Originally Posted by
gateguard0
While I can't speak for that particular card, I have some information on this topic that may help others.
I am a Canadian resident on a work permit. My SIN starts with 9, and I am not considered a permanent resident. Acquiring Canadian credit cards under these circumstances varies bank by bank.
My primary banking relationship is with TD. With TD, I could initially acquire any of their cards (standard or premium) but only as a secured card.
After a year of holding a TD secured card, I was able to acquire AMEX Canada and Chase Canada cards on my own credit merit without requiring a secure line of credit. It's worth noting that AMEX Canada may be willing to issue a Canadian card based on US credit history if you have an existing relationship with AMEX USA (see: Global Transfer).
I have also attempted to acquire a CIBC card with no success. Their terms state that only permanent residents are eligible. They did say that non-permanent residents may be eligible for their cards with a secured line of credit, but the premium card for which I applied was not available as a secured card.
I have a similar story, except my banking relationship was with RBC - initially in Canada with a student permit and then a work permit. After 2 years, they offered me an RBC Student Visa and then another year later swapped it for an RBC Rewards Visa.
I no longer live in Canada, but have continue to maintain various RBC accounts with healthy balances for almost 15 years. They have absolutely no issue with allowing me to maintain my RBC Infinite Avion card as a result.
My Canadian credit history does not have my SIN linked to it and is now pretty lengthy. I am up front with the info that I am not permanently resident in Canada and while it takes a few days to process, it has been fine with American Express Canada and with MBNA (now TD). However, CIBC and Capital One have not been willing to consider any applications from non-PRs.