Permanent Canadian Residency
Moving from one country to another can be an incredibly rewarding process. For many, it represents a massive change in their life for the better. It can also be a time-consuming process. Particularly, if you’re moving to a country like Canada with this article we would discuss how to become a Canadian resident.
What are the requirements for a Canadian Residency?
If you were not originally born in that country, there are a number of important steps you’ll need to follow. Steps to help make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Note that to apply to become a permanent Canadian resident, you must be at least 18-years-old. If you are not, your legal guardian will need to apply on your behalf.
First Step to a Canadian Residency
The first step you’ll need to take before you move to Canada involves determining which type of permanent Canadian residency best suits your needs. Provided that you don’t already have family living in the country, you’ll need to choose from a number of economic class options. Options that include but are not limited to ones like:
Types of Permanent Canadian Residency
- Humanitarian and Compassionate Cases
- Express Entry (which is commonly reserved for federal skilled workers and trades classes)
- Start-Up Visa
- Quebec Investors and Entrepreneurs
- Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers
- Self-Employed Persons
- Caring for Children Class and more.
Official Canadian Website
Visit Canada’s own immigration website to determine which of these classes best represents your own situation.
Next, you will need to download the relevant application form from Canada’s website. Complete and submit it, along with all requested documentation and the processing fee, to the Citizenship and Immigration Office listed on the application in question.
In terms of supporting documents, you will typically be asked to provide things like a valid United States passport, proof of the fact that you speak English (or French, depending on where in Canada you plan on moving), your birth certificate and certain necessary financial information.
Once you are invited to become a permanent resident of the country, you will need to live in Canada for at least two consecutive years over a five-year period of time. Doing so will allow you to become a permanent resident. But if you want to actually become a Canadian citizen, you’ll need to take things a step farther by living in Canada for at least 1,460 days over a six-year period of time.
Once you have satisfied those requirements, you will have become both a permanent Canadian resident and a Canadian citizen. The only things you won’t be able to do are a vote, run for office or obtain certain government jobs that involve security clearance.
