Although Canadian permanent residents enjoy certain benefits, such as the ability to work and start a business in Canada, there are some restrictions placed on them.
For instance, they are not eligible to vote, hold political office, or obtain high-security clearance jobs. However, they must carry their Permanent Resident Card when traveling abroad as proof of their citizenship. In the event of expulsion from Canada, they can use their re-entry document to obtain a visa and return to their home country, but this document is only valid once and must be kept with them at all times.
If a permanent resident wishes to start a business in Canada, they can apply for a start-up visa through the country’s program.
This program grants permanent residency to entrepreneurs who receive investment from designated organizations, such as angel investor groups or venture capital funds. Personal funds are not applicable for this type of visa. If the business venture is successful, the entrepreneur can also bring their family to Canada.
To qualify for a start-up visa, the applicant must have at least 10% ownership in a qualifying business in Canada and meet specific requirements outlined in a business plan. The business must have an innovative product or service and compete globally. The applicant must actively participate in the business, hold a majority of the voting rights, and be incorporated in Canada.
Unlike some other countries, Canada does not allow non-citizen residents, including permanent residents, to vote in federal elections. However, citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, have the right to vote in Canadian elections. Permanent residents in countries like New Zealand, Chile, Ecuador, Malawi, and Uruguay can also vote in federal elections.
Becoming a Canadian citizen is possible for permanent residents, but it can be challenging if they do not have a good command of English or French, lack work experience, or have low-wage jobs. The criteria for citizenship include work experience within and outside Canada, a certain level of education, and proficiency in English or French. Permanent residents must also reside in a province for three years before applying for citizenship and pass a citizenship test.
One of the benefits of being a Canadian permanent resident is access to free schooling up to Grade 12. This includes children from any country, who can receive a high-quality education at no cost. Public schools offer free education to all children under 18, and there are no tuition fees for university. Permanent resident children also have the opportunity to learn both French and English as the official languages of Canada. Additionally, Canadian students pay lower tuition fees for university compared to international students.
Canadian permanent residents also have access to world-class healthcare facilities and social services. Health care is universal in Canada, providing free medical care to all residents. The public health insurance system also covers prescription drugs. Furthermore, permanent residents can benefit from reduced university tuition fees. With these advantages, Canadian permanent residents have little reason to leave the country. It is worth noting that they also receive free medical care and prescription drugs.
While the right to vote is a fundamental right for citizens, it is not automatically granted to newcomers in Canada. Permanent residents can vote in municipal elections but not in federal elections unless they become citizens. In some cases, a resident permit may be required for citizens to vote in local elections.
There is ongoing debate regarding whether non-citizens, including permanent residents, should be allowed to vote in local elections. Some argue that voting rights should be reserved for citizens only, while others believe that granting the right to vote to permanent residents would motivate them to pursue citizenship. Despite criticism, some municipalities in Northwest Territories and New Brunswick are moving towards allowing permanent residents to vote in local elections.