The Lesser-known Benefits Of Being A Canadian Permanent Resident

For many newcomers, becoming a permanent resident (PR) of Canada is one of the most appealing parts of migrating to the nation. Permanent resident status allows persons to live in Canada to study, work, and live as they see fit (within the bounds of the law).

However, there are other advantages to obtaining PR that many immigrants may be unaware of, including better access to a wide range of education, job, and assistance options. While they are not always the primary reasons for immigrating to Canada, they may be extremely useful to new immigrants seeking to begin a new life in the nation.

Huge reduction in education expenditures.

A considerable reduction in school expenditures is a great benefit for new PRs. Immigrants with permanent residency can pursue higher education in Canada at the same rates as Canadians. When comparing local and overseas student costs, tuition may be significantly reduced—sometimes by up to 6X—at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

In addition to a significant discount in tuition, new PRs (who are technically considered domestic students under Canadian law) have access to many more financial assistance alternatives, such as federal and provincial loans, scholarships, and bursaries.

Access to a broader variety of settlement services.

Another significant benefit that new PRs will have is greater access to settlement services than temporary residents (those on a work/study permit or visiting visa).

Visa-Free Travel

Another advantage of obtaining PR status is the enhanced travel privileges granted to persons with a valid Permanent Residence card. Individuals with this passport can now travel visa-free to the following countries:

· All Dutch Caribbean territories;

· Anguilla;

· Bahamas;

· Belize;

· Bermuda;

· British Virgin Islands;

· Cayman Islands;

· Costa Rica;

· Cuba;

· Dominican Republic;

· El Salvador;

· Georgia;

· Guatemala;

· Honduras;

· Jamaica;

· Kosovo;

· Mexico;

· Nicaragua;

· Panama;

· Peru (Nationals of China or India only);

· Qatar;

· Saint Pierre and Miquelon;

· Singapore (Nationals of China or India only);

· Sint Maarten;

· South Korea;

· Taiwan; and

· Turks and Caicos Islands.

It should be noted that all of the nations listed above have extra special entry and visit criteria. To maintain the maximum level of accuracy and avoid additional travel problems, PRs should verify these specific nation websites at the time of trip to confirm that they satisfy all of the relevant standards.