Get Permanent Resident Card in Canada

After living here for sufficient time (depending on the visa obtained in the first place), one can apply for permanent resident (PR) card in Canada.

You can rely on our Canada immigration law firm for assistance in relocating to this country under the visas or specific programs available.

What are the main ways to obtain permanent residency in Canada?

You can apply directly or indirectly for permanent residency in Canada, as follows:

1. the direct way implies entering one of the available programs developed by the Federal or Provincial Governments;
2. the indirect way implies first obtaining a temporary residency card and then meeting the living requirements to become eligible for permanent residency.

What are the programs to obtain a Canada PR visa in 2026?

There are 5 programs through which a foreign citizen can acquire a Canada PR card:

• through the Express Entry visa, which is available for skilled immigrants who can occupy vacancies in companies that lack specialized workforce;
• through business immigration programs under which entrepreneurs can immigrate to Canada and start their own companies;
• through family class immigration schemes, which are available for immigration to Canada for citizens who have family members living here;
• through the Class Experience program, which enables foreign employees and students to apply for temporary residency followed by permanent residence cards;
• through the Provincial Nominee Schemes, through which foreign citizens can move to certain provinces who enroll in this program.
  

Below, you can watch our video on how to obtain a PR card for Canada:

What are the eligibility conditions to qualify for Canadian permanent residency?

In order to determine if one is eligible for a Canadian residence permit, one can calculate the score in the CRS – Comprehensive Ranking System. Even if this is usually used for the Express Entry Class immigration, it can be used as a model for other schemes.

The applicant must fill out each section in the application, based on which he or she will be provided with the score obtained. We remind foreign citizens that the minimum points to be obtained are 67, while the maximum is 100, as follows:

• the language level can bring a maximum of 28 points;
• work experience also accounts for 15 points;
• education can bring another 25 points;
• through age one can earn 12 points;

Relocating to the spouse can also bring 10 additional points.

What program leads to permanent residency in Canada the fastest?

The most important aspect related to obtaining a PR card through a designated program is the processing time of the visa. In this case, timeframes differ not only from one immigration scheme to another, but also from year to year, and even based on the number of applicants.

Our Canadian immigration lawyers recommend not choosing such a program based on the processing times, but on meeting the requirements, as this will ensure the success of your application.

Are there any special programs for French speakers?

Yes, if you are a French speaker, you may definitely increase your chances of obtaining permanent residence through programs like:

• the French-Speaking International Mobility Program, which does not require the Labour Market Impact Assessment;
• the Quebec Skilled Worker Scheme, as this is one of the most important French-speaking provinces in Canada;
• the Express Entry Program, which awards extra points if you have a good level of French.

You can read about the main ways to obtain permanent residency in Canada in the infographic below:

What are the documents required to obtain a PR visa for Canada?

The following:

• the visa application form and proof of payment of the application fee;
• a clean criminal record and medical certificate;
• documents attesting to the reason for immigration (employment offers or contracts, sponsorship letters, etc.) in original and copies;
• proof of sufficient funds for self-sustenance for the first 2 or 3 months;
• the skills and language assessment test results.

Additionally, persons accepted must also attend the immigration interviews with the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in their home countries.

How long does it take for my Canadian permanent residence card to be issued?

The document is issued quite fast, in about a month or a month and a half from submission of the documents.

What happens if I don’t renew a permanent resident card in Canada? Will I lose my status?

No, you will not lose your status, but you may face difficulties when dealing with administrative matters.

What are my rights if I become a permanent resident of Canada?

As a permanent resident, you will have various rights similar to those of a Canadian citizen, while holding a different nationality. Specifically:

• you can live, work, and study in Canada;
• you can benefit from social security benefits;
• you can leave and enter Canada based on your permanent residence card.

What are the restrictions that I am subject to as a permanent resident in Canada?

Your permanent residency rights are compared to those of a Canadian citizen, and from this point of view, you cannot:

• vote in federal elections;
• hold certain jobs for which special clearance is required;
• run for office in political elections.

If you are interested in obtaining a Canada PR visa, please contact our immigration lawyers.