1. Understand the process

The application for permanent resident status has two steps. First, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirms that you're eligible to become a permanent resident. All protected persons are eligible.

Then IRCC checks to see if you're not admissible for any of the following reasons:

• Financial issues: you get social assistance
• Medical issues: you have a disability or other serious health condition
• Legal issues: you have been convicted of a serious crime
• Security issues: you are involved with human rights crimes or other security concerns

Refugees and protected persons can be admissible even if there are financial or medical issues in their case. But security concerns or a criminal conviction, in Canada or outside of Canada, can complicate an application for permanent resident status. It's very important to get legal help if you're in this situation.