PR Vs Citizenship In Canada: What You Need To Know

In Canada, PR has many of the rights of citizens namely, PR may reside, work, study, and invest in Canada. However, there are some differences that make the comparison rather vague and not clear when distinguishing between the two.

A Permanent Resident is a person who has been granted the PR status by migrating to Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen. The citizens enjoy more privileges and come with duties, and privileges such as a chance to vote in the Canadian democracy and acquire a Canadian passport. Knowing the distinction that exists between the two is important!

So, let’s first start with understanding what is the difference between the two!

What is Canada PR and Citizenship?

A Canada PR could be understood as the status of permanent residency in Canada which is granted after finishing the PR application, meeting the requirements set by the Canadian government, or receiving an invitation from the government through some programs for instance, express entry or others depending on the case. However, a Canada PR will not turn you into a citizen of that country you would still retain your citizenship wherever you are from.

On the other hand, Canadian Citizenship refers to the status of being a Canadian regardless of whether you were born in Canada or not. You will be able to vote in elections in Canada, live and work in any region of this country, and be under the protection of Canadian legislation. You can also go live in another country of your choice anytime you wish to without any limitations. You will own your own Canadian Passport.

Pros of Living in Canada as a Canada PR

Access to healthcare at no cost, similar to other citizens.
Legal protection under Canadian laws and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Children can get free education.
The freedom to work, move, and pursue studies across any of Canada’s provinces.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply For PR in Canada

Here are the eligibility criteria to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada:

At least 1 year of skilled work experience (in Canada or abroad).
Proof of English or French language skills through an approved test (e.g., IELTS for English, TEF for French).
Completion of a recognized degree, diploma, or certificate.
Passing a medical exam and security background check.
Proof that you can financially support yourself and your dependents.
Younger applicants tend to score higher in the application process (though there's no specific age limit).

Additional requirements may vary depending on the immigration program (e.g., Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program) Eligibility Criteria to Apply For Canadian Citizenship

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must:

Have the status of a permanent resident in Canada
Have lived in Canada for at least 3 years in the past five.
Have filed taxes (if required)
Successfully pass a test on your rights, responsibilities, and knowledge of Canada
Show your language proficiency through exams

Note: Immigration requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances, and there may be additional conditions to meet. Therefore, it is best to consult an immigration consultant in that case!

Also Read:- How to Apply for PR Card Renewal in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide

PR vs Citizenship - Major Differences

Aspect	Canadian PR	Canadian Citizen
Voting Rights	No	Yes
Eligibility to Run for Office	No	Yes
Right to Work	Yes (except for certain jobs with security clearance)	Yes
Access to Open Bank Accounts and Invest	Yes	Yes
Canadian Passport	No	Yes
Right to Live in Canada Indefinitely	Yes (with a valid PR card)	Yes
Freedom of Travel	Limited to countries accessible via PR card and nationality	Yes, to all countries with a Canadian passport
Entry Guarantee to Canada	No (depends on admissibility)	Yes
Ability to Pass Status to Children Born Outside Canada	No	Yes, if the parent is also born in Canada

Conclusion

To sum it up, the benefits of having PR and Canadian citizenship are almost similar, but there are certain differences. This means that as a PR you can work and live in Canada, and you can use the facilities of a native including health care without doubt, but you cannot be considered a Canadian citizen. Same as in most developed countries this status does not grant you the full rights of a country’s citizen. Canadian citizenship, however, provides you with the complete rights as a voter, to apply for a Canadian passport among other privileges.

For one to become a citizen, he has to be a resident in Canada for some time and take an English or French test. Even more opportunities and freedom are given with citizenship rather than with PR which is the first step. Awareness of these differences allows you to determine which status is suitable for your objectives in Canada should it be permanent residency or citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between PR and citizenship?
PR allows you to live and work in Canada, whereas citizenship grants you additional privileges like as voting and a Canadian passport.

2. Can a permanent resident become a Canadian citizen?

Indeed the person can apply for citizenship after 3 out of the past 5 years living in Canada, paying taxes, and any other obligatory conditions.

3. What rights do permanent residents have?

PRs have the right to work and reside in Canada just because they are not a citizen and cannot vote, contest elections, or obtain passports.

4. How many years does it take to be a Canadian citizen?

You cannot apply for citizenship in Canada until you have lived in the country as a PR for three years.

5. Is it possible to lose the status of a permanent resident? Yes, if you fail to adhere to it, for instance, spending more than 183 days outside Canada, you are deemed to have lost your PR status.

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