Canadian PR vs. Citizenship: What’s the Real Difference?

In Canada, permanent residents (PR) share many of the same benefits as citizens, such as the right to live, work, study, and invest within the country. However, key differences exist between the two statuses.

A permanent resident is an individual granted PR status through immigration, but they are not considered a citizen. Citizens enjoy additional rights and obligations, including the ability to vote and apply for a Canadian passport. Gaining a clear understanding of these distinctions can assist individuals in making informed choices about their long-term goals in Canada.

Here are the most significant distinctions between Canadian permanent residency and citizenship:

Democratic involvement
Permanent residents do not have the right to vote or run for political office, limiting their influence in shaping Canada’s leadership and policies compared to citizens.

Employment restrictions
Although permanent residents can work in Canada without the need for a work permit, they are ineligible for certain positions that require advanced security clearance.

Residency requirements
Permanent residents must reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within a five-year period to maintain their status. These days do not need to be consecutive, but failure to meet this requirement could result in the loss of PR status. In contrast, Canadian citizens are not subject to this residency obligation.

Travel benefits
Canadian permanent residents can travel using a PR card, and many countries allow short visa-free stays for PR cardholders.

However, Canadian citizens have the advantage of holding a Canadian passport, one of the most powerful in the world. As of 2024, it grants visa-free access to 187 destinations, according to Henley & Partners. Additionally, citizens can explore work and study opportunities overseas, hold dual citizenship, and receive diplomatic assistance from Canadian consulates while abroad.

Security of status and re-entry to Canada
Although uncommon, a permanent resident can lose their status, which could prevent them from re-entering or residing in Canada. This may occur if they renounce their status or become inadmissible due to criminal or security issues.

In contrast, losing Canadian citizenship is extremely rare and generally only happens if it was acquired through fraud or misrepresentation.

Passing citizenship to children
When a permanent resident gives birth in Canada, the child automatically becomes a Canadian citizen. However, if the child is born outside Canada, permanent residents cannot directly pass on their status. They must apply to sponsor the child, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and the child qualifies as a dependent.

In contrast, citizenship is generally transferable to children. However, Canada has a first-generation limit (FGL), meaning that if a Canadian citizen born abroad has a child outside Canada, the child is not automatically granted citizenship. The government is currently considering changes to this rule, potentially allowing Canadians born abroad to pass citizenship to children born abroad, with certain conditions. The amendment is expected by December 19.

Major distinctions between permanent residency and citizenship

If you’re planning to settle in Canada, it’s important to understand the distinctions between being a Permanent Resident (PR) and a Canadian citizen. While both statuses offer numerous benefits, there are some key differences.

1. Voting Rights:
   Permanent residents do not have the right to vote in Canadian elections. Citizens, on the other hand, can fully participate in the democratic process.
2. Running for Office:
   Only Canadian citizens can run for political office. Permanent residents are not eligible for this privilege.
3. Employment Opportunities:
   Permanent residents can work in Canada, though certain jobs that require high-level security clearance are restricted to citizens only. Canadian citizens, however, can apply for any job.
4. Financial Rights:
   Both permanent residents and citizens have the right to open bank accounts and make investments in Canada.
5. Passport Eligibility:
   A Canadian passport is only available to citizens. Permanent residents must travel with their PR card and a passport from their country of origin.
6. Living in Canada:
   Permanent residents can live in Canada indefinitely as long as they maintain a valid PR card. Citizens, however, have the unconditional right to reside in the country without any need for additional documentation.
7. Travel Freedom:
   Permanent residents’ travel is limited to countries where their PR card or home country passport grants access. Citizens, however, can travel more freely with a Canadian passport, which offers access to more countries without visa restrictions.
8. Re-Entry into Canada:
   Permanent residents might face issues re-entering Canada if they are deemed inadmissible. Citizens, however, are guaranteed re-entry into the country without any legal obstacles.
9. Passing Status to Children Born Abroad:
   Permanent residents cannot pass their status to children born outside of Canada. Canadian citizens, however, can pass citizenship to their children born abroad, provided one parent is also Canadian-born.