What is the difference between Permanent Resident vs Citizen Canada?  

Permanent Resident vs Citizen Canada: Are you curious to know about the difference between PR and citizenship in Canada? Despite their apparent similarities, these two positions have significant differences that can impact your opportunities and legal rights in Canada. Full legal rights and benefits come with becoming a citizen of Canada, including the right to participate in elections and run for office, get a Canadian passport, and, if necessary, obtain diplomatic assistance from embassies and consulates overseas. These advantages are available to all Canadian citizens, regardless of whether they were born in the country or have undergone the citizenship process.  

While permanent residents of Canada have some limitations, they receive many of the same benefits of Canada citizenship. For example, only Canadian nationals are eligible for several high-level positions in the government, such as prime minister and other positions. Furthermore, in order to preserve permanent resident status, one must have been in Canada for at least two years or 730 days during the previous five years, though in certain cases, time spent outside of Canada may be eligible. 

To make wise choices regarding living and working in Canada, one must be aware of the distinctions between permanent resident vs citizen canada.     

In this article, we’ve discussed the fundamental differences between PR and citizenship in Canada, such as qualifying requirements, rights, and advantages. Whether you are thinking about moving to Canada or you just want to know more about the immigration laws there, this article offers helpful information on these two categories and the significant differences between them.  

Permanent Resident vs Citizen Canada: Key Differences   

Many of the same advantages and services available to Canadian citizens are already available to you as a permanent resident. However, there are compelling reasons to consider switching your PR card for Canadian citizenship.   

Here is a summary of the differences between being a Canadian citizen and a permanent residence.  

Voting and Running for Office   

Many of the social obligations associated with Canadian citizenship, such as filing taxes and obeying the law, are also shared by permanent residents. Actually, there are just two activities that permanent residents cannot do that citizens of Canada can. Permanent residents of Canada are not eligible to vote or run for government office. Additionally, permanent residents are prohibited from occupying several government jobs which require a high degree of confidentiality security.  

Canadian PR Card vs. Canadian Passport   

A Canadian passport is not granted to permanent residents of Canada. If permanent residents choose to travel abroad, they can do so using their passport from their home country and a valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).   

PR cards must be renewed on a regular basis because they have a validity term. However, if your PR card expires, you do not immediately lose your status as a permanent resident. You need to meet specific residence criteria in order to keep your status as a permanent resident.   

Ability to Reside Outside of Canada   

You are permitted to reside outside of Canada as a permanent resident. But you have to spend at least two of those five years in Canada. You risk losing your status if you remain outside of Canada for an extended period of time. But there are exceptions. For instance, time spent outside of Canada with a Canadian citizen parent, spouse, or common-law partner may be considered residence. If a Canadian company assigns you to a position outside of Canada, you can also consider the time spent overseas.   

 Greater Opportunities for Education and Work  

Since many grants, scholarships, and job openings are exclusive to Canadian citizens, having Canadian citizenship can boost your chances for both education and work.  

Children of Canadian Citizens are Automatically Canadian Citizens  

Regardless of where they are born, children of permanent residents do not have the same naturalization status. This could affect their ability to access certain opportunities and advantages, such as healthcare and education, and it might be a significant factor for families preparing to relocate to Canada.  

How are taxes calculated for permanent resident vs citizen Canada?   

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sets income tax in Canada on residence status, in contrast to many other nations. You will probably be required to submit Canadian income taxes if you spend a substantial amount of time in Canada, regardless of whether you are a citizen, permanent resident, or here on a temporary work visa.

If you have substantial residence links to Canada, you must additionally submit income taxes. Your house, spouse or dependents, personal belongings, Canadian bank accounts, health insurance in a Canadian province or territory, and Canadian driver’s license are all factors that the CRA considers.  

In a nutshell you need to record all of your international income on your income tax return if you are a permanent resident of Canada. Fortunately, Canada does let new permanent residents to establish offshore trusts to hide financial gains and income from sources outside of Canada.   

Permanent residents are also eligible to receive any tax credits and deductions that are available.  

Permanent Resident vs Citizen Canada and Financial Documentation   

Applicants must provide proof of finances in order to meet numerous conditions for entrance into permanent residency. This implies that you need to have a certain amount of money in your bank account to cover living expenditures for you and your family members in the scenario that they relocate to Canada.   

In most cases, the funds need to be easily accessible and non-loanable. They must be accessible at the time of application submission and acceptance. You won’t need to continue saving so much money or receiving messages from financial organizations once you’ve moved to Canada.   

If you are currently working and living in Canada, you will not have to produce proof of money when applying for Canadian citizenship.  

Rights and Privileges of Permanent Residents   

Numerous rights and benefits are available to permanent residents, such as:   

• The ability to live and work permanently in Canada.   

• Availability of social services and health insurance coverage.   

• The opportunity to apply for citizenship in Canada after fulfilling specific conditions.  

• The ability to sponsor relatives for immigration purposes.  

• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the provinces of Canada.   

• Protection under the Charter of Rights & Freedom and Canadian law.   

• Entitlement to apply for citizenship in Canada.   

Keep in mind that obtaining a Canada PR is the first step toward obtaining Canadian citizenship. The primary need for qualifying is two years of residence in Canada.  

Requirements to Get Citizenship in Canada   

Applicants must fulfill the following conditions in order to be eligible for Canadian citizenship through the naturalization process:   

• Maintain your status as a permanent resident of Canada.   

• possess a minimum of three years (1,095 days) of residency in Canada during a five-year period.   

• Have met their tax requirements for three of the five years.   

• Having a clean criminal record is important since criminal convictions can result in citizenship being denied, both in Canada and abroad.   

• It is necessary to provide evidence of your ability in either French or English.   

• To show that you understand Canadian history, geography, economics, government, law, and other pertinent subjects, you must pass a civics test.  

Benefits of Canadian Citizenship  

There are multiple benefits of Canada citizenship. Some of the benefits or privilege of Canadian citizenship are mentioned below:  

• Permanent residency is possible in Canada.   

• Citizenship does not need to be renewed; it is permanent.   

• Can be eligible to vote for the federal, provincial, or local governments.   

• Qualified to obtain a Canadian passport   

• A person is automatically a Canadian citizen if their biological offspring was born in Canada.   

• Can do any tasks, even those requiring a high level of security clearance.   

• Possesses a Canadian passport, which allows them to enter several countries without a visa.   

How Can an Indian Obtain Permanent Residence in Canada?   

Although there are other immigration schemes available to Indians in Canada, the Express Entry procedure is the best option. It is a thorough process that enables qualified workers to get a permanent residence visa in Canada. Despite the fact that there are 60 distinct immigration programs, the top three for Indians are shown here. They are:   

• The Federal Skilled Workers Program  

• The Provincial Nominee Program  

• The Canadian Experience Class   

You can apply for the visa, submit your paperwork, and make a profile if you qualify for the Express Entry program.  

Conclusion  

In conclusion, there are significant differences between permanent resident vs citizen Canada that should be carefully evaluated before choosing one, even if both provide options for living and working in Canada. Knowing the qualifications and advantages of becoming a Canadian citizen vs a permanent resident is essential to making the most of your time in our friendly and diverse nation, regardless of your plans to remain here permanently or temporarily.   

You can make sure you make the best decision for your particular situation and accomplish your objectives in Canada by conducting your research and, if required, obtaining expert advice.