Applying for permanent resident status while residing in Canada

author avatar
CIC News
Published: May 1, 2004

Q. My wife and I would like to emigrate to Canada as skilled workers. Can we live in Canada while the paperwork for residency is being processed?

Answer: It is possible to reside in Canada while you are in the process of applying for permanent resident status. However, you would be required to obtain the necessary status in Canada as a temporary resident (visitor), foreign student, or foreign worker.

A permanent resident application is not, in itself, grounds for such temporary admission, or for extension of temporary status while within Canada.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
25% of New Englanders can get Canadian passports, in wake of citizenship law changes
Manitoba PNP holds first immigration draw of April, foreign skilled workers invited
Work permit freeze extended to Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Work
Work permit freeze extended to Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax
Busy people on a street
Canada moves to expand work authorization for international students and graduates
A group of students sit on the stairs of a building.
Canada’s new rules are fast-tracking US healthcare workers
The BC Bay in Vancouver.
New LMIA rules double advertising period and require employers to target youth
A view of the Calgary skyline
Link copied to clipboard