Immigrants who are new permanent residents will automatically receive their permanent residency card by mail when they first arrive in the country. This is for those who are physically present in Canada. It allows for movement throughout the country and into other countries as a Canadian permanent resident as it is your proof of this status granted by the Canadian government.

Being a permanent resident is NOT the same as being a Canadian citizen. It does allow for a number of rights and responsibilities available to Canadian citizens, such as health care, Canada Pension Plan, free movement throughout the country and protection under the Canadian law and that Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Permanent residency is based on whether you intend to live permanently in Canada or not. You must accumulate two years’ worth of residency days within the country in every five-year period to retain your permanent resident status. Therefore, newly immigrated individuals must prove they can meet this requirement.