We are aware that a lot of individuals want to know the distinctions between Canadian citizenship and permanent residence. So, we want to keep you up to date so you can learn more about it.
What is Canadian Citizenship, What is Permanent Residence?
Let’s begin by making the definitions clearer. Permanent residence means that a person has moved to Canada and has been given the right to live there permanently. Permanent residents are nationals of other nations rather than Canada. Having Canadian citizenship entitles you to receive the benefits of a native-born Canadian.
Advantages of Canadian Citizenship
As we mentioned earlier, the main difference between Canadian citizenship and permanent residency is that you have the same rights as Canadian citizens born in Canada. Let’s look at it in more detail.
Possibility Of Voting or Running for Office
Many of the social duties of Canadian citizenship, such as paying taxes and adhering to Canadian laws, are also shared by Canadian permanent residents. Actually, there are just two things that permanent residents cannot do that Canadian citizens can. Permanent residents of Canada are not eligible to vote or run for office. Additionally, there are some limitations on the employment of permanent residents in certain government positions requiring a high degree of security clearance.
PR Card vs. Canadian Passport
Permanent residents of Canada are not issued Canadian passports. In order to leave the nation, permanent residents must have a current PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) as well as their passport from their home country.
PR cards must be renewed on a regular basis because they have an expiration date. However, if your PR card expires, you do not immediately lose your status as a permanent resident. You do need to fulfill some residency requirements in order to keep your permanent resident status.
A Canadian passport offers many benefits. It is possible to go to many countries without a visa and to easily obtain visas from many other countries with the Canadian passport, one of the strongest passports in the world. You can work in numerous nations with ease because of this passport.
Possibility of Living Outside of Canada
You are permitted to reside outside of Canada as a permanent resident. However, you must reside at least two years of each five-year period in Canada. You risk losing your status if you stay longer outside of Canada. However, there are certain exceptions. For instance, time spent traveling outside of Canada with a spouse, common-law partner, or parent who is a Canadian citizen may be taken into account when determining residency. If a Canadian company assigns you to a job outside of Canada, the time spent there can also be counted.
You do not instantly lose your status as a permanent resident even if you don’t fulfill the residency requirements. The only way to lose your status is by following a formal procedure.
When you gain Canadian citizenship, you do not have such a problem. Just like any other Canadian, you can go abroad as much as you want.
