Permanent resident program

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 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
  • Home Child-Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
  • Caring for children and caring for people with high medical needs classes
  • Interim Pathway for Caregivers
  • Live-in Caregiver Program
  • Immigrant Investor Venture Capital class
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot Programs (closed on March 5, 2022)
  • Atlantic Immigration Program
  • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
  • Agri-Food Pilot Program
  • Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway
  • Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

Non-economic classes

Permanent resident card and permanent resident status

The permanent resident card (PR card) is the official proof of permanent resident status in Canada. A valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) is required to travel to Canada by commercial carrier (for example, airplane, bus, train or boat). Permanent residents must comply with the residency obligation (as per section 28 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) to maintain their permanent resident status.

See instructions for processing applications for PR card and PRTD, status determinations, loss of PR status and the appeal process, and voluntary renunciation of PR status.

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