“If you want to settle in Canada, the most sustainable way,” says Jérôme Blanchet, co-founder of Conexa without hesitation, “is to start the process for permanent residence before leaving. Immigration Lawyer Says Applying for Permanent Residence (PR) may not be the fastest way to come to Canada, but it is the safest way to settle permanently in the country . “Once the permanent status is in your pocket, he adds, you can work for whoever you want, start your own business, open a subsidiary of your business, …” While if you are already there with a temporary visa ( studies, WHV, closed work permit …), it can paradoxically be longer and above all more uncertain to obtain your permanent residence.
The advantages of being a permanent resident in Canada
As a permanent resident, you have almost the same benefits as Canadian citizens:
- health care coverage
- live, work or study anywhere in Canada
- apply for citizenship
- be protected by Canadian laws and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Like Canadian citizens, permanent residents must pay taxes and obey Canadian laws, but you do not have the right to vote, stand for election, or hold high security jobs.
There are different routes for the entrepreneur who wants to come to Canada. Not all of them lead directly to permanent residence. “In some cases, such as the WHV,” says Jérôme Blanchet, “the residence permit is temporary, even if it allows you to work like any permanent resident. It can get tricky to extend it if you haven’t thought about it early enough. As an entrepreneur, you also have the option of quickly opening a branch of a foreign company, but that doesn’t always lead to permanent residence. “
Ask for PR before you go
Your best bet is to apply for permanent residence from your home country. Again, there are several programs for entrepreneurs, investors or the self-employed.
> Read the article “Settle in Canada as an entrepreneur“
All these programs lead in the medium term to obtaining permanent residence and the possibility of settling permanently in Canada. “The other direct route to selection and permanent residence in Quebec,” says Mr. Blanchet, “is the regular skilled worker program via the Arrima platform. As its name suggests, Arrima’s goal is to match immigration to the needs of the Quebec labor market. “For the moment,” continues the co-founder of Conexa, “we do not recommend it for candidates residing outside Quebec. The platform is very congested. There are a lot of applications and the selected candidates are those who already have a qualified job offer or who are already there. “
The stages of PR for Quebec
If you are planning to settle in Quebec, the permanent immigration procedure is done in two stages. First, you must apply to Quebec, which issues the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This allows the Canadian province to select immigration based on certain criteria. Then, the candidate obtains permanent residence with the Canadian authorities after a medical examination, the verification of his criminal record as well as the collection of his biometric data.
If you are planning to settle in Quebec, the permanent immigration procedure is done in two stages. First, you must apply to Quebec, which issues the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). This allows the Canadian province to select immigration based on certain criteria. Then, the candidate obtains permanent residence with the Canadian authorities after a medical examination, the verification of his criminal record as well as the collection of his biometric data.
There are companies specializing in business immigration that can help you get the hang of it and, most importantly, help you with the paperwork. “At Conexa, we support entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed workers who want to settle permanently in Canada,” explains Jérôme Blanchet, “and in particular in Quebec. “
“Temporary status,” adds the immigration lawyer, “carries risks when your intention is to settle permanently. The rules can change depending on governments and policies. In 2020, for example, the PEQ (Quebec Experience Program, which allows temporary residents to target PR) changed. Although many applicants may have benefited from a grandfather clause, many have seen their path to permanent residence become longer and more difficult along the way. “
Three questions to get your PR in Canada
When he meets applicants for immigration, Jérôme Blanchet always approaches the case by targeting the situation and the client’s intentions.
• “The first question I ask helps me understand and focus on goals. Do you want to obtain a permanent status or do you rather want to come to Canada for a temporary project such as, for example, establishing a branch or targeting the American market? “
• “The other essential question I ask: when do you want to come? For this question, we have to be realistic; an immigration application takes time and the key is in the planning. That said, obtaining temporary status may be an option if the client has a valid reason for speeding up the process. Eventually, he could apply for permanent residence depending on the regulations applicable at that time. “
• “Finally, I’m going to ask you what your needs are upstream. In order to apply for the right programs and follow the right processes, you need to define what you want. “