Canada Has Begun the Transition to Online Applications for PR
Permanent Resident applications are moving online over the next few weeks. Eight PR pathways have moved to digital applications as of September 23, 2022, with the other programs to follow.
Applications for non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Quebec Skilled Worker programs, sponsorship and adoption programs, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) have all moved to online applications. Other programs for permanent residence are going to be phased in on four later dates throughout October outlined below.
Once each program has begun transitioning to online applications, it will become mandatory to apply online through the Residence Portal unless you require accommodation. More information about accommodations for disabilities or applications in another format such as braille or large print will be coming soon. More specific information about required documents and specifications can be found on the government website.
Transition to digital applications will follow the dates below
Modernization of online platforms
The IRCC has pledged $85 million in support provided by the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021 to update technology, among other areas. The amount is being used to develop a “secure, stable, and flexible enterprise-wide digital platform that protects people’s information will improve application processing and help Canada remain a destination of choice.”
The government has said that they are looking to automate certain tasks such as sorting applications, to give employees more time to work on cases and make final decisions. The IRCC has stated that they are “using technology to support, assist and inform IRCC decision-makers, not to replace them”.
The new systems will be a tool to screen applications for eligibility and more complex cases. However, in both circumstances, the system will send the application to an officer after screening the application. The systems will never refuse or recommend refusing applications. If an application has been refused, it was an officer who made that decision.
Benefits of Having Canadian PR status
A Canadian permanent resident is someone who has been granted permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada. A permanent resident enjoys many of the same benefits of Canadian citizens. However, unlike citizens, they must maintain their status by meeting certain requirements like the residency obligation.
Here are 5 of the major benefits you’ll experience once you become a Canadian permanent resident:
1 – The ability to live and work anywhere in Canada
Canadian permanent residents have the legal right to live and work anywhere in the country. If a new PR starts off in Montreal but finds a better job in Toronto, they will have every right to move. Permanent residents aren’t tied to a specific employer or province.
Additionally, Canadian permanent resident have the ability to leave and enter Canada’s borders using their Canadian permanent resident card, or permanent resident travel documents (PRTD).
2 – Access to universal healthcare and social services
Canadian healthcare is universal, which means access to free medical care. Once an individual becomes a permanent resident, they have access to Canada’s healthcare and social services.
3 – Family sponsorship
Permanent residents can apply to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to join them in Canada. That said, 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.
4 – Free education for children
Children of Canadian permanent residents can study for free up until secondary school. After graduating, post-secondary school is also much cheaper for permanent residents than it is for international students.
5 – Can transition to Canadian citizenship
Becoming a permanent resident is the first step to becoming a Canadian citizen. After residing in Canada for three out of five years, PRs are eligible to become citizens. Once a PR has transitioned to Canadian citizenship, they can vote, apply for a Canadian passport, and no longer need to renew their status in the country.
6 – Protected rights
The rights of Canadian permanent residents are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
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