Canadian permanent residence is a long-term residence qualification in Canada. Canadian permanent residents are not Canadian citizens, but they can stay, live and work in Canada indefinitely. The Permanent Residency Card (PR Card) is a document that confirms the identity of a permanent resident, commonly known as the Maple Leaf Card. Permanent residents are obliged to stay in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) every 1825 days (5 years) (commonly known as "immigration detention"), otherwise they may lose their permanent resident status. However, once permanent resident status is obtained, it will not be easily lost automatically (unless it is forcibly deprived of it in violation of relevant laws, or the permanent resident renounces it on his own initiative).
Permanent residents have essentially the same responsibilities, rights and obligations as Canadian citizens, including the right to return to Canada and the right to work for any business and federal and provincial governments (certain jobs involving national security interests are restricted). The main difference between the two is that permanent residents cannot vote in some Canadian elections, cannot run for public office in most cases, and cannot hold a Canadian passport or enjoy consular protection outside Canada.
Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for three years within five years. If they do not choose naturalization, they can continue to maintain their permanent resident status. The Maple Leaf Card is valid for five years and can be renewed upon expiration.
Canada's current Citizenship Act recognizes dual citizenship. Under the current bill, Canadians who have acquired the nationality of another country can still retain their Canadian citizenship unless they apply to renounce their Canadian citizenship and are approved by a citizenship judge.