What Is a Landed Immigrant in Canada?

What is a landed immigrant in Canada? It is the older legal term for a permanent resident.

Canada used the phrase "landed immigrant" in its immigration laws until 2002, when the

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act replaced it with "permanent resident." The term is no

longer in current law, but it still appears on older documents and in everyday conversation.

What is a landed immigrant in Canada and is the term still used today?

The term "landed immigrant" referred to a foreign national who had been officially admitted to

Canada as a permanent resident. The word "landed" described the moment of entry: when

someone physically arrived at a port of entry, was cleared by a border officer, and their

permanent residence began.

That moment of entry is still called "landing" today. When you arrive in Canada with your

Confirmation of Permanent Residence and a border officer processes your documents, you are

formally landing in Canada and becoming a permanent resident.

You will still see "landed immigrant" used in casual conversation, in older government

publications, and in documents issued before 2002. For legal and immigration purposes, the

correct term is now "permanent resident."

What documents does a landed immigrant receive in Canada?

When you land in Canada as a permanent resident, you receive:

1. A stamped Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): The border officer returns this

   to you with the date and location of landing recorded. Keep it permanently. This is your

   official proof that you became a permanent resident.

2. A Permanent Resident (PR) card: Issued separately by IRCC after landing, typically within

   a few weeks to months. Valid for five years, it is required to board a commercial flight or

   cruise ship back to Canada after travelling abroad.

The PR card is the modern equivalent of what was once called the "Immigrant Visa." If you

received your status before PR cards existed, you may have an older "Landed Immigrant" record

or IMM 1000 form as proof of status.

What rights and obligations come with being a landed immigrant in Canada?

As a permanent resident in Canada, you have the right to:

• Live, work, and study anywhere in Canada

• Access most social services and publicly funded healthcare

• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence through family sponsorship

• Apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the physical presence requirement (1,095 days

  in 5 years)

You are also bound by the residency obligation: you must spend at least 730 days in Canada in

every rolling 5-year period to maintain your PR status. Permanent residents who fail to meet this

requirement risk having their status revoked.

Permanent residents cannot vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections. Only Canadian

citizens have voting rights. For a fuller explanation, see Can Permanent Residents Vote in

Canada?.

Not sure whether your current situation qualifies for permanent residence, or which pathway makes the most sense for you? Book a consultation with Amir Ansari, RCIC, a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who can review your profile and walk you through your options.

Frequently asked questions about landed immigrants in Canada

Can landed immigrants vote in Canada?

No. Permanent residents cannot vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections in Canada.

Voting rights are restricted to Canadian citizens. Once you obtain citizenship, you can vote in all

elections.

How do you become a landed immigrant in Canada?

You become a permanent resident by being approved under one of Canada's immigration

programs and then completing the landing process at a Canadian port of entry. The main

pathways are Express Entry (for skilled workers), the Provincial Nominee Program, and family

sponsorship. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and processing

time.

How do you renew a landed immigrant card in Canada?

"Renewing a landed immigrant card" means renewing your PR card, which expires every five

years. You apply online through your IRCC secure account. You will need to show that you have

met the 730-day residency obligation in the five years before applying. The fee is $50 CAD, and

processing typically takes several months.

How long can a landed immigrant stay out of Canada?

To keep your permanent resident status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least

730 days in every 5-year period. Failing to meet this requirement does not automatically cancel

your PR, but it means an officer can find you have failed to comply with your residency obligation

if the issue is raised at a port of entry or during a PR card renewal application.

Permanent resident status gives you a strong foundation to build a life in Canada. If you are still working toward that status, or have questions about maintaining it, schedule a consultation with Amir Ansari, RCIC for guidance specific to your situation.

This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. Program criteria, requirements, processing

times, and selection approaches can change without notice. Always confirm details on official government

websites or consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for advice specific to your

situation.