Applying for permanent residence is to move to Canada permanently. Canada is a popular immigration destination that has developed quite a few permanent residence programs to facilitate foreign nationals who desire to make Canada their new home.

Foreign nationals once admitted to Canada as a permanent resident enjoy most of the rights enjoyed by Canadian citizens. They are not considered foreign nationals regardless of their nationality. Though they have the right to enter and remain in Canada, they must comply with the residency obligation to maintain their permanent resident status.

Failure to meet the residency obligation will not cause the loss of permanent resident status automatically. Instead, these permanent residents must go through certain legal proceedings. If they do not renounce their permanent resident status on their own volition, they may face a legal decision declaring their loss of status.

Permanent residents, if meet the eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship, may apply to become a Canadian citizen.