Benefits of permanent residency

This is a lesson, that I wish I had learnt earlier in life. Life on a work permit is exciting at first but not sustainable in the long term. In the US, it was worse because it constrains you both in the short term and long term. In US, traveling outside the country takes a lot of planning. Being on a work permit limits your work options in Canada and USA because not every employer sponsors a work permit.  This is because these companies have to have an immigration department for managing the legalities of the immigration rules. Hiring attorneys is very expensive and that is why many companies prefer citizens or permanent residents. In USA,  no company will explain this and the importance of getting a green card either because they have not experienced this themselves or just because it will take decades anyways to get a green card and so they don't bother explaining.  In Canada, you have the option of filing for permanent residency yourself and don't have to wait for a sponsor. You can definitely plan to save for the expenses incurred as part of the process. It is totally worth it!!! Here's why -

Everyone in your application gets a PR!

In USA, with employment based green cards, it was one application per person in your family and family based immigration was possible only after one person in your family got a green card. Thus it was a very stressful situation. In this case for Canadian immigration, when you apply, you can get your spouse and kids in one application.  It is a big relief because everyone gets all the benefits they deserve. 

You are master of your career!

With permanent residency,  you can switch jobs anytime or even start your own business.  On a work permit either in Canada or USA, you are at the mercy of an employer.  Many people stay in the same job without a choice just so that they can stay in the country.  Employers don't want to lose good talent, which is very hard to come by these days. With a PR, you don't have that stress anymore.

You can also earn part-time income!

When you are on a work permit,  you cannot earn any other income from a business or other job.  With taxes and growing cost of living, having a part-time income is a good option that you can exercise with permanent residency. Whether it is free-lancing or a few hours a week, you can do it as long as you pay taxes for it.

Traveling in and out of country is hassle free!

While in the US, this was the most stressful part. You couldn't travel out of the country without planning because it meant that you would have to possibly visit the consulate to be able to return. You don't have to waste a part of your life filling out work permit extensions and utilize it to do something that you are passionate about. If you had to travel outside Canada for emergencies then being on a work permit can bring too many uncertainties in life. You can be stuck outside for months due to visa issues.

What's a bonus, is that you get to visit a dozen countries on just the PR card!

We loved traveling but our vacations were limited to US because of visa issues. With a PR card, we can now travel to other countries like Jamaica without the need of a visa. This is a luxury for people with passports from India and other countries, who mostly need tourism visas for foreign destinations.

You can now afford to think long term!

You can now make longer term plans like buying assets, starting your business, etc with permanent residency. Sky is the limit. For instance, we were always unsure in the US about whether we should buy a house because of our visa status. We knew acquaintances, who had to leave USA overnight due to work permit extension rejection. With permanent residency,  now you can also make long term plans.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you are in USA or Canada, it is wise to get permanent residence so that you can make choices instead of being limited to what you are offered. Canadian PR requires just 1 year of skilled experience.  Young couples with education and skilled experience have a better chance because together you have a better chance of meeting the cut-off.  A permanent residency will significantly improve your quality of life. Sieze the opportunity and good luck!!!