The power of a Canadian green card

Blog | 16/11/2021 | 741 view

Permanent residence and what are the golden benefits of holding this PR Canada card are certainly something that those who are intending to long-term settlement in Canada will often be interested in.

What is permanent residence?
Permanent residence is a permanent resident card (PR) to show that you have permanent resident status in Canada. If you are traveling outside of Canada, you will need to present your permanent resident card and passport when arriving at the port of plane, boat, train, or bus.

A permanent resident (PR) of Canada must carry and present a valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada or on any other commercial carrier. If you do not have your PR or PRTD card with you, you cannot board a flight, train, bus, or boat to Canada.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card remains valid when you return from travel outside of Canada and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires. If your PR card expires, it does not mean you have lost your permanent resident status.

The most important goal of a Permanent Resident (commonly known as PR) is that to immigrate, you must have this PR card. With Visa PR, after immigrating to Canada, you will have all the rights and obligations of a Canadian citizen

What are the benefits of Permanent residence card holders?

  • Enjoy most of the same social benefits as a Canadian citizen, including health care and education policies.
  • The freedom to live, study and work anywhere in the national territory of Canada.
  • Apply for Canadian citizenship.
  • Be protected by Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  • In addition to enjoying the above benefits, you must fulfill your tax obligations and comply with Canadian laws as a Canadian.

Besides benefits, you also have to perform duties like a Canadian citizen.

What Permanent Residents Can't Do
You are not allowed:

  • Vote or work for political office,
  • Hold several high-level security jobs.

People who are only temporarily living in Canada, such as international students or foreign workers coming to work in Canada, are not considered permanent residents.

The permanent residence offers golden benefits to its holders

Do you want to live in a country that is rated as the most livable in the world? Do you want your child or younger brother to be educated in a world-leading training program? This will easily become a reality when you choose a Canadian destination.

Time living in Canada


To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least  730 days in the past five years. These 730 days need not be continuous.

To help you keep track of your time in Canada, use the travel diary. Other ways to find out how long you've been in Canada:

  • Ask a Canadian border officer when you enter Canada.
  • Register or renew your PR card.

Losing your permanent resident status
You do not lose your permanent resident status when your PR card expires. You can only lose your status if you go through some of the following

You may lose your permanent resident status if:

  • A judge determines you are no longer a permanent resident after a PRTD request or appeal;
  • You voluntarily give up your permanent resident status;
  • A disqualification order is made against you and in effect
  • You become a Canadian citizen

Even if you do not meet the residency obligation, you remain a permanent resident until a final determination of your status is made.

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The Power of Canada's Green Card, Permanent Residence