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What differentiates Canadian citizenship from Canadian permanent residency?

27 January 2025   |  Canada

Permanent residents (PR) in Canada have many of the same privileges as citizens, such as the capacity to live, work, study, and make investments in the country. There are a few differences between the two, however.

A person who is granted PR status through immigration to Canada but is not a citizen is known as a permanent resident. Citizens have additional rights and obligations, such as the ability to possess a Canadian passport and take part in the nation’s democratic process (voting). Those interested in the process can make well-informed decisions regarding long-term plans in Canada by being aware of the differences between the two.

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Here are the biggest differences between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship:

Democratic participation

Permanent residents are not allowed to vote or run for political office. That means they do not have as much a say in shaping leadership and policies as citizens of Canada.

Holding certain jobs

While permanent residents are allowed to work without needing work permits in Canada, they are not allowed to take on certain jobs that require a high-level security clearance.

Status dependent upon residency

To continue to hold their permanent resident status, permanent residents must physically be present in Canada for at least 730 days over the last five years. Those days don’t need to be continuous but if they are not able to meet this criterion, they could lose their PR status.

Citizens, on the other hand, have no such restriction.

Travel privileges

Permanent residents in Canada can travel with a PR card. Many countries also offer Canadian permanent resident holders visa-free stays for short periods of time.

In contrast, Canadian citizens have access to a Canadian passport, one of the strongest passports in the world. Canadians can travel visa-free to 188 destinations as of 2025.  There are other benefits to having a Canadian passport. Canadian passport holders can explore work and study options abroad, and even hold dual citizenship. They can also access diplomatic support from Canadian consulates while abroad.

Stability and ease of entering Canada

While rare, a Canadian permanent resident could lose their status, barring them from entering or living in the country.

This can happen if they renounce their status or if they become inadmissible to Canada (which can happen for criminal or security reasons).

However, revoking a Canadian citizenship is extremely rare and can only happen if the citizenship was obtained fraudulently or through misrepresentation in the first place.

Passing citizenship to children

If a permanent resident gives birth to a child in Canada, that child is automatically a citizen of the country. However, permanent residents who have children outside Canada do not automatically pass on their status to their child. They can apply to sponsor their child if they meet sponsorship eligibility requirements and if their child qualifies as a dependent.

Meanwhile citizenship is usually passed down to children. Canada currently has a first-generation limit (FGL) which dictates that if a Canadian citizen born outside the country has a child also born outside the country, the child is not automatically entitled to citizenship. The federal government is currently looking at amending this rule, which will give Canadians born abroad the ability to pass on their citizenship to children born abroad.

Why You Should Choose Simard & Associates as Your Immigration Lawyer?

At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.

For more details & questions, Kindly contact us and one of our Immigration Consultant & Immigration Lawyers will respond to you. 

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Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.

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Simard & Associates helps clients apply for citizenship and residence under the applicable programs. To schedule an initial free consultation, get in touch with us.

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