Difference between Permanent residence and Citizenship?

[jordana]

Hello Everybody:


For some time I have had this question rolling around in my mind, and I believe is important enough to pose it here.

What is the difference between being a permanent Resident and a Canadian citizen? Is there any difference between the rights and obligations?

I think I heard somewhere that Permanent Residents have a visa that endures 5 years, and after that they have to start over again, is that true or just bogus?

 

[scylla]

Main differences:

PR:
- can't vote
- can't have Canadian passport
- must be in Canada 2 out of every 5 years to maintain status

Citizen:
- can vote
- can have passport
- no residence rules

I'm sure I missed something...

 

[jordana]

Thanks!

I have been browsing the CIC web and it says that there are two ways of losing the PR:

1. Committing a serious criminal offense
2. Not staying at least 730 days in Canada in a 5 year period.

Seems pretty fair to me.

I wonder why people apply for citizenship; apparently there is not much difference in rights and obligations between that and the PR status.

 

[NiHao]

If you are Permanent Resident, Can you go to USA as easier as a Canadian Citizen showing the passport?

 

[PMM]

Hi

If you are Permanent Resident, Can you go to USA as easier as a Canadian Citizen showing the passport?

No, a PR (unless from a visa waiver country) requires a visitor visa to enter the US.

 

[heatherusa]

Thanks!

I have been browsing the CIC web and it says that there are two ways of losing the PR:

1. Committing a serious criminal offense
2. Not staying at least 730 days in Canada in a 5 year period.

Seems pretty fair to me.

I wonder why people apply for citizenship; apparently there is not much difference in rights and obligations between that and the PR status.

Hmm... maybe so they can vote. Also, perhaps, because as a citizen you can come and go as you please and you dont have to worry about how long you can be gone and if you can come back.

I became a US citizen because it was almost the same price as renewing my Green Card and then I would never have to do it again. Also, I would then be able to retain my US passport and could live in either country at any time. It is a matter of convenience.

 

[joecreosta]

Main differences:

PR:
- can't vote
- can't have Canadian passport
- must be in Canada 2 out of every 5 years to maintain status

2 years consecutive? what if someone wanna take vacation for 1 or 2 weeks?

 

[plumosa]

2 years consecutive? what if someone wanna take vacation for 1 or 2 weeks?

no, luckily its counted in days! you just have to be in Canada 730 days out of 1825 days. and it rolls over. say you renew your PR, but don`t go for citizenship. If you had stayed for the first two years but left after that, you would have to return on your 6th year of being a PR in order to maintain your PR status. Even though you just renewed your PR status, you couldn`t leave because it doesn`t count as a start-over, its the last 1825 days that count. Its sort of confusing, I know.

 

[giggles1985]

In my case, the main reason for me to consider becoming a citizen as opposed to staying a permanent resident is to avoid the cost and hassle of having to renew my PR every 5 years. I don't really care about voting and I don't plan to travel much.

 

[sbwv09]

I think I'll probably get my citizenship at some point, just to save the hassle of renewing the PR and worrying about future policy changes, etc.

I would just like the feeling of 'full rights' after going through all this mess.

 

[joecreosta]

if ur everything is good then get citizenship and pasport

 

[nyssa]

I have a question, my step-brother-in-laws were originally from the Dominican Republic and became "landed immigrants" (same as PR?) when they were kids but they lived in the US illegally on a visa for 10 years or more or so. They still have status in Canada as being PR's, both have jobs. How doesn't the 730 day limit apply there?

 

[ariell]

I wonder why people apply for citizenship; apparently there is not much difference in rights and obligations between that and the PR status.

Well, I think some people consider becoming a Canadian citizen a real privilege, particularly those from poor or politically turbulent countries. Certainly having a Canadian passport can make life much much easier when travelling. Also, you can't work in some government jobs or run for a government office as a PR. My husband is so excited about becoming a citizen and is practically counting the days until he can become one.

 

[angelbrat]

I can't wait to be a citizen.....why else did I get my PR????

because I love Canada and want to be part of Canadian society and live with my Canadian partner forever....what other reason would anyone want a PR for?

 

[steaky]

I have a question, my step-brother-in-laws were originally from the Dominican Republic and became "landed immigrants" (same as PR?) when they were kids but they lived in the US illegally on a visa for 10 years or more or so. They still have status in Canada as being PR's, both have jobs. How doesn't the 730 day limit apply there?

Are they working for a Canadian business/government/military in the states?