Rights and Restrictions as a Permanent Resident in Canada

Hi… Continuing with my series on various experiences as a new immigrant in Canada, I would deliberate on Rights and Restrictions of a Permanent Resident in Canada. After applying for Permanent Resident Ship, as explained in my earlier blog, you will get your Permanent Resident (PR) Card in the mail. When you apply for PR card, you need to give them a mailing address so they can send it to you.

Normally, they are never late, If you do not receive your PR Card within 30 days of you applying, call the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Call Centre.

If CIC does not receive your address within 180 days of the date you come to Canada, you will need to apply again for your PR Card and pay a fee. The PR Card is an identity document and it gives proof of your Permanent Resident status.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
You can travel outside Canada after you arrive. However, you must spend 730 days (2 years) of physical presence in Canada in every 5-year period to keep your status as a Permanent Resident.

This means that you can spend a total of up to 3 years outside of Canada during a 5-year period. But, if you leave the country for a long visit, you need to prove to Citizenship and Immigration Canada that you plan to continue to live in Canada.

RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Rights of Permanent Residents
• Live and work anywhere in Canada
• Get Legal Aid (help for people who do not have money to pay for a lawyer)
• Get Provincial Health Insurance
• Right to education
• Right to work
• Right to laws protecting workers:
• Health and Safety
• Employment Standards
• Employment Insurance
• Collective Bargaining
• Workers’ Compensation
• Human Rights
• Right to social services benefits such as Ontario Works, low cost housing and daycare, shelters, free food and clothing programs, counseling, and other types of assistance in community agencies.

Restrictions of Permanent Residents
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada can refuse to let you stay in Canada if:
- You had false documents and gave false information when you applied for permanent residence or when you landed.
- You did not obey the conditions of your permanent resident status (if you had any).
- You are convicted of a criminal offence.
- Authorities believe you have been involved in espionage, organized crime or have committed war crimes.
- You cannot vote in elections or be a candidate for political office.

In Canada, men and women are equal and have the same rights. These rights are described in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Any type of abuse - physical, mental or financial – of any person is illegal.

Most police forces now use a community policing approach. Community policing means that police officers work with residents of each community to prevent crime and to increase safety.

When police stop you, search you, arrest or detain you, they must follow very strict rules. Police officers must tell you • why they are detaining you,
-inform you of all of your rights,
- And make sure that you understand them
If you are arrested or charged with an offence, you have the right to a lawyer.
You have the right to choose your lawyer and you have the right to legal advice in your first language.