Canada Green Card – Is it useful?
Canada Green Card is what every foreigner who lives in Canada or intend to live there talk about. Some say its a green card to having your permanent stay in the country.
Its a very promising thing to acquire but is this card useful as they say. Legally, this card isn’t a thing but Canadian government does have a version of a green card which serves as a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).
This card is usually issued to foreigners who wish to migrate to Canada. When you are given this card you get the freedom to work and live in the country legally.
It can also grants you access to travel out of the country to other countries including USA. Although it seems useful, there are other information you need to know about this card.
Benefits of the Canada Green Card
What are the benefits that comes with the Canadian green card. There are several benefits that come with this card which includes:
- Sponsorship for your spouse/ family to come live with you in Canada.
- Access to travel to other countries especially the United States of America.
- Rights to set up any business of your choice but must be legal.
- Freedom to Apply for a well-paid job as long as you qualify.
- Protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the Canadian law.
- Social benefits that Canadian citizens receive such as health care coverage and more.
- Easy application for Canadian citizenship.
Note: Canada is listed as one of the best places in the world where you can work and live comfortably. This is why most people who want to live/work in Canada want to have a “Green Card”.
it seems living there as a foreigner would be better when you have the card compared to when you don’t. You some rights that a Canadian citizen has.
Ways to qualify for a Canada Green Card?
There are four ways of getting the PR Card and you would need to qualify in at least one of them. Let’s take a look at the four ways you can get your Permanent Resident card
- Family Class Immigration
- Canadian Experience Class Immigration
- Independent/Skilled Worker Immigration
- Business Immigration
- Family Class Immigration
If you have a spouse or close relative, with your permanent residence card you are qualified to apply and this applies to Canadian citizens also. You can sponsor them via Family Class Sponsorship.
- Canadian Experience Class Immigration
In this class, if you already have a work or study permit along with proficiency in either of the two official languages and work experience. You can apply for a green card in Canada. This is because, with the above requirements, you are used to the Labor market and society of Canada.
- Independent/Skilled Worker Immigration
A skilled worker that possesses skills needed in the Canadian labour market, and also has higher education can apply for the PR Card.
However, they must have enough work experience in particular fields like;
Skilled trades
Professional Occupations/ Management Occupation.
- Business Immigration
Self-employed people or investors can apply under business immigration. Investor and business visa is for self-employed individuals having the capacity to establish or purchase a business in Canada. Likewise, such individuals also require a certain business experience and must be able to contribute to the economy via investment.
Applicants are assessed using a points system and they need to score points in order to qualify for the skilled worker program.
The higher you score, the higher your chances of qualifying.
POINTS
The points are given based on:
- Age
- Work experience
- Language proficiency
- Education.
- You require a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to qualify.
Note: A Canadian Green Card allows you to obtain permanent resident status in Canada. Thus, you can live and work anywhere in the country as you please. While traveling outside the country, you will be required to present the PR card along with the passport when coming back on a commercial vehicle such as an airplane, bus, train, or boat.
Maintaining your Permanent Residency
Obtaining the Canadian Permanent Residency isn’t enough. You need to maintain your Permanent Residency by following the rules. When you have permanent residency, you can leave and enter the country as you wish.
However, you are required to physically reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days every five years. Your stay may or may not be for 730 consecutive days. This means that you can spread your stay throughout the five years.
Failing to do this may lead to your permanent residency being revoked. Also, while returning to Canada you must have your PR card with you. Hence, make sure that you carry it with you while traveling.
Drop your comments below if you find this post useful and also your experience.
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