Permanent Residency vs Citizenship
By: Kyle Quilatan
Published on: November 14th, 2024
Permanent residents (PR) and citizens have similar rights and responsibilities in Canada. Both statuses allow individuals to study, work and live anywhere in Canada. Both provide certain social benefits. However, some considerable differences separate them.
Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these statuses.
Permanent residency
In Canada, a PR enjoys most of the benefits that a citizen does, like receiving a social insurance number and healthcare coverage and the ability to live, work and/or study anywhere in Canada. PRs must also pay taxes by Canadian laws.
PR status still has its limitations. A PR cannot vote in elections, run for office or hold distinct high-level security clearance jobs.
A PR card is an individual’s proof of their valid PR status. The card is needed to re-enter Canada after travelling. Most PR cards have a five-year issuing or one year. After that, a renewal will take place every five years. To lose PR status, a person might renounce it or become a Canadian citizen.
Becoming a PR
There are multiple immigration pathways that individuals can take to become a PR in Canada. One typical method is economic immigration, in which skilled workers are attracted to Canada to improve the country’s economy. Another pathway is through sponsorship, which involves a current Canadian PR or citizen helping to bring their family members into Canada.
To maintain PR status, an individual must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the most recent five-year period. Compliance with this rule is usually determined when an individual applies for a PR card renewal, permanent resident travel document (PRTD) or Canadian citizenship.
Citizenship
Generally speaking, citizenship refers to the relationship between an individual and the country they live in. The country offers citizens protection in return for the citizens’ loyalty. This loyalty often takes the form of certain responsibilities that are to be fulfilled by citizens, such as taxation.
In Canada, citizenship grants individuals the right to vote and run for office. As previously mentioned, a PR cannot do either one. Citizenship also grants individuals a Canadian passport, which does not require a renewal as often as a PR card. As a result, Canadian citizens can live anywhere in the world for as long as they like. Citizens do not have residency obligations like PRs do, so they do not need to be physically present in Canada for a certain amount of time to maintain their status.
Under the Government of Canada, an individual is considered a Canadian citizen under three general circumstances.
First, they were born in Canada. Second, they were born outside of Canada, and one of their parents is already a Canadian citizen. Third, they undergo the naturalisation process, which first involves becoming a PR.
Becoming a citizen
To become a Canadian citizen, an individual must first be a PR. Then, as a PR, they must live in Canada for at least three out of five years(1095 days or more). They must then pass the citizenship test, prove they are proficient in English and/or French and pay any necessary taxes.
The final step is to attend the citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship. Most applicants are invited to a virtual oath ceremony, though some receive an invite for in-person. Only individuals aged 14 and over are obligated to attend. Children below 14 years of age are not required to be present but are still welcome to attend. The entire procedure can take several months to complete, while the application processing alone takes up to eight months.
While there are several similarities between being a PR and a citizen in Canada, these statuses are distinct. Each has benefits and responsibilities, so carefully consider which status best suits your current situation and future goals.