What is PR?

A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada. This includes refugees who are resettled from overseas through the Government-Assisted Refugee Program or the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. A permanent resident is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries.

A person in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.

Permanent resident (PR) status does not expire. Even if you haven’t lived in Canada for many years, you could still be a PR! 


What permanent residents can do

As a permanent resident, you have the right to:

  • get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage,
  • live, work or study anywhere in Canada,
  • apply for Canadian citizenship,
  • protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Permanent residents must pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.


What permanent residents cannot do

Permanent residents are not allowed to:

  • vote or run for political office,
  • hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.


The permanent resident (PR) card

Your PR card is used to show that you have permanent resident status in Canada. If you travel outside Canada, you will need to show your passport and your PR card when you come back on a commercial vehicle, like an airplane, boat, train or bus.

If your PR card expires, it does not mean you have lost permanent resident status. It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires. If you still have PR status, but don’t have a valid PR card, you have two options for travelling to Canada. You can either:

  • apply for a PR travel document (PRTD)
  • voluntarily give up your PR status (see below) and then apply for an eTA or visa

Your best option depends on your situation and whether or not you still meet the residency obligation for a PR. Processing your application will take time so plan ahead to avoid delays or getting stuck at the airport on your way here. If you do not carry your valid PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.


Residency obligation

To maintain your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days do not need to be continuous. If you have been a permanent resident for less than five years,  you must be able to meet the residency obligation in the future. Time abroad may count towards your permanent resident status, for example if you

  • work outside Canada for:
    • a Canadian business or organization, or
    • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government
  • travel with your spouse or common-law partner who is:
    • a Canadian citizen, or
    • a permanent resident working outside Canada for:
      • a Canadian business, or
      • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government
  • are a dependent child and travel with your parent

Keeping a travel journal can help you track your time in Canada. 


Losing your permanent resident status

You don’t lose your permanent resident status when your PR card expires. You can only lose your status if you go through an official process, for example:

  • an adjudicator determines you are no longer a permanent resident after an inquiry or PRTD appeal;
  • you voluntarily renounce your permanent resident status;
  • a removal order is made against you and comes into force; or
  • you become a Canadian citizen.

Even if you do not meet the residency obligation, you are still a permanent resident until an official decision is made on your status.


Giving up permanent resident status

Losing your permanent resident status does not happen automatically. You can apply to voluntarily give up (renounce) your permanent resident status. For example, if you:

  • no longer meet the residency obligation to be a PR
  • don’t plan on living in Canada in the future
  • don’t want to keep your PR status

You may not be able to enter Canada until your permanent resident status is resolved either by receiving a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) or by voluntarily giving up your permanent resident status. Once you renounce your status, you can apply for an eTA or visa.


Unsure of your status? Contact us for help!



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