Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants from all over the world. Every year, thousands of people apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, hoping to enjoy the high quality of life, social security, and multicultural diversity that the country offers. But what exactly are the benefits of getting Canada PR? In this blog, we will explore some of the main advantages of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
Free universal health care
One of the most attractive benefits of getting Canada PR is access to the Canadian government’s universal health care system. This means that you and your family can enjoy free or low-cost medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental care, and more. You can also choose your own health care provider and specialist, and get coverage across the country. Health care is a provincial responsibility, so you may need to register for a health card in your province of residence and wait for a certain period before you are eligible for coverage. However, some provinces offer immediate coverage for new permanent residents, so check your provincial website for more information.
Free education for children
Another benefit of getting Canada PR is free education for your children up to the age of 18 in the Canadian public school system. Canada has one of the best education systems in the world, with high standards of teaching, learning, and facilities. Your children can benefit from a variety of programs and opportunities, such as French immersion, advanced placement, international baccalaureate, extracurricular activities, and more. You can also choose the school that best suits your child’s needs and interests, as long as you live in the school district. If you want to pursue higher education in Canada, you can also enjoy lower tuition fees as a permanent resident compared to international students.
Social security benefits
As a permanent resident of Canada, you can also enjoy various social security benefits that the government provides to its citizens and residents. These include:
Old Age Security (OAS): a monthly pension for seniors aged 65 and older who meet the residency and legal status requirements.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP): a retirement pension for workers who have contributed to the plan through their earnings.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): an additional income for low-income seniors who receive the OAS pension.
Employment Insurance (EI): a temporary income support for workers who lose their job, are sick, pregnant, or caring for a newborn or adopted child.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB): a tax-free monthly payment for families with children under the age of 18 to help with the cost of raising them.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit: a quarterly payment for low- and modest-income individuals and families to offset the GST they pay on goods and services.
To qualify for these benefits, you may need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as income, residency, and contribution requirements. You may also need to file your taxes and apply for the benefits you are entitled to.
Right to work anywhere in Canada
Another benefit of getting Canada PR is the right to work anywhere in Canada, in any occupation and industry you choose. You can also start your own business or invest in an existing one. As a permanent resident, you have the same rights and obligations as Canadian workers, such as minimum wage, health and safety standards, labour laws, and union membership. You also have access to various programs and services that can help you find a job, improve your skills, or start a business, such as:
Job Bank: an online database of job postings from employers across Canada.
Express Entry: a system that manages applications for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): a program that allows provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who have the skills and experience to contribute to their economy.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): a program that allows temporary workers and students who have gained Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): a program that selects immigrants based on their education, work experience, language ability, and other factors.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): a program that selects immigrants who have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade.
Self-Employed Persons Program (SEPP): a program that selects immigrants who have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities, or in farm management.
Family sponsorship
As a permanent resident of Canada, you can also sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives to join you in Canada as permanent residents. To sponsor your family members, you need to meet certain requirements, such as:
Being at least 18 years old
Living in Canada or planning to live in Canada when your sponsored relatives arrive
Having enough income to support your sponsored relatives financially
Signing an undertaking to provide for their basic needs for a certain period of time
You also need to submit an application for sponsorship and an application for permanent residency for each sponsored relative. The processing time and fees may vary depending on the type and number of relatives you sponsor, and the country they are applying from.
Right to live or move anywhere in Canada
Another benefit of getting Canada PR is the right to live or move anywhere in Canada, as long as you meet your residency obligation. This means that you can choose the province or territory that best suits your lifestyle, preferences, and opportunities. Canada is a vast and diverse country, with 10 provinces and 3 territories, each with its own geography, climate, culture, economy, and attractions. You can explore the natural wonders, urban centers, historic sites, and cultural events that Canada has to offer, and experience the multiculturalism and tolerance that make Canada a welcoming and inclusive place.
High quality of living standards
As a permanent resident of Canada, you can also enjoy the high quality of living standards that Canada is known for. Canada ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of human development, happiness, democracy, peace, and freedom. Canada also has a strong and stable economy, with a low unemployment rate, a high GDP per capita, and a low inflation rate. Canada is also a leader in innovation, research, and technology, with a highly educated and skilled workforce, and a competitive business environment. Canada is also committed to environmental sustainability, social justice, and human rights, and plays an active role in global affairs and humanitarian causes.
Canadian citizenship
One of the ultimate benefits of getting Canada PR is the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the eligibility requirements. As a Canadian citizen, you can enjoy additional rights and privileges, such as:
The right to vote and run for political office
The right to hold a Canadian passport, which is one of the most powerful passports in the world
The right to travel and live abroad without losing your citizenship
The right to access consular services and protection when travelling abroad
The right to pass on your citizenship to your children born outside Canada
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you need to meet certain criteria, such as:
Having permanent resident status
Having lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before applying
Having filed your taxes for at least three years in the five years before applying
Having adequate knowledge of English or French
Having adequate knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, and values
Having no criminal record or security issues
You also need to take a citizenship test and attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will take the oath of citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate.
Conclusion
Getting Canada PR is a great way to start a new life in one of the best countries in the world. As a permanent resident of Canada, you can enjoy many benefits, such as free health care, free education, social security, work rights, family sponsorship, mobility rights, quality of living, and citizenship. If you are interested in applying for Canada PR, you can contact us for more information and guidance. We are a team of experienced and professional immigration consultants who can help you with your application process and requirements. We can also help you choose the best immigration program for your profile and goals. Contact us today and let us help you achieve your dream of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
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