Green Card Canada

The US Green Card is known and popular all over the world. But did you know that there is also a Green Card Canada? If you wish to immigrate to America and the northern neighbor of the United States is also appealing to you, then the Green Card Canada is a good alternative to the US Green Card.

What is a Green Card Canada?

The Green Card Canada is officially called Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) or Carte de Résident Permanent. It is also commonly known by its original name, "Maple Leaf Card", which is a reference to the maple leaf in the Canadian flag.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the USA, the Green Card Canada was first proposed as part of a reform of immigration and security laws by the Canadian government in 2001. After the revised legislation was passed, the first Canadian Permanent Resident Cards were issued in June 2002.

Benefits of the Green Card Canada

Similar to the US Green Card, the Maple Leaf Card grants the right to live and work in Canada. Moreover, the card not only certifies the permanent right of residence but also functions as an identification and travel document for permanent residents of Canada.

As a holder of the Green Card Canada, you are entitled to:

• receive social benefits (such as health care),
• live, work or study anywhere in Canada,
• apply for Canadian citizenship (after about 3 to 5 years).

However, the Green Card Canada does not entitle you to:

• vote,
• run for a political office,
• engage in professions that require a high level of security clearance (e.g., certain positions in intelligence or financial agencies).

As a Permanent Resident, you must also pay taxes in Canada and respect all Canadian laws.

Obtaining a Green Card Canada

All Permanent Resident Cards are issued by the Canadian Immigration Service IRCC ("Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada" or in French "Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté").

The Canadian Immigration Services have defined various categories by which Permanent Residence status can be granted, and a Green Card Canada can be issued:

• Family reunion: Spouses, children, parents, or grandparents of Canadian citizens can obtain a Green Card Canada. The Canadian citizen must provide a minimum 10-year sponsorship for the Green Card applicant, have sufficient income, and must reside in Canada.
• Investment in Canada: Entrepreneurs and self-employed persons can obtain a Green Card Canada if they make a large enough investment and create jobs. They must also prove that they have already been successful as entrepreneurs and are willing to do charitable work in the fields of sports or culture.
• Skilled Worker and Professionals Program: The Canadian Immigration Services have developed a point system for skilled workers, which is used to determine the eligibility of a potential immigrant. Applicants are assessed according to their professional qualifications, work experience, language skills in English and/or French, age, and marital status. They must also provide a police clearance certificate and demonstrate financial resources of around 10,000 Canadian dollars. An existing job offer in Canada is an advantage.

A Green Card Canada is usually valid for five years. If you meet the necessary requirements, you can afterwards renew the Green Card or apply for Canadian citizenship.

Living and working in Canada

About one fifth of the population currently living in Canada was born outside the country. This is one of the highest rates for Western industrialized countries and the eighth largest immigrant population in the world.

The reasons for the popularity of the North American country are obvious. Canada is considered to be a place with a particularly high quality of life. Especially the most populous city in Canada, Toronto, is known for its cleanliness and safety.

Also, the unique landscape with its vast forests, crystal clear lakes, and breathtaking national parks makes Canada a popular destination for immigrants from all over the world.

The Canadian economy offers excellent opportunities to build a professional future. Particularly IT specialists, engineers, and other university graduates as well as medical professionals and craftsmen ("skilled workers") have good job opportunities.

Canada is very charming, but you would rather go to the USA? Then participate in the next US Green Card Lottery and take your chance to win one of the 55,000 Green Cards drawn each year. America is waiting for you!