The Period for which your visa is valid is shown on the visa itself which will be shown in your passport. Permanent Resident visa validity is tied to the validity periods of screening mechanisms, especially the medical exam. Medicals are valid for a period of 1 year only. Generally medicals are issued as a last step in the finalisation of your application. On average you will have between 6 - 9 months to proceed to Canada once your visa has been issued. Please note that you must land in Canada before your visa validity expires as this cannot be extended under any circumstance. If the visa lapses you must apply again.