Permanent Residency Renewal & Citizenship

Permanent Residency and Citizenship are two important milestones in building your life in Canada. Permanent Residency (PR) allows you to live, work and study Canada long term. It also allows you to enjoy many of the benefits of Canadian citizens including access to healthcare and social services. Citizenship goes one step further, granting full participation in Canadian society. Understanding the differences, eligibility requirements and processes for PR and citizenship applications can help you plan your future with confidence and ensure a smooth pathway to achieving your Canadian immigration goals.

Permanent Residency Renewal

While your status as a permanent resident of Canada does not expire, your Permanent Residency Card (PR card) does. If your permanent residency card is expiring, it is important that you apply to renew it as you will not be able to reenter Canada (in most circumstances) unless you have a valid Canadian travel document.

To renew, you must show that you have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within the last 5 years before you apply. There are exceptions to this requirement if you are abroad accompanying a Canadian spouse or working overseas for a Canadian company.

Citizenship

Becoming a Canadian citizen is an important milestone on your immigration journey as you:

• Have the right to vote
• Can run for political office
• Get a Canadian passport
• Cannot lose your status by living outside of Canada
• Pass citizenship to your children

To qualify as a Canadian citizen you must meet certain residency requirements, submit to a full background check, pass a citizenship test (ages 18-54) and show language skills in English or French (ages 18-54).

 

Canadian Economic Immigration Assessment

Complete our confidential assessment to find out if you qualify under Canada’s economic immigration system.

Start Your Assessment

 

Have questions about Canadian immigration?

Learn more about the Immigration process in our FAQs