Main pathways
| Pathway | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Express Entry | Skilled workers, including those with Canadian experience, ranked by points |
| Provincial nominee programs | Workers, graduates and entrepreneurs a province wants to keep |
| Family sponsorship | Spouses, partners, children and, when open, parents and grandparents |
| Protected persons | People granted refugee protection in Canada |
| Humanitarian and compassionate | People whose circumstances justify an exception |
| Federal pilots and Quebec programs | Specific occupations or communities, and people destined to Quebec |
Rights and obligations
Permanent residents receive most social benefits, including provincial health coverage, can live, work and study anywhere in Canada, and are protected under Canadian law and the Charter. They cannot vote or run for office, or hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance. They must pay taxes, obey the law and meet the residency obligation.
The residency obligation
You must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in every five-year period (IRPA section 28). The days do not have to be continuous. Time abroad can count in certain cases, such as accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or parent, or working full time for a Canadian business or the public service.
If an officer finds you have not met the obligation, for example at the airport or when you apply for a travel document, you can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division, including on humanitarian grounds. Do not sign a voluntary renunciation of PR status without advice.
PR cards and travel
A valid PR card or a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) is needed to board a commercial flight to Canada. Cards are usually valid for five years. If you are abroad and your card has expired, you need a PRTD, and the officer will assess the residency obligation. We prepare PRTD applications that address the residency issue directly.
How status is lost
PR status ends only in specific ways (IRPA section 46): becoming a citizen, a final decision that you breached the residency obligation, a removal order coming into force, a cessation decision for some protected persons, or voluntary renunciation. An expired PR card does not by itself end your status.
Last reviewed November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law and IRB procedure change often; we confirm the current rules for your file at your consultation.