The Permit Holder Class provides a permanent residence pathway for individuals who hold a valid temporary resident permit (“TRP”) and who remain inadmissible to Canada on the same grounds that originally led to the permit’s issuance. This class is designed for people who have demonstrated long-term compliance and establishment in Canada despite previous inadmissibility.
Eligibility Based on Health Inadmissibility
An applicant may qualify for permanent residence under this class if:
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The initial inadmissibility was due to health reasons;
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The individual currently holds a valid temporary resident permit;
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The individual has resided continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least three years;
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The same health-related inadmissibility persists at the time of application; and
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There are no additional grounds of inadmissibility, such as criminality or security concerns.
Eligibility Based on Other Grounds of Inadmissibility
An applicant may also qualify if the inadmissibility was for reasons other than health, provided that those reasons do not include security risks, human-rights violations, organized crime, or serious criminality. In such cases, eligibility requires that:
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A valid temporary resident permit remains in effect;
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The individual has resided continuously in Canada as a permit holder for at least five years;
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The same grounds of inadmissibility that led to the issuance of the permit continue to exist; and
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No new grounds of inadmissibility have arisen since the original permit was granted.
Continuous Residence Requirement
Continuous residence means maintaining valid temporary resident permit status without gaps or unauthorized absences. Departing Canada while holding a non-re-entry permit or failing to renew a permit before expiry may break continuous residence and render an applicant ineligible.
Additional Conditions
All applicants and accompanying family members must undergo and pass standard medical, criminal, and security screening. Those residing in Québec must also obtain approval from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (“MIFI”) before IRCC finalizes the application.
Policy Rationale
The Permit Holder Class recognizes individuals who have established themselves in Canada despite being initially inadmissible. It balances compassion and public safety by offering a narrow but meaningful route to permanent residence for long-term TRP holders who remain compliant with immigration requirements.