Best Permanent Residency Lawyers in Canada

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LAWHUB-Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge, Canada

English
LAWHUB-Maple Ridge is a distinguished law firm located in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, offering comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including family law, criminal law, civil litigation, real estate law, and immigration law. The firm is led by founder Kirandeep K. Brar, a...
Waterloo, Canada

English
Chan Law, located in Waterloo, Ontario, offers comprehensive legal services in real estate law, wills and estates, family law, and corporate/commercial law. The firm also provides notary public services, ensuring a broad spectrum of legal assistance for its clients. The firm's reputation is built...

English
Desloges Law Group Professional Corporation is a full-service boutique Canadian immigration law firm located in Toronto's business center. The firm specializes in a comprehensive range of immigration services, including family sponsorships, refugee claims, humanitarian and compassionate requests,...
HARVEY LAW GROUP
Montreal, Canada

Founded in 1992
70 people in their team
English
French
Harvey Law Group (HLG) is a leading international law firm specialized in residency and citizenship by investment programs since 1992. We currently operate in over 20 offices worldwide and represent over 25 countries for their respective programs. Our firm mostly assists high net-worth...

English
The Law Office of Zeeshan Ullah, located in Toronto, Canada, specializes in comprehensive immigration legal services. Led by Zeeshan Ullah, a Toronto native with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto and an LL.B. from City University London, the firm offers expertise in areas...
Mosquito Creek Law Office
Nanton, Canada

Founded in 1982
English
Mosquito Creek Law Office, formerly known as Gordon & McLeod Law Office, has been a cornerstone of the Nanton, Alberta community for over 40 years. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses. Their areas of practice...
Toronto, Canada

Founded in 2014
English
MC Law Firm | Abogados, established in 2014, is a pioneering boutique law firm based in Toronto, Canada, specializing in providing comprehensive legal services in both Mexican and Canadian law. As the first firm of its kind, it offers expert guidance in Spanish and English to individuals and...
Brandon, Canada

English
PPD Law Office, situated in Canada, is renowned for providing expert legal services across a diverse range of practice areas, including family law, immigration, and real estate. The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in handling complex divorce cases and family law matters, offering...
Woitzik Polsinelli LLP
Whitby, Canada

Founded in 2001
English
Woitzik Polsinelli LLP, established in 2001 by Mark Woitzik, has been a cornerstone in the Durham Region's legal landscape, particularly renowned for its proficiency in real estate law. Over the years, the firm has expanded its services to encompass wills and estates, corporate law, and more,...

Founded in 2004
English
The Law Office of Snober Naz, located in Ajax, Ontario, offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including civil litigation, family law, immigration, real estate, wills and estates, and notarization services. Led by Snober Naz, a graduate of Punjab University with an...
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About Permanent Residency Law in Canada

Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada grants individuals the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the country. As a permanent resident, you are entitled to most of the social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens, including health care coverage. However, being a PR does not provide citizens’ rights, such as voting in elections. Achieving permanent residency often involves evaluating eligibility for various immigration programs, satisfying specific criteria, and maintaining your status by adhering to residency obligations. Understanding the laws and processes involved in obtaining and maintaining PR is essential for applicants and current residents.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While the application process for permanent residency in Canada can sometimes be straightforward, various situations may require legal assistance. For instance, individuals might need help with complex cases, determining eligibility for specific immigration pathways, or addressing concerns around inadmissibility due to health or criminal background issues. Additionally, changes in personal circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, or adoption, might affect your PR application or status. A lawyer can provide guidance on maintaining your PR status, especially if you're planning extended periods outside of Canada.

Local Laws Overview

Several key laws and regulations govern permanent residency in Canada. The primary legal instrument is the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which outlines the requirements and processes for obtaining PR. Additionally, Canada offers various pathways to permanent residency, including economic immigration programs like Express Entry, family sponsorship programs, and humanitarian and refugee protection programs. Each pathway has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. Residents must also comply with residency obligations, such as residing in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period, to maintain their status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between permanent residency and citizenship in Canada?

Permanent residents have the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely, whereas citizens have additional rights, such as the ability to vote and travel with a Canadian passport. Citizens are not subject to residency obligations to maintain their status.

How long does it take to become a permanent resident in Canada?

The processing time for PR applications varies depending on the immigration program, individual circumstances, and current backlogs. For example, Express Entry can take from six months, whereas other programs might take longer.

Can a permanent resident in Canada lose their status?

Yes, a PR can lose their status if they fail to meet residency obligations, are found inadmissible on grounds such as criminality or security, or voluntarily renounce their status.

Can permanent residents sponsor family members in Canada?

Yes, permanent residents can sponsor certain relatives, including spouses, children, parents, and grandparents, to come to Canada as PR under family sponsorship programs.

What are the residency obligations for maintaining permanent residency in Canada?

Permanent residents must live in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years to comply with residency obligations and maintain their status.

How can one apply for permanent residency in Canada?

Application processes vary depending on the immigration program. Most economic immigrants apply through Express Entry, while others might use provincial nomination programs or family sponsorships.

What is Express Entry, and is it the only way to apply for PR?

Express Entry is an online system used to manage applications for economic migration. It is one of several pathways to PR alongside options such as family class, humanitarian programs, and provincial nominee programs.

Are there fees associated with applying for permanent residency?

Yes, there are processing fees for applying for PR, which may vary based on the type of application. It's important to check the latest fee schedule from official sources.

What are the language requirements for PR applications?

Most PR applicants need to prove their proficiency in English or French, Canada's official languages. This often involves taking approved language tests and meeting the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer for a PR application?

While it's not mandatory to hire a lawyer, legal assistance can be beneficial in navigating complex cases, ensuring accurate documentation, and understanding applicable laws and regulations.

Additional Resources

For further guidance, consider accessing resources from organizations such as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provincial immigration offices, and immigrant-serving agencies. The Canadian Bar Association and settlement organizations can also provide valuable information and support for navigating the PR process.

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal assistance for a PR application, it's essential to research and consult with qualified immigration lawyers or consultants. Consider scheduling consultations to discuss your circumstances, gather required documents, and fully understand the legal implications of the process. Starting early and staying informed is crucial for a successful permanent residency journey in Canada.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Permanent Residency, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Canada - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.