Permanent Residence
WHAT IS A PERMANENT RESIDENT?
- A permanent resident is someone who has acquired permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada, but is not yet a Canadian citizen. They remain citizens of their home country until such time as they become Canadian citizens. Permanent residence does not apply to a person in Canada temporarily (e.g. temporary foreign workers).
- Refugees who are resettled from overseas arrive in Canada as permanent residents through the Government-Assisted Refugee Program or the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.
WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND OBLIGATIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE?
- You may live, work, or study anywhere in Canada.
- You may receive most of the same social benefits as Canadian citizens.
- You are afforded protection under Canadian law.
- You may apply for Canadian citizenship.
- You must pay taxes.
- You must abide by all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE?
- If you are convicted of a serious crime you will be deported.
- You must live in Canada for at least two years within a five year period.
- You can't vote.
- You can't run for political office.
- You can't hold jobs that require a high level security clearance.
Contact the C2 Global Law immigration lawyers today. We provide invaluable advice and assistance, helping you to achieve the goal of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.