Explore The Differences Between Canada PR And Citizenship
The freedoms of movement, employment, education, and national investment are almost the same for citizens and Canada PR holders. Still, there are a few key distinctions between these two statuses.
If you don’t know the significant difference between these two, this article is for you. This article will provide information about the considerable distinction between these two terms. But, before proceeding, let us explain the meaning of Permanent Residency and Citizenship in Canada.
What Is Canada Permanent Residency?
A Canada PR is the status of permanent residency in Canada. It is attained by completing the PR application, satisfying the government’s eligibility requirements, getting an invitation from the government through one of its programs (such as express entry), or in other ways as appropriate. You would still be a citizen of your own country even though you would not be a citizen of Canada.
What Is Canadian citizenship?
Canadian citizenship entitles you to citizenship in the nation even if you were not born there. You’ll be covered by Canadian law, be able to relocate anywhere in the country, and participate in electoral participation in Canada. Additionally, there are no constraints on your ability to leave the nation and return anytime. Your Canadian passport will be yours.
Difference Between Canada PR & Citizenship
You must have considered the significant difference between Canadian Citizenship and Permanent Residency. Here is a list of the considerable differences between them.
Democratic Participation
Permanent Residents are not permitted to vote or run a political office. It means that, in comparison with Canadian citizens, PR holders have less influence over leadership and policy.
Holding Specific Job Positions
Permanent Residents are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit. However, they cannot accept positions requiring a top-secret security clearance.
Status Depends Upon Residency
In order to retain permanent residency status, a holder must have spent at least 730 days in person in Canada over the preceding five years.
These days are not required to be continuous, but if they fail to fulfil this requirement, they might lose their PR status. On the contrary, Canadian citizens do not face such restrictions.
Traveling Freedom
Permanent Residents in Canada can travel abroad with a PR card. Additionally, many countries allow Canada PR holders to stay visa-free for a shorter period.
On the contrary, Canadian citizens get access to a Canadian passport, considered one of the strongest passports in the world. According to professionals, Canadian citizens can travel without a visa to 187 destinations as of 2024.
The Canadian passport also offers various benefits. Canadian citizens can explore work and study options abroad and hold dual citizenship. While overseas, they can also get diplomatic assistance from Canadian consulates.
Easy Access To Canada And Stability
In the rare case scenario, Canadian PR holders can even lose their PR status, which may prevent them from entering and living in Canada.
It may occur if they give up their status or are denied entry into Canada (which may arise for security or criminal reasons).
On the other hand, Removing a Canadian citizen’s citizenship is uncommon and only occurs in cases where the citizenship was initially acquired by fraud or deception.
Citizenship Passing To Children
A kid born in Canada to Permanent Residents automatically becomes a citizen of that country. However, permanent residents who give birth to children outside Canada do not necessarily inherit their parents’ immigration status.
But, If they are eligible for sponsorship and their child can be sponsored as a dependent, they can seek to sponsor their child.
On the other hand, children typically get Canadian citizenship. In Canada, there is now a first-generation limit (FGL) that says a citizen’s child born outside the country does not automatically become a citizen. The Canadian federal government is examining potential amendments to this provision that would allow Canadians born abroad to transfer their citizenship to their offspring (with some conditions). This regulation may be changed.
Crucial Distinction Between Canada PR and Citizenship
The following tabular representation explains the crucial distinction between Canada’s PR and Citizenship.
| Feature | Canadian PR | Canadian Citizen |
| Right to vote | No | Yes |
| Right to run for office | No | Yes |
| Right to work | Yes, but some jobs with high-level security clearance are restricted | Yes |
| Open bank accounts and invest | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian passport | No | Yes |
| Right to live in Canada indefinitely | Yes, as long as you have a valid PR card | Yes |
| Travel Freedom | Only to countries that accept a PR card or your current nationality | Yes, to every nation that agrees with a Canadian passport. |
| Guaranteed entry into Canada | No, if considered objectionable, you might be refused. | Yes |
| Pass status to children born abroad | No | Yes, if you’re a Canadian citizen born there. |
For more details about Canada PR holder and citizenship, contact Province Immigration, one of the top Canada Immigration Consultancy in Delhi, via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com
Want To Learn More about Canada Immigration Visit Our Blogs
