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A Green Card is a status document issued by the US government that allows an individual to legally enter, work and reside in the US. Though Canada does not issue a green card, the permanent resident card issued by Canada can be called Canada green card and it is very much similar to US green card. Like the US Green Card, the “Canada green card” allows individuals to live and work in Canada.
But there are also certain remarkable differences between Canada green card and US green card. While the US green card gives the bearer permission to live and work in the US, a Canadian permanent resident card or Canada green card gives the bearer right to live and work in Canada. While in the US, permanent residence is a privilege, in Canada, it is a legal entitlement
Benefits of having a Canada Green Card
Canada Green Card or Canada Permanent Residence card offers a number of benefits and rights to its holder.
1. As per the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, a permanent resident have the right to live and work anywhere in Canada.
- He/she can move freely throughout the country and work in any Canadian province.
- A permanent resident can sponsor their family to live in Canada.
- If a permanent resident’s child is born in Canada, the child will be conferred with Canadian citizenship
- A permanent resident has access to the universal healthcare services of Canada
How to keep your Canada Green Card or Permanent Residence Card valid?
While a Canada permanent resident card or Canada green card holder is free to leave the country, he/she has to physically reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days during a period of five years. The days need not be consecutive. The permanent residence card or Canada green card will be revoked if the holder does not stay in Canada for the allotted time.
While returning from another country, the permanent resident will have to present his permanent residency card or Canada green card to the visa officer. So it is important to carry this card while travelling.
Canada Permanent Residence Card and US Green Card: Differences
- While a US green card gives the holder permission to live and work in the US, a Canadian permanent residence card gives the holder right to live and work in Canada.
- US green card holders must show their cards to US authorities anytime they demand. But Canada permanent resident cardholders need to show their card only while re-entering Canada after an international travel.
How to obtain Canada green card?
Canada green card or permanent resident card can be obtained through one of the following ways or streams:
The Independent/Skilled Worker Category
To qualify for permanent residence card or Canada green card under this category, the applicant must have the educational qualifications, skills and work experience, which will be assessed using a point system. Points are also given for various other credentials such as age, language proficiency, work experience and education and the applicants require minimum 67 out of 100 points to qualify.
Business Immigration
This category is for investors and self-employed persons to obtain the “Canada green card”. The investors must invest a specific amount of money in a Canadian business and must have enough experience in running a business. The self-employed applicants must be able to purchase or establish a business in Canada.
Family Class
Under family class category, a permanent resident or citizen of Canada can sponsor their close relative or spouse to become permanent residents or Canada green card holders in the country.
Canadian Experience Class
Under this category, individuals who have come to Canada for studies or with the temporary work permit can apply for a Canada green card or permanent residence in Canada. But the applicant must be proficient in one of the two official languages of Canada and have work experience in Canada.
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