Many prospective immigrants share the ambition to get Canadian citizenship. But before you can apply to become a citizen of Canada, you must first be a citizen of another country. In actuality, Canadian permanent residence is the goal of every programme to Migrate to Canada (even provincial routes like PNPs or Quebec Immigration).
A permanent residence (PR) card is immediately given to you once you are a permanent resident. A PR card is essentially a Canadian version of a US green card.
An individual has a number of Canada Immigration Benefits after they are granted permanent residency in Canada, such as:
- Access to healthcare as well as other social benefits available to all Canadian citizens.
- The ability to do both at any location in Canada.
- Protection is granted under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the law.
- The ability to seek citizenship in Canada.
A permanent resident must first become a resident before they can apply for citizenship. Here are three key distinctions for permanent residents vs citizen Canada:
1. The ability to vote or seek office
Permanent residents of Canada also have many of the same social responsibilities as Canadian citizens, including paying taxes and abiding by the law. In reality, only two elements are restricted to permanent residents and two are allowed for Canadian citizens. Voting and running for office are not open to Canadian permanent residents. There are also a number of limitations on hiring permanent residents for some government jobs that require a high degree of security clearance.
2. PR Card vs Canadian Passport
Canada does not issue passports to its permanent inhabitants. In order to leave the nation, permanent residents must have both their home country passport and a current PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
Due to their expiration date, PR cards must be renewed frequently. However, if your PR card expires, your status as a permanent resident is not immediately lost. You do need to fulfil some residency requirements in order to keep your permanent resident status.
3. The capacity to live Abroad
You have the freedom to live anywhere in the world as a permanent resident. However, you must reside in Canada for at least two years out of every five. If you remain longer outside of Canada, you run the danger of losing your status. However, there are certain exceptions. For instance, the determination of residency may be based on time spent travelling outside of Canada with a spouse, common-law partner, or parent who is a Canadian citizen. The time spent working abroad is also deductible if a Canadian corporation assigns you to a position there.
You do not automatically lose your status as a permanent resident even if you don’t fulfil the residency requirements. You can only lose your status after going through a proper process.
After fulfilling specific residency conditions, permanent residents can submit an application for citizenship and once they receive the citizenship card Canada, they are free to take part in Canadian politics as naturalised citizens and can apply for a Canadian passport. In reality, there are no distinctions between Canadian citizens who were born in Canada and those who become naturalised.
The fundamental distinction between a permanent resident and a citizen, aside from citizenship’s right to vote in Canadian elections, is how long the former must continue to remain in Canada. You immediately get citizenship as soon as you are granted one. Renouncing your citizenship is the only way to lose it.
Contact an experienced immigration consultant if you are confused about how to apply for a Canadian passport or about permanent residency. Moving to Canada on your own can be difficult. An experienced immigration consultancy such as Aram Visas can guide you in all your decisions and pave the way for a successful end.
