In Canada, permanent residents (PR) have many of the same rights as citizens, such as the ability to live, work, study, and invest in the country. However, there are key differences between the two.
A permanent resident is someone who has obtained PR status through immigration but is not a citizen. Citizens enjoy additional rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote in elections and the ability to obtain a Canadian passport. Recognizing these distinctions can help individuals considering their long-term plans in Canada
Here are the main differences between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship:
Participation in democracy
Permanent residents cannot vote or run for office, which means they have less influence in shaping leadership and policies compared to Canadian citizens.
Access to certain jobs
Although permanent residents can work in Canada without needing work permits, they are ineligible for certain positions that require high-level security clearance.
Residency requirements
To maintain their permanent resident status, individuals must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the last five years. These days do not have to be consecutive, but failing to meet this requirement could result in the loss of PR status. In contrast, citizens do not face any such residency restrictions.
Travel benefits
Permanent residents can travel using a PR card, and many countries allow them visa-free entry for short stays. However, Canadian citizens hold a Canadian passport, which is one of the strongest in the world. As of 2024, Canadians can travel visa-free to 187 destinations, enjoy opportunities for work and study abroad, and hold dual citizenship. Additionally, they can access diplomatic support from Canadian consulates while traveling.
Stability and entry into Canada
While it is uncommon, a Canadian permanent resident can lose their status, which would prevent them from entering or living in the country. This can occur if they renounce their status or become inadmissible for reasons such as criminal activity or security concerns. In contrast, revoking Canadian citizenship is extremely rare and can only happen if it was obtained fraudulently or through misrepresentation.
Transferring citizenship to children
A child born in Canada to a permanent resident automatically becomes a Canadian citizen. However, if a permanent resident has a child outside Canada, that child does not automatically inherit their status. The parent can apply to sponsor the child, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
On the other hand, citizenship is typically passed down to children. Canada has a first-generation limit (FGL) that states if a Canadian citizen is born outside the country, their child born abroad is not automatically entitled to citizenship. The federal government is currently considering amendments to this rule, which would allow Canadians born abroad to pass on citizenship to their children born outside Canada, subject to certain conditions. The deadline for this amendment is December 19.
Key differences between PR and citizenship
| Feature | Canadian PR | Canadian Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Right to vote | No | Yes |
| Right to run for office | No | Yes |
| Right to work | Yes (with exceptions for certain jobs) | Yes |
| Right to open bank accounts and invest | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian passport | No | Yes |
| Right to live indefinitely in Canada | Yes (with a valid PR card) | Yes |
| Freedom to travel | Limited to PR card and nationality | Yes, to all countries accessible via passport |
| Guaranteed entry into Canada | No (in case of inadmissibility) | Yes |
| Right to pass status to children born abroad | No | Yes (if parent is also born in Canada) |
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