When it comes to Canadian immigration, there are a lot of confusion and wrong beliefs that are held by many due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of the sector as a whole. One such confusion is the difference between Canadian permanent residence and Canadian citizenship which would be explained in the article below so that it could become easier for you to file your immigration.

Canada Permanent Residency:

• Permanent Residents are foreign nationals who have been granted the right to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis, but they are not citizens of the country as per the law which means they would be able to enjoy some of the benefits that are enjoyed by a Canadian citizen.
• To be eligible for PR, an individual must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as fulfilling the criteria for immigration to the country, having a job offer in Canada, passing a medical examination, and having sufficient financial resources. This would ultimately enable them to acquire permanent residence in the country.
• Permanent Residents have many of the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens, including access to publicly funded health care, education, and social services. These are the benefits that attract many to file an application for immigration in the country.
• Permanent Residents do not have the right to vote, run for political office, or hold certain jobs that are restricted to Canadian citizens.
• For acquiring permanent residency, a person must also meet residency requirements, which means they must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days every five years.

Canada Citizenship:

• Canadian citizenship is a legal status that enables individuals to acquire full rights and privileges that are enjoyed by Canadian citizens.
• To become a citizen of the country, an individual must meet the eligibility criteria, such as being a permanent resident for a certain amount of time, having adequate knowledge of English or French, and passing a citizenship test.
• Canadian citizens also enjoy the rights which are held by other citizens of the country which include the right to vote, run for political office, hold certain jobs, and can apply for a Canadian passport for travelling abroad.
• Canadian citizens also have the right to enter and exit Canada without restriction and are protected by Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This enables them to become a part of the global community and represent the country on a global level.
• Canadian citizenship once granted cannot be taken away or revoked, except in rare circumstances, such as if it is proven that it was obtained through fraudulent means.

In summary, permanent residency in Canada could be considered a stepping stone toward citizenship. This ultimately means it makes it easier and more convenient for a citizen to acquire citizenship in the country. However, it does not provide the full rights and privileges of being a Canadian citizen.

If you are willing to move to Canada or are willing to acquire permanent residence or citizenship of the country, just contact us and our professionals would be there to offer all the assistance that you need in your immigration journey.