In Canada, Permanent residents have the same rights as Canadian Citizens, which involve workability, study, and living in the nation. Despite that, there are some distinct sets of both two aspects.
A permanent resident is someone who has been given PR status by immigration to Canada, but they are not a citizen. Permanent residents hold a PR card and must live in Canada for at least 730 days within five years to maintain their status. Permanent resident holders cannot vote in federal, provincial, or local elections and may need a visa to travel to certain countries. Instead of this, they have access to most social benefits, likewise, healthcare and employment opportunities
Canadian citizens have more rights and responsibilities, which involve participating in the nation`s democratic process (Voting) and the opportunities to hold a Canadian passport. They do not need residency, they can travel with a Canadian passport and have complete access to government services and other additional benefits.
Additionally, a candidate has to understand the difference between the two. It assists those interested in the process and makes informed decisions about the long-term plans in Canada. In short, both groups benefit from living in Canada, citizens enjoy more comprehensive rights and freedom.
Advantages of Canadian PR
The Canadian authorities have encouraged the world by inviting immigrants to settle in Canada through several programs. Obtaining permanent residency (PR) also offers various benefits, making it an appealing option for many individuals.? The benefits of Canadian PR are given below the text:
- Access to Healthcare: Permanent residency holders are eligible for Canada`s funded healthcare system, they are allowed to access crucial medical services without direct charges during healthcare
- Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residency is the first step towards Canadian citizenship, which provides opportunities to live and work in Canada and eventually obtain a Canadian passport
- Career advancements: PR status allows individuals to work any job or in any sector around Canada without needing a work permit, increasing job mobility and career advancements
- Educational perks: PR holders can pay minor tuition fees for post-secondary education and qualify for various financial assistance programs
- Social services: These include social help programs and unemployment benefits if needed. Social services also include several other benefits
Difference between Canadian Citizenship and permanent residents
No doubt, Canada is the most attractive place for everyone, especially for Indians as they become permanent residents within 5 to 6 years, but did you know that permanent residents get fewer facilities than Canadian citizens? Here in this paragraph, we discuss in brief what kind of extra benefits Canadian benefits get, there are following advantages given below the text:
- Canadian citizenship status: Canadian citizens do not need to maintain their status in the country. They are free to travel anywhere without maintaining their status. On the other side, Permanent residents have to maintain their status
- Participation in politics: Canadian Citizens have the right to vote in the country. Moreover, they can participate in democratic adherence. Instead of permanent residents have no right to vote for any party or anything
- ?Job opportunities: Citizens have more job opportunities than permanent residents. Canada always gives first preference to its own country's people. Even when there are job openings or anything Canadians prioritize first to avail the opportunities. Canadian citizens also obtain government positions. However, permanent residents get jobs with somebody's references or with hard work, but not in governmental positions
- Travel without a Passport: Canada is a high-ranked country. Individuals with a Canadian passport can travel into 185 countries, without any visa. Not only that, Canadians can get consular assistance from the Canadian embassy, travel without a visa, legal protection under Canadian law, and many more advantages. Despite that Permanent residents need their passports to travel to different nations. They can travel freely in or outside the country, but there are also some limits for them
- Free healthcare services: Healthcare is the most essential part for everyone anywhere. Healthcare is free for individuals whether they are temporary residents, permanent residents, or citizens of Canada. The healthcare system is funded by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments and is controlled by provinces and territories
- Criminal records: Canadian Citizens cannot be deported if they do any criminal activity, they can be punished. However, individuals who obtain permanent residence have to manage their status as they can be deported to their home country if they do any Illegal activity or serious crime. Not only that if permanent residents fail to meet the requirements they can risk or lose their status in the particular country
- Birth of the child: A Canadian citizen gives birth to a child and automatically becomes the citizen of that country. In the case of Permanent residents, if they give birth to a child in Canada their child cannot be automatically resident in that nation. They need to apply for it separately
- Free education: Canadian citizens can get free education until they reach the age of 18. PR can also take this facility not only because the tuition fees are also very low for individuals. Both can take advantage of free education and enjoy lower tuition fees
- Tax benefits: Canadian citizens pay several taxes to official bodies and they must enjoy several benefits of the tax. Income tax may be levied based on residence. After obtaining a permanent residence individuals have to pay Canadian tax on their global income. However, the newcomers in Canada don't have to pay tax
Requirements for Canadian citizenship
Canadian citizenship may require several things given below the text:
- Candidate must be 18 years old or above
- They must have permanent residence in Canada for at least 3 years
- They need to have basic knowledge of the history of Canada, Canadian culture, and everything
- They must be able to speak English and French to obtain Canadian citizenship
- The Candidate must have a clear criminal record
- ?The most crucial thing is that a candidate must follow the rules & regulations for Canadian citizenship
Requirements for Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizenship
To become a permanent resident candidates have to follow some rules & regulations. An individual has to apply under the various programs offered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The requirements for becoming a Permanent resident are as follows:
- The age is 18 to 35 to get minimum points for PR. Individuals who get fewer points at the age of 35 Can qualify before the age of 45
- A candidate must apply for permanent residency under the various immigration programs Express Entry, Provincial Nominee programs, Atlantic immigration program, family sponsorship, etc.
- Begin your PR application and upload all the necessary documents
- Candidates must have prior experience of at least 1 year as a full-time worker. More years of experience means increased chances of PR points
- A common-law partner or spouse migrates to Canada with the Candidate, then they will get an extra 10 points for adaptability
- ?International aspirants get a minimum of 10 points if they have a valid offer from a Canadian employer
- Individuals must have to meet personal Income tax responsibilities as it is crucial to pay tax in the four taxation years, before applying for Canadian Citizenship
There are several requirements for getting Canadian Citizenship. Some of the few things that make you ineligible for Canadian citizenship during the period, such as if you have any criminal records, do not follow the rules & regulations, or any other thing. Becoming a Canadian citizen is a little bit different from obtaining a permanent residence. A few steps for the Canadian citizenship application process are given below the text:
- To Canadian citizenship, you must have to prepare all the necessary documents
- After that, you have to apply under IRCC for Canadian Citizenship
- Individuals have to prepare for the test and interview to secure citizenship
- In the end, they have to take an oath
Which is much better: Permanent residence or Canadian citizenship?
Both aspects depend upon the lifestyle you choose for yourself. If you want to take part in any democratic activities or want to obtain a government job then definitely you have to be settled as a Canadian citizen. In case you need flexible options for yourself as a permanent resident, you can move abroad or also work opportunities are there. Moreover, you don't need to pay any tax, so going for permanent residence is the better option.?
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