If retiring to Canada or relocating with your family is on your to-do list, you’ll find this North American country has long been a favourite on the international scene with expatriates from many different backgrounds. While it’s a bit colder than some Europeans are used to Canada does have a healthy economy and a real estate market that is sound and affordable and it offers its residents a fantastic standard of living.
Should you have your heart set on living in Canada and getting residency on a permanent basis, but you don’t necessarily want to part with your citizenship in your country of origin, there are some things you need to do. We invite you to read on to find out the steps necessary to relocate to Canada in the proper, legal manner.
The first thing is to take the necessary steps to obtain a residency card, which involves going through the proper immigration process. The government of Canada estimates that about one in six Canadian residents are of foreign origin, this means you’ll find yourself well at home with a whole load of other expatriates!!
Getting started on the immigration process requires plenty of paperwork, generally it’s considered best to start the immigration process through the Canadian embassy in your country of origin because the officials there can walk you through the entire process – and start as soon as possible as the process can take months or even years!
Typically it is considered easier to apply for immigration and residency before moving to Canada but still some people choose to do things in reverse! If this is the case for you then contact the immigration office for assistance in obtaining a resident card as soon as you arrive in Canada and do not delay your application for assistance!
The reasons to go about getting legitimate Canadian residency if you’re going to be living in Canada for long periods of time are many and they include:
• The card grants holders the right to receive many of the benefits Canadian citizens receive including health care.
• Cardholders are free to live, travel, work and study in any part of Canada that they desire to.
• Resident cards are the first step towards citizenship if this is so desired.
• Cardholders are afforded protection under Canadian laws and are subject to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
While permanent residents are granted the same freedom within Canada as Canadian citizens – including the freedom to pay Canadian taxes!!! - there are some things they cannot do…for example, only citizens of Canada are allowed to vote or run for office for example.
In addition to this it’s been reported that certain high-level positions are not open to those with ‘only’ permanent resident status. Canada still retains the right to deport permanent residents who commit certain crimes as well.
Moving to Canada is an adventure that thousands choose to embark upon each year; with more than 200,000 immigrants coming into the country on an annual basis, there is no denying that Canada is a popular destination.
If living in Canada on a full-time basis appeals to you then make sure you follow the rules of the road for proper entry. It’s not necessary to give up your citizenship to hold some rights within Canada, but a permanent resident card is required if you want to live in Canada full time or for prolonged periods of time.
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