Permanent Residence Rights & Responsibilities

The right to live and work in Canada

Permanent residents enjoy the rights guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, such as equality rights, mobility rights, freedom of association (for example this mean that you can be friends with any one or belong to an religious or community organization of your choice), right to have a lawyer, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Permanent residents have to maintain 2 years of physical presence in Canada out of every 5-year period. If a permanent resident is outside Canada for lengthy periods they can accumulate residency days if they work for a Canadian company or Public Service abroad or if they accompany a spouse, common law partner or child that is employed full time by a Canadian company or the Public Service. 

Permanent residents have the right to apply for citizenship after three years in Canada. Once they are citizens they may vote and be elected for public office.