Individuals who are planning to settle in Canada must know the differences between PR & citizenship. If you think getting a PR is the final immigration step, then you are wrong. Because after getting a Canadian PR, you must apply for citizenship to get rights that you cannot get as a PR card holder. 

So, stick to this guide as we will reveal the differences between the two! 

What Is Canada PR? 

A Canadian permanent resident is an individual who is immigrating to Canada through pathways introduced by IRCC. The pathways are as follows: 

What Is Canadian Citizenship? 

Canadian citizenship is a legal status given by the Canadian government to people. Here is the list, including as to when an individual can be known as a citizen of Canada: 

  • Born outside of Canada, but any one of the parents applied for citizenship or is born in Canada 
  • An individual born in Canada 
  • In case you become a citizen via changes in the Citizenship Act

Note that an individual won’t be called as a Canadian citizen if they:

  • Get adopted by a citizen
  • Marry a Canadian citizen 
  • Refugee claim has been accepted
  • Are living as a PR holder for many years

Differences Between PR & Citizenship 

Both Canada PR & citizenship are major immigration statuses in Canada. The major differences between PR & citizenship are given below. Take a look!

I. Rights & Benefits 

  • For Canada PR Holders 

As a permanent resident of Canada, here are the rights and benefits one enjoys: 

  • PR holders can obtain healthcare coverage in Canada 
  • They can get the protection under the Canadian law & CCRF
  • Applicants are free to work, live, & study anywhere in Canada
  • In case you have Canadian PR, you will be eligible for Canadian citizenship
  • They can get a SIN, i.e., Social Insurance Number 
  • PR Holders can get free education for Children 
  • For Canadian Citizenship 

Candidates who have Canadian citizenship will have the following rights & benefits:

  • Free to live anywhere in Canada 
  • Citizens of Canada are allowed to vote
  • Applicants can have dual citizenship
  • Candidates can apply for government jobs 
  • Citizens of Canada can apply for the Canadian passport 

II. Responsibilities 

  • For Canada PR Holders 

The responsibilities that every Canada PR holder should follow are as follows: 

  • Renew the PR card before it expires
  • Does not create any problems for Canadian citizens 
  • For Canadian Citizenship  

The responsibilities that citizens of Canada should follow are as follows:

  • Accept Canadian laws
  • Serve the jury
  • Citizens of Canada must protect the heritage & environment of Canada 
  • Vote in the municipal, federal, & provincial elections 

III. Eligibility Requirements 

  • For Canada PR Holders  

Here are the requirements that an applicant has to fulfill: 

  • You should be 18 years old or above 
  • Applicants must apply for Canadian PR with the help of immigration pathways 
  • Applicants must not have any criminal records & should prove that they are not a liability to Canada in any way, like health, economic, etc.
  • Evidence of funds 
  • Biometrics 
  • Immigration Medical Exam

  • For Canadian Citizenship 

Applicants who wish to get citizenship in Canada must fulfill the following requirements: 

  • Must be a permanent resident of Canada
  • Must have lived a minimum of three out of five years 
  • Should have paid their taxes if needed 
  • Prove their proficiency in languages on English/ French 
  • Pass the citizenship test 
  • Take the vow of citizenship 

IV. Processing Time 

  • For Canada PR Holders 

The processing time varies upon the immigration pathway you have chosen. Here are the estimated processing times: 

  • Economic Immigration: In between 5 – 14 months
  • Family Sponsorship: 10 – 48 months 
  • Caregivers: 31 – 34 months 
  • Business Immigration Pathways: 37 to 61 months 
  • For Canadian Citizenship

The Canadian citizenship processing time for online applications is 14 months. 

V. Limitations 

  • For Canada PR Holders 

There are certain limitations to Canada PR. The PR holders aren’t allowed to: 

  • Do jobs that require high-level security clearance 
  • Run & vote for any political office 
  • If found guilty of any crime, PR holders will get deported from Canada along with their families. 

 

  • For Canadian Citizenship 

For Canadian citizenship, no matter where applicants live, they have to pay the taxes. 

Conclusion 

So, here are the differences between PR & citizenship in Canada. As a PR holder, you have to keep maintaining your permanent residency for a longer duration of time. On the contrary, for citizenship, you do not have to maintain it. 

However, it is vital to note that in the case of getting Canadian citizenship, you need to become a permanent resident of Canada first. Thus, make sure you know all the differences between the two for a smooth transition in Canada!