Migrants are eligible for Canadian permanent residence, an equivalent to European long-term residence, according to the second most favourable rules in MIPEX after IT and tied with the NL. Canada would obtain best practice if applicants were allowed to leave Canada for more than six months at a time or 10 months total, as is the case in AT, DK and the UK. Applicants must go through a potentially long and expensive procedure to meet the conditions for permanent residence. They must prove sufficient income and pass a simple oral English or French test based on general administrative discretion. Permanent residents are secure in their status as long as they continue to meet the original requirements, even if they become unemployed. They can lose their status if they are considered an actual and serious threat to public policy or national security. Permanent residents enjoy equal rights as Canadians to employment, social security, healthcare, and housing; and can stay in Canada after retirement. However, skills and qualifications obtained abroad are still recognised under different procedures.
