Do you know the differences between permanent residency and Canadian citizenship? Some people think that you lose the citizenship of your country of origin if your country does not allow its citizens to have dual-citizenship, and you obtain permanent residency in Canada. But this is not true. While permanent residents of Canada have many privileges, there are clear differences between permanent residency and Canadian Citizenship. Before you keep reading, please be aware that the information here is up-to-date as of November 27, 2018; however, immigration law changes frequently and may not be current when you read this. Also, immigration matters are extremely delicate and situational. Please make sure to do your research before you proceed with your application and seek help if you require professional assistance. We are not responsible for any consequences you may face or accuracy of the content.
What Is Permanent Residency?
As I mentioned in introduction, you can keep your citizenship even though you become a permanent resident, which means that you do not get Canadian passport because permanent residency is a right to stay in Canada permanently to live, work and study in Canada permanently as long as you meet obligations as a permanent resident and maintain admissibility. Permanent resident status is distinguished from temporary residents who are here in Canada temporary to vitist, study, or work. You do not need a study permit to attend a school or a work permit to work. That being said, you do not need to extend your stay though you have to renew your permanent resident card. You also have a right to live anywhere you like in Canada [Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom Section 6(2)]. One of the biggest differences from temporary residents is that you can sponsor your family members if you meet requirements to become a sponsor. [IRPA 13(1)]. However, like temporary residents, permanent residents could lose their status, in which case they can not stay in Canada.
Who Can Become a Permanent Resident of Canada?
There are many ways to obtain permanent residency. The main pathways to obtain permanent residency is to get sponsored from a family member who is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen or to apply for permanent residency under one of the Economy Class programs.
What Are the Limitations as a Permanent Resident?
Entry to Canada is not guaranteed, which means that you can still be denied to come to Canada or get deported from Canada even if you are a permanent resident, as only Canadian citizens have the right to enter, remain, and leave Canada. This means that every time you enter Canada, you need to prove that you are admissible to Canada. (I will write more details about admissibility/inadmissibility in different articles, as it will be quite extensive) You cannot participate in political activities. In other words, you do not have the right to vote. Some high-security jobs are limited to Canadian citizens only.
What Are Obligations of Permanent Residents?
Probably the most important obligations as a permanent resident are the residency obligation. You basically have to be in Canada 2 years(730 days) out of every 5 years [IRPA Section 28(2)(a)]. You have an obligation to carry this while you travel abroad [Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) Section 31(2)(a) & Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations(IRPR) Section 53(1)(a)].
What is Canadian Citizenship?
In contrast to permanent residency, Canadian citizens have the right to remain, enter, or leave Canada as they wish, and their entry to Canada is guaranteed [Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom Section 6(1)]. Canadian citizens can also vote and have a high-security job as well. Canada allows its citizens to have dual-citizenship, so you can have Canadian citizenship while you maintain citizenship of your country of origin as long as your country permits its citizens to have dual-citizenship also. It is quite rare to lose citizenship once you become a Canadian citizen.
Who Can Become a Canadian Citizen?
In general, permanent residents who meet requirements can apply for Canadian citizenship though there are some exemptions, which means that you need to be a permanent resident before you become a Canadian citizen.
Conclusion
Permanent residents of Canada and Canadian citizens have totally different implications in their status. Permanent residents do not have a right to vote, cannot get a Canadian Passport, and may be denied to enter Canada while Canadian citizens can vote, have a Canadian passport, and have a right to remain, enter, or leave Canada on their own will. Also, to become a Canadian citizen, you generally need to obtain permanent residency first.
