Are you a Canadian Resident?

A lawful permanent resident is someone who has been granted the right to live in Canada indefinitely. But is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries.

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

Refugees who are resettled from overseas become permanent residents through the various programs like: Government-Assisted Refugee Program or the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

If someone who makes a refugee claim in Canada does not become a permanent resident at that time. To become one, the Immigration and Refugee Board must first approve their claim. Then, they have to apply for and get permanent resident status.

Benefits of permanent residents

1. Get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive like health care coverage, live, work or study anywhere in Canada
2. You can apply for Canadian citizenship, protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
3. You have to pay taxes and respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial and municipal level

What permanent residents cannot do

You are not allowed to:

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