One of the most significant differences between PR and citizenship in Canada is that a Canadian permanent resident does not enjoy voting rights, while a Canadian citizen has the right to vote in the country. A Canadian permanent resident is a foreign worker, student, or entrepreneur who immigrates to the country with the intention to settle and work there permanently.
On the other hand, a Canadian citizen is one who was either born in Canada or to Canadian parents or has gained citizenship through naturalization. A Canadian citizen enjoys all the social and political rights of the country.
If you want to settle in Canada, it is important to understand the difference between a PR and citizenship in Canada. While both statuses have numerous benefits, each comes with distinct rights and responsibilities.
Canada PR vs Citizenship – Difference #1: Voting and Political Participation
Permanent Residents in Canada
A Canadian PR cannot hold a government job. Most importantly, they cannot vote in elections nor have any right to influence the nation’s laws.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizenship gives you the right to vote in the provincial, federal, and municipal elections. Citizens of Canada can also run for political office, influence the country’s laws and policies, and also hold government jobs.
This is one of the most significant differences between PR and citizenship in Canada.
Difference #2 – Travel and Passport Privileges
Permanent Residents in Canada
The Canadian PR gets a PR card stamped on their passport that belongs to their home country. They can freely travel in and out of Canada. However, there is a limit. A Canadian permanent resident is required to maintain their PR status – they must live in Canada for at least 730 days in the last 5 years.
Citizens of Canada
A citizen of Canada gets a Canadian passport which is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. It gives you several advantages such as:
- A Visa-free travel
- Consular assistance from Canadian embassies
- Legal protection under Canadian law
- Dual citizenship
- Working abroad in countries like the US, UK, Australia
Difference #3 – Citizenship vs PR: Residency Requirements
Canadian Permanent Resident
As a Canadian permanent resident, you need to stay in the country for at least 730 days within 5 years. This stay does not need to be consecutive. However, if you fail to stay for this duration, you risk losing the PR status. This might become a problem for permanent residents who live abroad for longer periods of time.
Canadian citizens
As a citizen of Canada, you can live outside the country for as long as you want. You will never risk losing your status as a Canadian citizen.
PR vs Citizenship Difference #4 – Job opportunities
Certain government jobs and positions that demand high-level security clearances are exclusively for Canadian citizens.
On the other hand, Canadian PRs cannot have jobs that involve national security and intelligence.
Lesser known differences between PR and Citizenship in Canada
The above differences between PRs and citizens are popularly known. However, there are many lesser-known differences between PR and citizenship in Canada.
- Difference #5– Canadian citizens cannot be deported from Canada irrespective of their criminality or legal troubles. On the other hand, a Canadian PR can be deported if they commit serious crimes or fail to meet any residency requirements. Thus, Canadian citizenship offers better and higher protection and security under Canadian law.
- Difference #6– Canadian citizens have certain civic and political duties. They may be called to serve on jury duty. On the other hand, permanent residents are not eligible to be summoned for jury duty. This reflects their limited participation.
- Difference #7 – If a Canadian citizen gives birth abroad, their child automatically becomes a Canadian citizen in most cases. However, children born to permanent residents do not automatically get Canadian citizenship. They need to apply for it separately.
How to become a PR in Canada?
Differences between PR and citizenship in Canada also lie in their application processes. If you want to become a permanent resident in Canada, you will need to apply for a Canada visa through one of the various immigration programs offered by the IRCC. To get permanent residence:
- Be eligible for one of the immigration programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, Family Sponsorship, etc.
- Initiate your PR application and upload all necessary documents.
- Pay the PR application fee of $1525 (CAD)
- Complete the medical exam and biometrics
- The application will be reviewed by the IRCC
- Upon application approval, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Resident (COPR).
- Deposit your passport at the nearest VAC and get your Canada visa stamped in it.
How to Become a Canadian Citizen?
Becoming a Canadian citizen is different from becoming a permanent resident.
- You must be a permanent resident for at least 3 years within the last 5 years
- File personal income taxes for at least 3 years
- Must know either English or French
If you are eligible, you must then:
- Prepare all the mandatory documents
- Apply to IRCC for Canadian citizenship
- Prepare and take the citizenship test and interview
- Finally, take the citizenship oath
Is it better to be a permanent resident or citizen in Canada?
It entirely depends on your lifestyle and choices. If you want to completely settle in the country and partake in its social and political activities, then becoming a Canadian citizen is a better option. However, if you need flexibility to live abroad or prefer to retain your current citizenship without taking on new obligations, Permanent Residency might be more suitable.
Can PR buy a house in Canada?
Yes. Permanent Residents in Canada enjoy almost the same rights as Canadian citizens including buying a house anywhere in the country.
Understanding the differences between PR and citizenship in Canada will help you plan your future better.
If you still have doubts about the differences between PR and citizenship in Canada, you can always contact Talent Connected Worldwide.
