What Is a Landed Immigrant in Canada?
- Ansari Immigration
- May 21
- 4 min read
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."
Landed Immigrant vs Permanent Resident: What's the Difference?
They are the same thing. A landed immigrant is what Canada called a permanent resident before 2002. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act replaced the term "landed immigrant" with "permanent resident," but the legal status and rights are identical. If someone refers to themselves as a "landed immigrant," they are a permanent resident. If your documents were issued before 2002, they may use "landed immigrant" language — those documents remain valid. The one place the distinction matters: if a form or system asks whether you are a "landed immigrant" or "permanent resident," answer yes to both — they describe the same status.
How Does Landing in Canada Work?
Landing is the formal process of entering Canada as a permanent resident for the first time. It happens at a port of entry — an airport, land border, or marine terminal. Here is what to expect: Present your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your passport to the border officer The officer verifies your identity, reviews your COPR, and confirms your admissibility Once cleared, the officer stamps your COPR with the date and port of entry — this is the moment you officially become a permanent resident You receive your stamped COPR back — keep it permanently Your PR card is mailed to your Canadian address within a few weeks to months after landing You must land before your COPR expiry date. If your COPR expires before you can travel to Canada, contact IRCC immediately.
What documents does a landed immigrant receive in Canada?
When you land in Canada as a permanent resident, you receive:
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.
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
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.
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