If you dream of a life in Canada, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of people worldwide go to this diverse and welcoming country in search of opportunities, stability, and a fresh start. As you embark on this journey, you will encounter different stages of residency, each offering different rights and responsibilities, ultimately leading to the pinnacle of Canadian residency - Canadian citizenship. This article will guide you through these stages, from gaining a temporary resident permit in Canada to becoming a fully-fledged Canadian citizen.
Levels of Canadian Residency
Residency in Canada is structured into levels, each with its unique rules, benefits, and pathways. Understanding these levels is crucial to navigating your journey toward Canadian citizenship.
Temporary Resident Permit Canada
As a temporary resident in Canada, you'll gain a taste of life in this vibrant country. But what exactly does this status entail? And how can you go about obtaining it? You are allowed to do certain things and certain things you are not. As a temporary resident, you're allowed to:
- Enter Canada legally with a temporary resident permit.
- Live or travel anywhere in Canada for the duration of your temporary legal status.
- Apply for a work permit while in Canada.
- Apply for a temporary resident visa from a non-visa-exempt country.
- Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) if you have a criminal record and are inadmissible to Canada
As someone with a temporary resident permit Canada, you aren't allowed to:
- Overstay your visitor visa's validity period, typically up to six months.
- Work in Canada without a work permit.
- Attend school or any educational institution without a study permit.
- Engage in any criminal activity while in Canada.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations for temporary residents in Canada can be complex and may vary depending on your specific situation. It is recommended to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or the official Canadian government website for more information.
If you want to become a temporary resident of Canada, there are various visa programs you can apply through, depending on your circumstances and objectives. Each program has its criteria and procedures. Here are some of the visa programs you can apply for:
- Visitor Visa Program
- A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for entry into Canada as a temporary resident. Visitors are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and are legally authorized to enter Canada to visit, conduct business, or visit family.
- Student Visa Program
- You can apply for a study permit to study in Canada. To be eligible, you must have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada and prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
- Worker Visa Program
- You can apply for a work permit to work in Canada temporarily. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet certain requirements, such as proving that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.
- Working Holiday Visa
- Provides temporary work permits for young people from over 30 countries to live and get a job in Canada legally. The permits are valid for either 12 or 24 months, depending on your country of citizenship. Participants are given an open work permit to work with any employer.
- Business Visitor Visa
- Intended to allow short-term stays for business activities such as industry conferences, site visits, or training. Different from a Canadian work permit, as business visitors cannot enter the Canadian workforce. Business visitors must apply for a TRV, or visitor visa, to come to Canada.
- Super Visa
- This is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years. It allows eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay temporarily in Canada. The key difference between a super visa and a visitor visa is the length of time you are allowed to stay in Canada. Normally, a visitor visa can be valid for up to 6 months, while a super visa allows an individual to stay for up to 5 years at a time in Canada.
Canadian Permanent Residency
After some time as a temporary resident, you might decide to make Canada your permanent home. This is where Canadian permanent residency comes into play.
As a Canadian permanent resident, you have several rights, benefits, and limitations. Here is a breakdown of what you can and cannot do:
What you can do:
- Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
- Access most of the social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including healthcare coverage
- Apply for Canadian citizenship
Receive protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
What you cannot do:
- Vote or run for political office.
- Hold some jobs that require a high-level security clearance.
To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don't need to be continuous; some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days. However, you can lose your status if you commit a serious crime or live outside Canada for too long.
It's important to note that Canadian permanent residents have mobility rights, which means they have the right to move to and take up residence in any province and gain a livelihood. They also share many social responsibilities of Canadian citizenship, such as paying taxes and abiding by Canadian laws.
There are many immigration programs through which you can become a Canadian permanent resident. These include:
Here is a description of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The FSWP is one of the programs under Canada's Express Entry system. It's designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Applicants are assessed based on age, education, work experience, language skills, etc. They must also show proof of funds to settle in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The FSTP is another program managed under the Express Entry system. It provides an immigration pathway for individuals with skilled trades backgrounds. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, which include having work experience in a skilled trade, meeting job requirements set out in the National Occupational Classification, and having a valid job offer or certificate of qualification.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- The CEC program is for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and want to become permanent residents. Applicants are assessed based on work experience, language ability, and education.
- Family Sponsorship Program
- The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to come and live in Canada. This program enables family reunification and allows eligible sponsors to bring their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to Canada.
- Immigration Pilot Programs
- Immigration Pilot Programs are specialized programs designed to address specific labor market needs in certain provinces or territories in Canada. These programs aim to attract and retain skilled workers in specific industries or occupations. Examples of pilot programs include the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program.
- Canada Start-Up Visa
- The Canada Start-Up Visa program allows immigrant entrepreneurs to start businesses in Canada and become permanent residents. To be eligible, applicants must have a qualifying business idea, receive a commitment from a designated organization, and meet other requirements.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- The Provincial Nominee Program is for workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory in Canada. Each province and territory has its nomination criteria and streams. Successful nominees receive a provincial nomination, which can lead to Canadian permanent residence.
Canadian Citizenship
The final stage of your journey is becoming a Canadian citizen, which comes with the complete set of rights that Canada can confer upon an individual.
What are you allowed to do as a Canadian Citizen that you can't do as a permanent or temporary resident?
Becoming a Canadian citizen comes with many benefits unavailable to permanent residents. Here are the top 5 benefits of being a Canadian citizen:
- Right to vote and run for office
- As a Canadian citizen, you can vote in federal and provincial elections and run for political office.
- No need to renew status
- Unlike permanent residents, Canadian citizens do not need to.
- Access to more job opportunities
- Certain government jobs and jobs requiring security clearances are only available to Canadian citizens.
- Freedom to travel
- Canadian citizens can easily travel to more than 150 countries, including the United States, without a visa.
- Better protection against losing status
- Permanent residents can be deported no matter how long they have lived in Canada, but Canadian citizens have better protection against losing their status.
In addition to these benefits, Canadian citizenship offers access to social services, healthcare, education, and the ability to live and work in Canada.
How to Become a Canadian Citizen
To become a Canadian citizen, you need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Meet residency requirements
- You must have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least three out of the last five years.
- Step 2: File your taxes
- It is important to have filed your taxes if required.
- Step 3: Language proficiency
- You need to have a good knowledge of English or French. Applicants aged 18-54 may need to prove their language skills.
- Step 4: Pass a citizenship test
- You will need to pass a test on the rights and responsibilities of Canadians, as well as Canada's history, values, and symbols. This test is typically required for applicants aged 18-54.
It's important to note that there may be additional or different requirements depending on your specific situation, such as applying for a minor or being a Canadian applying for your adopted child born outside Canada. It is recommended to check the official government websites or consult an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Canadian citizenship requirements.
The Benefits of Each Level of Canadian Residency
Benefits of Canadian Temporary Residence
Being a temporary resident in Canada allows you to experience the Canadian way of life and explore the opportunities available without making a long-term commitment. There are several benefits of being a temporary resident in Canada, including:
Opportunity to Enter Canada Temporarily
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows foreign nationals with inadmissibility issues the opportunity to enter Canada temporarily.
Validity Period
The validity period of a TRP is specific to the individual and can range from a few days to several years.
Legal Authority to Enter Canada Temporarily
Foreign nationals with legal authority to enter Canada temporarily, including visitors, students, or workers, are given temporary resident status.
Greater Privileges
A TRP carries greater privileges than those accorded to other foreign nationals with temporary resident status, such as visitors, students, etc.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
In some cases, being a temporary resident in Canada can be a pathway to permanent residency. For example, in May 2021, the Canadian government created a new temporary pathway to permanent residency for nearly 90,000 essential workers and international graduates.
Benefits of Canadian Permanent Residency
As a Canadian permanent resident, you gain stability and a sense of belonging. You can contribute to Canadian society through work or study, access essential social benefits, and enjoy the freedom to live anywhere in the country. Here are some of the major benefits of being a permanent resident in Canada:
Right to Live and Work
As a permanent resident, you can live and work in Canada. This allows you to pursue employment opportunities and build a career in the country.
Access to Social Benefits
Permanent residents in Canada have access to most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including healthcare coverage. This ensures that you and your family receive medical care and support.
Family Sponsorship
Permanent residents have the opportunity to bring their family members to Canada. This means you can reunite with your spouse, children, and other eligible family members and build a life together in Canada.
Education Benefits
Permanent resident children in Canada receive free education. This means that your children can access quality education without the burden of tuition fees, providing them with opportunities for a bright future.
Protection under Canadian Laws
As a permanent resident, you are protected under Canadian laws. This means you have legal rights and responsibilities similar to Canadian citizens, ensuring your safety and security.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizenship offers several benefits that are not available to permanent residents. Here are the top 5 benefits of Canadian citizenship:
Right to Vote and Run for Office
As a Canadian citizen, you can vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. You can also run for office and participate in the democratic process.
No Need to Renew Status
Unlike permanent residency, Canadian citizens have no residency requirements. You can live anywhere worldwide for as long as you like and still maintain your citizenship.
Access to Restricted Jobs
Canadian citizens only have access to jobs restricted to Canadian citizens.
Canadian Passport
Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport, one of the world's most powerful passports. A Canadian passport allows you to travel to more than 150 countries visa-free.
Certainty in Your Status
Once you become a Canadian citizen, you have the certainty of knowing that your status will not be revoked, except in very limited circumstances.
In addition to these benefits, Canadian citizenship offers access to social services, healthcare, education, and the ability to live and work in Canada.
Each Canadian citizenship and permanent residency stage offers unique benefits and opportunities. Whether you're just beginning to dream of life in Canada or you're well on your way to becoming a Canadian citizen, it's crucial to understand these stages and make the most of their opportunities.
FAQs
Do I Need to be a Temporary Resident to get Permanent Residency in Canada?
You do not need to be a temporary resident to get permanent residency in Canada. However, there is a temporary resident-to-permanent resident pathway, a limited-time pathway to permanent residence for certain temporary residents.
How can I Transition From Temporary to Permanent Residency to Canadian Citizenship?
To transition from temporary to permanent residency to Canadian citizenship, you must apply for permanent resident status. There are several ways to apply for permanent residency, including through the temporary resident to permanent resident pathway and other streams. Once you have obtained permanent residency, you can apply for Canadian citizenship once you meet the eligibility requirements.