What Is the Difference Between Citizen and Permanent Resident in Canada?
Let’s say you’re grappling with a question about what separates Canadian PR from citizenship. If you are, it is essential to understand that the two statuses are not equal—they come with different levels of security, rights, and long-term opportunities.
Canadian citizens have the strongest legal protections available in Canada, including the right to vote and run for political office, carry a Canadian passport, and receive help from Canadian embassies while overseas. The same rights apply to Canadian-born as for naturalized citizens.
Immigrants who are permanent residents also have many privileges, but their status imposes a few significant limitations. Some sensitive or senior government posts—such as prime minister—can be held only by citizens. PR holders must also satisfy residency obligations: they are required to reside in Canada for not less than 730 days out of every five years, although some time spent outside the country can contribute towards this obligation in certain situations.
Understanding the distinction between what is a permanent Canadian resident and a citizen is crucial for anyone intending to live, work or set roots in Canada.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the biggest differences between the two are—from eligibility rules to rights and responsibilities to long-term benefits. If you plan a move to Canada or are just curious about its immigration system, check out this primer to gain a better understanding of how PR and citizenship hit differently.
What Is a Permanent Resident in Canada?
A Permanent Resident in Canada is someone who has been legally allowed to live, work, and study anywhere in the country on a long-term basis. PR holders are not Canadian citizens yet, but they receive many of the same benefits, such as access to healthcare, education, and most job opportunities.
To maintain it, a permanent resident must fulfill residency obligations by spending more than 730 days in Canada over five years. PR status can eventually get you Canadian citizenship, but it has to be upheld by following the rules and requirements of Canada.
Since French proficiency can boost your CRS score and strengthen your PR application, you may want to explore the best time to start learning French for Canada PR to plan your preparation effectively.
What Is a Canadian Citizen?
By definition, a Canadian citizen is the most privileged legal status one can obtain in Canada. Citizens enjoy all rights, including the right to vote and stand for political office, and travel using a Canadian passport. Citizens, unlike PRs, don’t have residency obligations — a person can live outside Canada without losing their Canadian status.
People can become Canadian citizens either by birth or through the naturalization process once certain eligibility conditions, such as command of one of Canada’s official languages, physical presence in the country and knowledge of Canada, are met. Citizens have the highest level of protection, stability and long-term security in this country.
Key Differences Between PR and Citizenship
Understanding how Canadian PR differs from citizenship is essential for anyone planning to settle in Canada long-term.
While both statuses allow you to live in the country, they offer different rights, protections, and privileges that can impact your future opportunities.
| Rights | Canadian Permanent Resident | Canadian Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Right to vote in elections | Not allowed | Fully allowed at federal, provincial & municipal levels |
| Eligibility to run for office | Not permitted | Allowed to contest any public office, including federal positions |
| Right to work | Yes — except for roles requiring top-level security clearance | Full access to all job positions, including restricted government roles |
| Ability to open bank accounts & invest | Allowed | Allowed |
| Canadian passport | Not eligible | Eligible for a Canadian passport with global mobility benefits |
| Right to reside in Canada indefinitely | Yes — as long as PR residency obligations are met | Yes, permanently without any residency requirements |
| International travel freedom | Travel access depends on PR card and home-country passport | Visa-free and priority travel using Canadian passport |
| Guaranteed re-entry into Canada | Not guaranteed if PR is inadmissible or residency obligations are not met | Always guaranteed |
| Passing status to children born abroad | Cannot transfer PR to child born outside Canada | Can pass citizenship to child born outside Canada (if parent is Canadian-born) |
Residency Obligations for Permanent Residents
Permanent Residents in Canada are required to satisfy residence requirements to keep their status. The basic requirement is that you must live in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) during any period of 5 consecutive years. The 730 days do not have to be continuous but can be accumulated through a series of visits or stays throughout those five years.
Time you have spent outside Canada may also be counted if you are accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse, living abroad while working for a Canadian business or on assignment with the Canadian government. Not adhering to these requirements could cause you to lose your PR status. Tracking the travel history, timeline for renewal and other supporting documents can help one comply with Canada’s rules related to residency.
Rights and Limitations of Permanent Residents
Permanent Residents of Canada have a number of rights that are similar to citizens, who may live, work, and study anywhere in the country. They are also entitled to social services like health-care, labour protections and most federal and provincial programs. But PR status is not without its restrictions.
Permanent Residents cannot vote in federal or provincial elections, run for political office, or hold jobs that require high-level security clearance. They must also carry and renew their PR card when travelling. While PR offers long-term stability, only citizenship provides full participation in Canada’s political system and unrestricted access to all government positions.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Being a Canadian citizen provides permanent security as well as all the legal rights and enhanced opportunities that go with it compared to being a permanent resident.
When you are a citizen, you have the right to vote in all elections and be an integral part of molding the future of this country. You can also travel with ease by obtaining a Canadian passport as well; the passport gives you excellent global mobility and smooth access abroad.
Unlike permanent residents, citizens do not need to meet any residency obligations, so you can live abroad without worrying about losing your status. Citizenship also guarantees permanent entry into Canada and provides stronger legal protection that cannot be taken away due to travel patterns or administrative issues.
Another major benefit is the ability to pass citizenship to children born outside Canada. Many government and security-based jobs are also available only to citizens, offering better career growth and long-term stability.
Documentation Requirements for PRs and Citizens
Permanent residents and Canadian citizens need different documents, as each status is associated with different rights and responsibilities. Knowing what you require will prevent frustrations when travelling, seeking services or applying for government programs.
The PR card is the most important document for permanent residents. It is a document that shows you have the right to live here (permission) and it is what you show when returning to Canada after visiting outside of England. They are also required to have a valid passport from their home country and supporting identification for healthcare, benefits or employment.
PRs also need to keep evidence of their days in residency, particularly when they’re renewing their PR card or applying for citizenship. These records help demonstrate they satisfied the 730-day rule within five years.
Canadian citizens have the Canadian passport as their primary travel and identification document. Ordinary citizens can hold an identity card, which is used to verify the status of citizens whenever necessary.
Citizenship documents, unlike PR cards which expire every five years, do not need to be renewed continuously. This makes citizenship more stable, and less subject to changes in paperwork or systems of residence tracking.
How Indians Can Apply for Canadian Permanent Residency
The process of applying for PR from India is quite clear and choosing the appropriate route is the secret of a successful application.
Most of the Indian applicants opt for the Express Entry system that handles three main immigration programs – the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
First of all, you need to create an Express Entry profile whereby you would submit your educational qualifications, language test scores (IELTS or CELPIP), work experience and passport details. Then the candidates are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that gives points based on age, education, experience, and language proficiency.
The moment your CRS score gets past the cutoff in an Express Entry draw, you will be sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. At this point, you need to upload the documents like your police clearance certificate, medical exam results, proof of funds, and work experience letters. After you have submitted your application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess your application and most of the approved applicants receive their PR visa in a few months.
If your Canada PR application gets rejected, you can check this guide on how to reapply for Canada PR for clear next steps.
Another option that is quite popularly chosen by Indians is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) where Canadian provinces nominate skilled workers from the pool of applicants based on their labour requirements. Nomination by the province gives you an additional 600 CRS points which is akin to getting an ITA.
Besides, there are several programs like Atlantic Immigration, Quebec Skilled Worker, and employer-driven streams that are also available based on your job and goal.
To sum up, the application process is simple if you have strong documents ready, have met the language requirements, and have chosen the right immigration pathway.
Conclusion
Choosing between Permanent Residency and Citizenship is a huge step towards your Canadian journey, and by understanding the distinctions, you can make a smart plan. PR allows you to build your life in Canada, while citizenship provides full rights, the highest security, and a sense of belonging.
The majority of the immigrants—particularly from India—first obtain the PR, then meet their residency demands, and later on apply for citizenship when they feel like. With the right preparation, assistance, and language proficiency, getting both is considerably simpler.
Additionally, if learning French as a second language is part of your immigration plan, Learn French With Avani will offer you a smooth, structured training that will accelerate your adaptation and success in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a Canadian citizen, you must have permanent resident status, live in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years, file your taxes if required, prove your English or French language ability, and pass the citizenship test. You must also have no prohibitions such as criminal issues.
You can get citizenship by first becoming a permanent resident, meeting the physical presence requirements, preparing your documents, and submitting your application to IRCC. After approval, you must take the citizenship test (if required) and attend the citizenship ceremony to officially become a Canadian citizen.
Permanent residency requirements vary depending on the immigration program, but generally include meeting eligibility for skilled worker points, having language test scores, providing education and work documents, showing proof of funds (for certain programs), and passing medical and background checks.
On average, the process takes 12 to 24 months, depending on application volume and your personal situation. This timeline starts after you submit your citizenship application and can vary for each applicant.
The standard application fee is CAD $630 for adults, which includes the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee. For minors, the fee is CAD $100. Additional costs may include language tests or document translations, depending on your situation.
