canada Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) usually requires 45 days to get processed in case of new permanent residents. This duration is for individuals who have fulfilled all their residency prerequisites. Whereas, renewal applications take 104 days to get processed.
How much does a Canada Green Card (Permanent Resident) cost?
It takes $50 per person to apply for a Canada Permanent Resident Card.
What are Canada Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Requirements?
To qualify for a Canada Permanent Resident Card you need to score 67 immigrations points as well as achieve the CRS cutoff score in each draw. The 67 immigration points are a minimum out of a possible 100. Age, work experience, language skills, and proficiency, etc. together make up the immigration points score.
What is an Express Entry Program?
Express Entry refers to an online immigration application process that enables you to submit your profile online and get considered as a skilled immigrant. Applicants who score the highest rankings get invited for permanent residency.
In order to meet the growing future demand and fulfill labor market needs, the Government of Canada recognized that they need skilled immigrants. This would ensure the country’s economic growth in the distant future.
Via Express Entry Program you can apply for jobs where there is a lack of skilled Canadian workers. Thereby, also getting permanent residency. However, the crucial role in such a type of economic immigration is played by the employers. As they will be responsible for selecting candidates.
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