pr is a status
apply pr - usu terms for 5 yrs, so in 5 yrs, not necessary to pay fees for other type of pass/visa or worry aobut if you need to extend the other type of pass/visa
it is not a must, it is your choice,
PR more convinent
but not sure if pr application need to pay tax, only know that you have to pay application fee and ic fee, re-entry pass fee, etc...
does it help?