1. What is a maple leaf card?

The Canadian permanent resident identity document, also known as the Maple Leaf, is officially launched on June 28, 2002, and is similar to the green card in the United States. The card is valid for five years from the date of issuance of the card. However, there are special circumstances, such as after the final judgment, if the permanent resident qualification is cancelled due to failure to perform overseas residence duties, the applicant is eligible to apply for a maple leaf card valid for one year.

2. Conditions for applying for a maple leaf card

1. Must be a permanent resident of Canada

First, it is crucial that the applicant must be a permanent resident of Canada. To achieve this status, the applicant must first submit an application for Canadian immigration.

2. Must apply in Canada

Maple Leaf Card Application must be initiated in Canada. The applicant must provide a Canadian citizen living in Canada as the guarantor, and the guarantor and the applicant must have known each other for more than two years. In addition, whether it is a first application or a second application, applicants must pass the "residence test".

3. Must meet the residence requirements

Applying to obtain a Canadian maple leaf card must meet the requirements for residence. If you have been in a permanent resident status for 5 years or longer, the applicant must live in Canada for more than 730 days in the past 5 years; if you have been a permanent resident for less than 5 years, you must live for at least 730 days within the 5-year period. However, under the following five specific circumstances, even if you live abroad, you can be regarded as meeting the living conditions, and the number of days of residence abroad is included in the total number of days of residence, which is considered to have fulfilled your residence obligations.

(1) Accompany Canadian citizens abroad

(2) Overseas jobs

(3) Accompany Canadian permanent residents abroad

(4) Hold a valid return certificate

(5) Human reasons

3. The purpose of Canadian maple leaf card

1. Children enjoy international education

If you become a permanent resident of Canada, you will be able to receive up to twelve years of free basic education, and the education costs are inexpensive, and students will also receive a variety of grants including scholarships, bursaries and interest-free loans.

2. Visa-free 173 countries in the world

Holding a Canadian nationality or maple leaf card, you will be able to travel to more than 100 countries and regions around the world without applying for a visa. In addition, Canadian permanent residents have an advantage, and they can apply for a US visa for up to ten years in one go.

3. Significantly improve the quality of life

Canada is a country with excellent living environment, with stable political situation, sound social welfare and charming natural scenery. Prices are not high, and people's lives are generally relatively abundant. The social atmosphere is harmonious and the pace of life is soothing, so people can enjoy a leisurely daily life here.

4. Don't worry about not having a house to live in

The Canadian government allocates special funds every year to build numerous government residences, which are managed by designated businesses. In a way, this is actually a benefit measure for low-income groups. People who hold "Maple Leaf Card" are eligible to apply for these government housing.

5. Employment security

If a permanent Canadian resident or citizen continues to work for six months within one year and is unable to continue working due to unemployment, illness, childbirth or adoption of children, he can use the national employment insurance system to obtain temporary financial support.

6. Enjoy medical insurance

Health insurance programs are available in every province of Canada that offer low-priced and high-quality health care services. The Canadian government invests approximately CAD$4.8 billion a year to ensure the implementation of medical benefits. These insurance plans cover everything from medical services to medical expenses, hospitalization and surgery, but the cost of medicine is not covered. For the elderly over 65 years of age and those who enjoy social relief, most of their prescription drugs are provided free of charge.

7. Pension

Except for Quebec, Canada has implemented Canada's pension system. This system is a public insurance project. According to regulations, Canadian residents must pay a certain proportion of their monthly income. Once they reach retirement age or are unable to work for a long time due to physical reasons, they can obtain corresponding financial assistance through the plan. It should be noted that pensions are subject to taxes and are eligible to apply regardless of where the applicant is located.

8. Apply for social welfare

Social welfare funds form the basis of the maple leaf card system, and the purpose is to ensure that Canadian residents can maintain a basic living standard; they are eligible to apply for this benefit even if they have no income or have a bank deposit of less than $1,000.

9. Enjoy the holiday

The Canadian government explicitly stipulates that for full-time employees, after working for one year, they will enjoy two weeks (that is, ten working days) of paid leave each year. If you work for five consecutive years, the vacation time will increase to three weeks per year. It should be noted that these leave cannot be replaced by money. At the same time, employees enjoy no dismissal during pregnancy. In addition, employees are eligible for unpaid maternity leave, during which time their pension and medical plans will be retained, and after the maternity leave is over, employees will have the opportunity to return to their original positions. During maternity leave, the mother also has the right to apply for employment insurance EI.

10. Don’t worry about retirement

The retirement age stipulated in Canada is 65 years old. Regardless of the residents' property status or income level, as long as they live in Canada for ten years, they have the right to join the "Elderly Welfare Protection Program". The amount of pensions for the program is determined based on the length of time the applicant lives in Canada and is paid monthly by the federal government.