Canada is the second best country to work & live. Securing a permanent residency in Canada is considered a significant milestone for anyone looking forward
Canada is the second best country to work & live. Securing a permanent residency in Canada is considered a significant milestone for anyone looking forward to settling in Canada. The key principle is to understand the difference between PR and Canadian Citizenship. In this blog, let’s know and explore the differences between these two statuses and shed light on the rights, benefits, and requirements associated with each.
Generally, Permanent Residents are the ones who live legally for work, as compared to a citizen who belongs to the country legally and is permissible for being passport holders of the respective Country.
The key element between these two statuses comprises of
- Having a legitimate Canadian Passport
- The right to vote and running a political campaign.
Being a Canadian PR, these rights will not be admissible. A PR may need to use their PR card or use their passport of their origin country.
- Permanent Residency in Canada
Individuals who are citizens of other countries are given permanent resident status.
Traveling abroad in Canada, these PR cards are used to show on commercial vehicles such as airplanes, boats, trains, bus. Any student or an immigrant/foreign worker is not a permanent resident. To become one, one must approve their claim with the Immigration and Refugee Board.
- What rights does a permanent resident have?
The social security benefits are much similar to a Canadian citizen.
- Free Education for your children until the age of 18.
- Your family members can join, live, explore, and work in Canada.
- There is no determined limit to extending your visa status.
- Universal healthcare i.e. medical care is free of cost. The taxes cover all medical bills and prescription drugs. Any individual may also apply for public health insurance.
- PR can apply for Canadian Citizenship.
- Freedom to move, and start a business.
However, a permanent resident cannot vote or run a political campaign.
b. Responsibilities
Permanent residents need to respect all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. It is mandatory to pay taxes.
c. Criteria to Maintain their Permanent Residency
To maintain their permanent resident status, the immigrant must be in Canada for a minimum of 730 days throughout five years.
2. Canadian Citizenship
Any individual who is Canadian by birth or who is born to a Canadian citizen. Similarly, the one who has applied for a grant can also receive Canadian citizenship.
- Rights of a Canadian Citizen
- Canadian Citizens or Permanent residents share similar rights and social responsibilities. However, A Canadian Citizen has the right to Vote and to run a Political Campaign.
- A citizen can also gain a higher government position that needs a high-level security clearance.
- Any Canadian citizen has a right to get a legitimate passport.
- Ability to freely apply and, participate in the Politics of Canada.
- Ability to Visit and Live Outside Canada.
Even though being a PR, one is allowed to live beyond Canada. However, the criteria state that one must stay in Canada for at least two years in five years. If the period is extended, one may lose their status. Once, you are a Canadian citizen, there won’t be special Criteria to maintain unlike in PR. You may lose your citizenship if you choose to reject it.
3. The transition from PR to Citizenship:
- Time Requirements:
Ideally, one must be present as a PR in Canada for 1095 days within 5 years to apply for citizenship. The date of your application will be taken into account.
Other criteria comprise of:
- One needs to pass the citizenship test.
- Needs to be a permanent resident
- Taxes must be filed.
- Pass the language skills test.
- Citizen Application Process:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Permanent Resident Status: The applicants must have obtained permanent residency in Canada and hold a valid PR card.
- Physical Presence Requirement: The residency requirements, applicants to have physically lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) in the five years preceding the application.
- Language Proficiency: Language proficiency in English or French, typically through a language test.
- Knowledge of Canada: The applicants must pass a citizenship test to demonstrate their knowledge of Canada’s history, values, institutions, and rights.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Proof of Identity: A valid identification document such as a passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued identification.
- Proof of Residency: A document that demonstrates your physical presence in Canada, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records.
- PR Card and Travel History: You need to submit copies of your Permanent Resident card and details of your travel history during the residency period.
- Language Proficiency Results: Submit a language test results, such as the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scores.
- Other Supporting Documents: Other additional documents that may be required, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or proof of name change.
4. Complete the Application Form:
- Download the Application Form: Download the Canadian citizenship application form (typically the Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults).
- Fill Out the Form: Complete the form accurately. Ensure all required information is provided.
- Double-Check and Review: Emphasize the importance of reviewing the form for any errors or omissions before submission.
- Pay the Application Fees: Pay the required fees for the citizenship application & submit the Application.
- Citizenship Test and Interview: Prepare for the Test by studying the Discover Canada guide, which contains information on Canada’s history, geography, and government. Attend the Test and Interview & Wait for the Decision.
- Notification of Decision: Applicants will be notified of the decision by mail, typically receiving a citizenship certificate upon approval.
5. Prohibitions:
If any individual has committed any crime within or Outside Canada, they may not be eligible to become a Canadian Citizen.
The time served in prison doesn’t count the time you have resided in Canada.
Conclusion: Obtaining Canadian citizenship is an exciting and rewarding journey for individuals who have established permanent residency in Canada. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and following the application process, applicants can navigate the pathway to becoming Canadian citizens. It’s essential to be well-prepared and submit a complete and accurate application to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Any PR enjoys the same amount of social security rights as citizens. One can live, explore, get medical insurance, and free education for your child, freedom to start a business. The only restriction determines the ability to vote.