Permanent Residence
A Permanent Resident refers to an individual who has legally immigrated to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent Residents are citizens of other countries and have lawful right of abode in Canada. This page is meant to provide University of Calgary students with basic information on how to obtain Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada.
Pathways to permanent residence
A Permanent Resident refers to an individual who has legally immigrated to Canada, but is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent Residents are citizens of other countries and have lawful right of abode in Canada. .
As a starting point, we encourage students to refer to the following resources for information on the most common pathways to permanent residence for UCalgary international students:
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
- formerly known as the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program.
- Express Entry
- Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
The IRCC hosts virtual Q&A sessions for Pathways to PR for International Students. These interactive sessions are designed to enhance the student learning experience and provide additional support as students navigate their journey to Permanent Residency.
Pre-recorded materials are available for all students on the IRCC website. We highly recommend watching the videos before attending any live Q&A session, as it will provide valuable context and help you make the most of the Q&A.
Students can easily register for a session through the IRCC's online platform, with multiple sessions available throughout the semester to accommodate various schedules. For more information and to register, please visit: IRCC Virtual Sessions
Permanent Residence (PR) appointments are not available
Permanent residence advising appointments are no longer available.
International students are encouraged to attend the permanent residence information sessions offered throughout the year to learn about available PR pathways and options.
Permanent Residence information sessions and advising
International Student Services hosts regular Permanent Residence information sessions throughout the year.
Applying for Permanent Residency
ISS doesn’t answer questions related to permanent residence matters.
Permanent residence advising appointments is not available. Students are encouraged to attend permanent residence information sessions provided throughout the year to learn about permanent residence pathways for international students.
No, you don’t need to hire a representative.
IRCC states applicants can apply on their own or with the help of a representative, such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or lawyer. Before you hire an immigration consultant or lawyer, you’re advised to learn more about representatives and how to choose an immigration representative.
Yes, a spouse or common-law partner and children can be included with the principal applicant’s permanent residence application.
Learn more about who you should include on your permanent residence application.
Yes, permanent residents of Canada are required to maintain their status by living in Canada for 730 days in a five-year period. PR status may be lost if residency requirements are not met.
No, you can’t. To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must be a Permanent Resident of Canada and meet certain conditions such as residency requirements, language skills and income tax filing. To learn more on Canadian citizenship visit Canadian citizenship - Canada.ca.
The IRCC routinely hosts Q&A sessions. Learn more: Virtual learning sessions for international students – Pathways to permanent residence - Canada.ca