A Permanent Resident Card (PRC) is automatically issued to all persons who become “landed immigrants” in Canada. It is proof that the immigrant has the legal right to live, work and study in Canada without limitation.
You should note that the laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to obtaining permanent residence are subject to frequent changes. There are currently several ways to obtain permanent residence:
- Skilled Workers Class
Skilled workers and professionals may qualify directly, if they have experience in a priority occupation as listed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and if they meet the passmark by obtaining sufficient points for selection factors such as age, education, skilled work experience and proficiency in one of Canada's official languages. If you do not have experience in a priority occupation, you may still qualify for permanent residence if you first come to Canada on a work permit or if your employer in Canada obtains a positive Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO) from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).
- Entrepreneur Class
For business owners who want to start a business in Canada.
- Investor Class
For business owners and senior managers who do not necessarily want to start a business in Canada but are willing and able to invest in government approved funds.
- Self-Employed Class
This category is for self-employed farmers, persons engaged in cultural activities and world-class athletes who wish to continue their professional activities in Canada.
- Family Class
If your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner is a Canadian citizen or holds permanent resident status and is living in Canada, he/she may sponsor you and your dependent children for permanent residence. You may also be sponsored by a son or daughter who is at least 18 years old and holds Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
Canadian provinces can nominate people for permanent residence in accordance with their own selection criteria.
- Immigration to the province of Québec
The province Québec has its own independent selection system. If you want to immigrate directly to Québec, you will have to apply for and obtain a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) before applying to CIC for a permanent residence visa. After you immigrate to Québec, you will also have the right to move to another province or territory.
- Canadian Experience Class
This category is for temporary foreign workers with at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) recent skilled work experience in Canada as well as for graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions with at least one year, full-time (or equivalent) recent skilled work experience.