Best Permanent Residency Lawyers in Canada

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U. OKEBUGWU LAW (UO LAW)
Pickering, Canada

English
U. Okebugwu Law (UO Law) is a private practice firm located in Pickering, Ontario, dedicated to delivering personalized and efficient legal services. The firm offers expertise in immigration law, business law, wills and estate law, and real estate law, serving clients across the Durham Region,...

Founded in 2018
50 people in their team
English
Western Empire Immigration Consulting Services is a trusted immigration firm based in Mississauga, Canada. We offer tailored solutions for individuals and families navigating the Canadian immigration process. Our experienced consultants ensure clarity, compliance, and personalised support at every...
Merchant Law Group LLP
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
French
English
Please visit our Offices section for contact information in your area.You can call us toll free at ‎1-888-567-7777‎ for a consultation or fill out the form below with any questions you may have and a representative will contact you shortly.Please visit our Offices section for contact...

English
Felipe Ramirez-Joubert Law Office, located in Toronto, Ontario, offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. The firm's practice areas include real estate transactions, family law, wills and estates, corporate law, and notarial services. With a...

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...

English
Blacksy Immigration Law Firm specializes in providing comprehensive immigration services tailored to the unique needs of individuals, families, and businesses seeking to establish themselves in Canada. The firm offers a wide range of services, including business immigration solutions such as...
Sharp International Immigration Services

Sharp International Immigration Services

15 minutes Free Consultation
Brampton, Canada

Founded in 2012
100 people in their team
English
Sharp International Immigration Services Inc., was incorporated under Canadian law. SIIS Canada is headquartered in Brampton and Vaughan , ON, and is headed by Ami Mehta who is Immigration Practitioner, Licensed member of ICCRC, Recruiter and Immigration Legal authorized license for other...
Stabit Advocates
Vancouver, Canada

Founded in 2000
173 people in their team
French
English
Stabit Advocates LLP (https://www.stabitadvocates.com) is one of the top law firms in the world and stands as a beacon of legal excellence, recognized as one of the top law firms in East Africa, Africa and Globally with over 75 practice areas. Our firm is synonymous with top-tier legal expertise,...

Founded in 2011
10 people in their team
English
Chinese
Vietnamese
About UsHenderson and Lee Law Corporation, established in 2011 by Daniel Henderson and Cameron Lee, has a distinguished history of legal expertise, with both partners practicing law since 1989. Initially a boutique law firm specializing in civil litigation and criminal defense, our practice has...
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...
AS SEEN ON

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.