Permanent Residence
Your guide to becoming and maintaining permanent resident status. Explore Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, PR card renewal, maintaining status, travel documents, and residency obligation requirements.
Express Entry Checklist
Express Entry application checklist for profile creation and post-ITA submission. Required: passport, language test scores (valid 2 years), ECA report (for non-Canadian education), work experience documentation with reference letters, police certificates, medical exam, proof of funds, and PR photos. Submit complete application within 60 days of receiving ITA.
Family Class Sponsorship Checklist: Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Child
Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or child to Canada with this family class checklist. Required: applicant's passport and birth certificate, marriage or relationship proof, sponsor's Canadian status documents, proof of relationship (joint accounts if living together, communication and visit evidence if apart), relationship photos (maximum 20), and additional recognition evidence from at least 2 categories.
Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) Checklist
Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada from abroad. This checklist includes required documents: valid passport, landing papers, and proof of meeting residency obligations. If you spent more than 1,095 days outside Canada, provide documentation for employment abroad, accompanying Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or humanitarian and compassionate considerations with detailed explanations.
PR Card Renewal Checklist
Renewing your PR card while in Canada? This checklist covers all required documents including valid passport, landing papers, two PR card photos (50mm × 70mm), and proof of residency obligations. If you spent more than 1,095 days outside Canada in the past 5 years, additional documentation is required for employment abroad, accompanying Canadian citizens, or humanitarian considerations.
PR Portal Reply: Virtual Landing Next Steps
When IRCC approves your permanent residence application and you are in Canada, you will receive an email to complete virtual landing through the PR Confirmation Portal. Respond with required information for all family members including full names, UCI numbers, one shared email address, entry dates to Canada, and current location status. Use the exact format provided, ensure dates are in YYYY-MM-DD format, and reply within 7 days to activate your portal access.
Permanent Resident Residency Obligations
To maintain Canadian permanent resident status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within every 5-year rolling period. Time spent accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or working abroad for Canadian employers may count toward this obligation. Immigration officers assess compliance during PR card renewals or when you apply for a PRTD. Keep detailed travel records and maintain ties to Canada to protect your status.