Why become Canadian PR
Are you wondering what are the benefits of Canadian PR?
If you are trying to find out the key benefits of Canadian PR (Permanent Resident) status, then this article is right for you. Being a Canadian Permanent Resident also brings many advantages such as education, employment, travel, social benefits and more. In general, potential immigrants and newcomers to Canada are oftentimes interested in knowing the advantages of getting permanent residency in advance.
So, what are the benefits of Canadian PR (Permanent Resident)?
- You can live anywhere in Canada
- Free education in Canadian public schools
- You can become a sponsor for your eligible family members
- Apply to become a Canadian Citizen
- Work in any province in Canada
- Enjoy social services and benefits
- Unemployment insurance
- Get access to a universal healthcare system
Now you can read more about how becoming a Canadian permanent resident can benefit you and as well as your family members.
You can live anywhere in Canada
When you become a Canadian permanent resident, you and your dependents are entitled to live, work and as well as study in any province within Canada. This means, if you start off in Vancouver and later find a better job in another town or city such as Alberta, then you are free to move that province and start working there. Please note that as a permanent resident you are not tied to a specific employer or any particular province in Canada.
Free education in Canadian public schools
All Canadian permanent residents aged younger than 18 years old have the right to get free education in the country’s public schools. Most of the Canadian schools for children requires no cost to attend since being public institutions.
In addition, the benefits of being a Canadian PR also include paying fewer tuition fees for universities. In fact, compared to international students, for example, who generally pay ~18,000 CAD annual tuition fees, it will cost permanent residents for ~7,900 CAD. Of course, depending on the program of study these variables may differ, however, in general, this difference is clear.
You can become a sponsor for your eligible family members
When you become a permanent resident in Canada, you can submit an application to also become a sponsor for your immediate family members, such as your spouse, dependent children. In addition, candidates immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system can include their family members in their applications in advance!
To find more about sponsorship application and procedure please click here. Also, you can also find out who you can sponsor. Also, note that in order to successfully sponsor your family members you need to meet certain criteria and as well as requirements set by the Canadian Government. Read more about sponsorship guide.
Apply to become a Canadian Citizen
Receiving a Canadian Citizenship is actually followed by being a permanent resident. In fact, the first step of becoming a citizen is getting PR. Therefore, when a newcomer resides in Canada during the following 5 years of period, s/he becomes qualified to become a Canadian Citizen.
If you are already living in Canada for the mentioned period of time, then you can eventually find your eligibility for citizenship. Use this link in order to determine if you are eligible for the citizenship test.
Work in any province in Canada
When you receive your Canadian PR card, you have the freedom to find a job and work anywhere in Canada while becoming eligible to work for any employer.
Enjoy social services and benefits
Permanent residents in Canada have the right to receive most social advantages and benefits the same as Canadian citizens. There are many social services and benefits available for permanent residents in Canada which include, but not limited to, Employment Insurance, Tax-Free Savings Account, Working Income Tax Benefit, Child Tax Benefit and more.
Unemployment insurance
Employment Insurance benefits in Canada for new immigrants, permanent residents and as well as Canadian Citizens include regular benefits, sickness benefits, maternity, and parental benefits, caregiving benefits and more. EI supports unemployed individuals in Canada who recently lost their job by providing them temporary financial assistance.
Sometimes Employment Insurance can also cover individuals who are not able to work due to health problems and as well as people who are caring for young children. Besides, the program also helps unemployed individuals by delivering them job search services.
Get access to a universal healthcare system
Canada has world-class medical health care benefits for its permanent residents and citizens. In fact, the majority of necessary medical costs are covered by the Canadian universal health care program. Permanent residents qualify for provincial universal health care coverage.
So, if someone is a Canadian permanent resident, s/he may apply to receive public health insurance. By having public health insurance individuals are free from paying for main health-care services. The Canadian Government maintains its universal health care system through taxes.
If you need to use public health-care services, you will need to provide your health insurance card to the hospital. Every province in Canada has its unique health insurance plan. Therefore, you will need to clarify what your plan covers.
What are the requirements for the Canadian PR card?
There are certain eligibility criteria you will need to meet to make sure that you are qualified for a Canadian Permanent Residency. These include being a permanent resident in the country, meeting requirements set by the government for residency and more. You can find more about your eligibility here.
Can I use a Canadian PR card to travel to other countries without a visa?
Please note that having a Canadian PR card will make no difference for visa requirements. Depending on the passport you are currently holding, you will need to obtain a visa for certain countries.
Canada has more than 60 immigration programs and streams available for candidates who wish to permanently immigrate to Canada. If you also wish to determine your eligibility for starting a new life in the world’s one of the best countries to live in, then you are welcome to contact us today.