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Key Differences Between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency
You should know the difference between the status of being a Canadian Citizen and Permanent Residency. Although, in either of these statuses, one gets numerous privileges, the rights and obligations associated with them vary. Knowing how and what kind of status and rights are associated with it can help one make a proper decision about their future prospects in this country, especially in cases where a person wants to look into longer-term plans. So let’s see what are the key differences between Canadian citizenship and permanent residency.
What is Canadian Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency in Canada means a foreigner can live and work in Canada as long as they have this kind of status. There are several benefits awarded by grants for permanent residents in Canada, such as those for access to health services, education, and social services. However, it does not mean PR translates into the status of Canadian citizenship since there are still some prohibitions.
Permanent residents automatically obtain a PR card, which they must renew every five years. This card serves as proof of their residence in Canada for at least 730 days over five years. PRs have the right to live and work anywhere in Canada but do not have the right to vote in federal or provincial elections nor take up high rank jobs in the government that entails citizenship.
What is Canadian Citizenship?
Canadian Citizenship is the pinnacle status of belonging in Canada. Citizens are afforded all rights and privileges conferred by the Canadian government. In fact, citizen children have more rights and benefits than permanent residents do. For instance, citizens are allowed to vote in elections, run for political offices and take government jobs at the very top level.
This is usually achieved either by birth or naturalization. To immigrants, typically the process of becoming a Canadian citizen requires one to initially satisfy a variety of requirements: including living in Canada as a permanent resident for a specified period of time, usually three of the five years; passing the citizenship test; and having a minimum proficiency in one of the two official languages, such as English or French.
These are Key Differences Between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency
- Right to Vote and Run for Public Office: One of the most important differences between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency, whereby one is entitled to participate in democratic practices, voting in federal, provincial and local elections and to run for public office too at several levels of government. Permanent residents do not have such a right.
- Duration of Stay Requirements: There is also another area of divergence between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency, which is the residency requirement. Permanent residents are required to have a minimum of 730 days within every five years in Canada for them to enjoy their status. If they happen to fail this provision, they lose their PR status. On the other hand, Canadian citizens can enjoy their citizenship no matter the length of time that they spend outside Canada.
- Travel Documents: When talking about traveling, Canadian citizenship and permanent residency are two key different things. Permanent residents must have a valid PR card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document, which is called PRTD to allow them to re-enter Canada if they leave the country for traveling abroad. Unlike this, a Canadian citizen can travel on a Canadian passport, with much more freedom in traveling wherein most countries do not require visas upon their entry.
- Deportation Risk: Another very sharp difference between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency is the risk of deportation. Permanent residents enjoy many rights but, under well-defined circumstances such as the serious commission of crimes or failure to meet residency obligations, they can even be deported. In comparison, a citizen of Canada cannot be deported except for extreme cases of fraud in obtaining citizenship.
- Government Benefits: Another difference existing between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency lies in government benefits. While the majority of social services, for example, health care and education can be achieved through permanent residency, Canadian citizens are eligible for other government benefits, such as some jobs that are available only to citizens. These relate specifically to matters concerning security and defense services.
- Eligibility for Political Activities: Permanent residents are not allowed to participate in some of the political activities like contesting an election. On the other hand, one of the main differences between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency is that citizens have a full right to participate in the political life of the country, either by contesting a political office or actively campaigning for candidates.
- Dual Citizenship: The most critical difference between Canadian citizenship and permanent residency is that, according to most significant dual citizenship, one is allowed to hold dual citizenship, whereby someone holding a Canadian citizenship can hold another citizenship, whereas permanent residents remain citizens of their original countries unless they become Canadian citizens.
- Obligations and Responsibilities: Permanent residents and citizens share particular responsibilities, such as paying taxes and living by Canadian laws; but there are some obligations where they differ. A citizen may be required to report to jury duty while the permanent resident is not. This is one of the main differences between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency.
Why Some People Prefer PR Over Citizenship
While Canadian citizenship can bestow more rights and privileges, others prefer to be permanent residents. Maybe because of a number of factors or reasons, but here are some possible examples: they might not want to forgo their original citizenship, or they probably may not meet one of the language requirements and residency requirements needed to get Canadian citizenship.
Permanent residence also provides a relatively great amount of freedom in Canada. PRs can be able to live, work, or study anywhere in the country, enjoying much of the same benefits as citizens, including healthcare and education. For some people, the granting of permanent residency is only the first step toward citizenship; therefore, they may continue to remain PRs while working towards obtaining Canadian citizenship.
Indeed, one of the things a person hoping to settle in Canada needs to know is regarding the difference between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency. There are many advantages of both statuses, but a citizen enjoys more rights and security than one having permanent residency.
However, if one does not wish to acquire the status of a citizen, permanent residency sets an excellent foundation by allowing him to live and work in Canada with most of the same benefits. Whether you want to remain a permanent resident or eventually become a citizen, it will be very helpful if you know the difference between these two statuses.