Permanent resident program

Citizenship and Immigration Canada facilitates the entry of permanent residents in a way that maximizes their economic, social, and cultural contribution to Canada while at the same time protecting the health, safety, and security of Canadians.

Economic classes

Instructions for processing applications submitted under economic classes, for which applicants are selected on the basis of their ability to become economically established in Canada

• Federal skilled workers
• Quebec skilled workers
• Provincial nominees
• Entrepreneurs and self- employed persons
• Canadian experience class
• Federal skilled trades class
• Investors
• Start-up business class
• Caring for children and caring for people with high medical needs classes
• Immigrant Investor Venture Capital class
• Live-in caregivers in Canada
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Programs

Non-economic classes

Instructions for processing permanent residence applications submitted under family-related and humanitarian classes, for which applicants are selected on the basis of family-reunification, social, and humanitarian objectives

• Members of the family class
• Adoptions
• Spouse or common-law partner in Canada class
• Humanitarian and compassionate consideration
• Protected persons
• Temporary resident permit holders

Permanent resident card and status

The permanent resident card (PR card) is the official proof of permanent resident status in Canada. There are residency requirements and obligations to obtain and maintain permanent resident status.

See also:

• Forms
• Legal References
• Glossary