Benefits of Obtaining the Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)

Published on: February 16th, 2024
Last updated: June 2nd, 2025

At the heart of Canadian immigration policy is the concept of Permanent Residency (PR), a status that allows individuals from around the globe to settle and thrive in this diverse and welcoming country. Permanent Residency is a key step in the immigration process, granting those who obtain it rights and privileges second only to Canadian citizens.

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This status is crucial as it signifies the holder’s legal permission to live and work anywhere in Canada, making it an essential milestone for those aiming to establish a long-term future in the country.

Generally, individuals can obtain PR status through various pathways, including skilled worker programs, family sponsorship, business immigration streams, and refugee or humanitarian programs. Each pathway has its own criteria, designed to meet Canada’s economic and social objectives while also providing opportunities for family reunification and humanitarian assistance.

The importance of obtaining Permanent Residency cannot be understated. It is the first step to becoming a Canadian citizen, offering a stable and secure environment for immigrants to build their lives, contribute to the economy, and integrate into Canada, their new home.

We compiled a list of the top 5 benefits of becoming a PR and the advantages and opportunities that come with this coveted status.

Top Five Benefits of Becoming a Permanent Resident in Canada.

1 – Live and work anywhere in Canada

As a permanent resident, you have the legal right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada. This freedom allows for great flexibility in choosing where to settle based on personal preferences, job opportunities, and family considerations. Permanent residents aren’t tied to a specific employer or province.

Additionally, permanent residents have the ability to leave and enter Canada’s borders using their Canadian permanent resident card, or permanent resident travel documents (PRTD), if applicable.

2 – Access to universal healthcare and social services

Canada is known for its comprehensive healthcare system, and permanent residents have access to most of these healthcare benefits, including necessary medical services, at little or no cost. Additionally, they have access to various social services and welfare benefits.

3 – Sponsorship – Bring your family members to Canada

Once you are a permanent resident, you can apply to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to join you in Canada.

If you immigrate through Express Entry, you can include your family on your initial application, so you won’t have to sponsor them later on.

This helps in uniting families and provides a supportive environment for new immigrants.

4 – Your children can study for free

Permanent residents have the right to free education in Canadian public schools up to the age of 18. Moreover, they pay significantly lower tuition fees for colleges and universities compared to international students, making higher education more accessible and affordable.

5 – You can become a Canadian citizen

Becoming a permanent resident is the first step to becoming a Canadian citizen. In order to be eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship, you must prove that you have resided in Canada for three out of the five years since becoming a permanent resident.

Transitioning to Canadian citizenship allows you the right to vote, apply for a Canadian passport, and you will no longer need to renew your status in the country.

To become a permanent resident, a person must apply through an immigration program. The most popular immigration pathway for permanent residents is the economic immigration program, which includes the two below programs:

  1. Express Entry system
  2. Provincial Nominee Programs.

To find out what programs you may be eligible for to become a Canadian permanent resident, simply complete our free online assessment! A member of the Canadim team will review your eligibility and will contact you to discuss your immigration options.

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