A Canadian citizen can vote, get a passport, and never has to renew their status. A permanent resident can live and work in Canada but must renew their PR card and can’t vote. You must be a PR before becoming a citizen.
Did you know that 1 in 4 workers in Canada today are immigrants? Canada continues to be one of the most attractive countries for newcomers, offering excellent job opportunities, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural landscapes. For many people around the world, moving to Canada represents a life-changing opportunity filled with promise. However, immigration to Canada involves more than simply arriving; understanding the difference between Canadian citizenship and permanent residency is a vital step in the journey.
To become a Canadian citizen, you must first obtain permanent resident (PR) status. Both statuses offer different rights, responsibilities, and long-term implications. Whether you're just starting your immigration journey or considering taking the next step toward full citizenship, this guide will help you understand what each status entails and how they differ.
What Is a Canadian Citizen?
A Canadian citizen is a person who has full legal membership in the country. Citizens can live and work anywhere in Canada, participate in elections, and receive full protection under Canadian law. You become a citizen either by birth in Canada or by completing the naturalization process as a permanent resident.
Being a citizen provides a greater sense of permanence and inclusion. It is the final step in the immigration process and comes with a host of exclusive rights and benefits not available to permanent residents.
Requirements to Become a Canadian Citizen
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold permanent resident status
- Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last 5 years
- File taxes for at least 3 of those 5 years, if required by law
- Pass a citizenship test
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French if you're between 18 and 54 years old
Although there are rare exceptions, most applicants must meet all these requirements to be considered for citizenship.
1. Be a Permanent Resident
The first step toward becoming a Canadian citizen is obtaining permanent resident status. You must not be under review for immigration fraud or subject to a removal order. Your PR status must be valid and not expired at the time of application.
This status is proof that you have made Canada your primary home and are eligible to live and work in the country without restrictions. We'll discuss how to obtain PR status in more detail later in this guide.
2. Live in Canada for 3 of the Last 5 Years
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 full years) during the five years before you apply. This requirement ensures that applicants have genuine ties to Canada and understand the culture, values, and society.
If you’ve spent time in Canada under a different status, such as a protected person or as a Crown servant, some of that time may count toward your total. It’s a good idea to keep detailed travel records, especially if you've taken trips outside of Canada.
3. File Your Taxes
If the law requires you to pay taxes in Canada, you must provide proof of having filed taxes for at least three of the five years prior to your citizenship application. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) records will be checked during the application process.
Filing taxes is part of your civic responsibility and demonstrates that you are contributing to Canadian society. If you’re unsure about your tax obligations, it’s wise to consult a tax advisor or explore online resources designed for newcomers.
4. Pass the Citizenship Test
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must take a 30-minute written or oral test that assesses knowledge of Canada’s:
- History and geography
- Laws and government structure
- Rights and responsibilities
- Economy and symbols
You need to answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is based on the official "Discover Canada" study guide and is offered in both English and French. Passing this test proves your understanding of what it means to be a Canadian citizen.
5. Prove Language Proficiency
Canada has two official languages: English and French. If you're between 18 and 54, you must prove that you can communicate in one of them. This includes understanding basic instructions, holding simple conversations, and using correct grammar and vocabulary.
You can demonstrate your language ability through submitted documents (like diplomas or test scores), interviews, or communication with immigration officials. Meeting language benchmarks is essential for social integration and employment.
Advantages of Canadian Citizenship
Becoming a citizen opens the door to rights and freedoms that are not available to permanent residents. These include:
- Right to vote in federal, provincial, and local elections
- Ability to run for political office
- Access to a Canadian passport, which provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries
- Eligibility for more government jobs, especially those requiring security clearance
- No need to renew status or PR card
Citizenship also ensures that your immigration status is permanent. You can never lose citizenship due to extended absences or unintentional mistakes, giving you long-term peace of mind. You're automatically eligible for more jobs, housing and better insurance.
Disadvantages of Canadian Citizenship
While the advantages of citizenship are substantial, there are a few downsides to consider:
- Dual citizenship restrictions: Not all countries allow dual citizenship. You may need to give up your original nationality, which can be an emotional or legal burden.
- Jury duty: As a citizen, you may be required to serve on a jury, which is mandatory and can be time-consuming.
- High cost of living: Canada has a high quality of life, but certain cities can be expensive. While this isn't exclusive to citizens, it's an important factor when deciding to settle permanently.
What is a Permanent Resident?
A permanent resident (PR) is someone who has been granted permission to live and work in Canada indefinitely, but who is not yet a citizen. PRs have many of the same rights as citizens, such as access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
However, PRs must maintain their residency status and are required to renew their PR cards every five years. They also cannot vote, run for public office, or apply for certain government jobs.
Ways to Become a Permanent Resident
There are five main pathways to becoming a PR in Canada:
1. Express Entry
This program is for skilled workers and uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates are placed in a pool and ranked based on education, work experience, language ability, and other factors.
Top-ranking candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA). Once invited, you must submit your PR application within 60 days, including all necessary documents.
2. Business Immigration
Canada welcomes entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to the economy. While no funding is provided, permanent residency is granted to those starting or investing in businesses in Canada.
Each province has its own business immigration programs, and if you're settling in Quebec, you'll need to meet their specific criteria.
3. Family Class Immigration
Designed to reunite families, this stream allows citizens and PRs to sponsor spouses, children, parents, and other eligible relatives. Sponsors must be financially responsible and submit a complete application package.
The process varies depending on your relationship to the applicant. It can become complicated, so accuracy and completeness are essential.
4. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is part of the Express Entry system and is ideal for individuals who have worked in Canada under a temporary work permit or have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Applicants must meet minimum work experience and language requirements to qualify.
5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each province and territory (except Quebec) operates its own PNP to meet regional labor market needs. If you meet the requirements, the province may nominate you for permanent residency.
After receiving a nomination, you can apply for PR through the federal immigration system.
Advantages of Permanent Residency
Permanent residents enjoy many benefits, including:
- Access to public healthcare
- Legal protection under Canadian law
- Right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
- Eligibility to sponsor family members
- Pathway to citizenship after meeting the residency requirements
Your children can attend Canadian public schools, and your family can build a life in a stable, welcoming country.
Disadvantages of Permanent Residency
Although PR status provides stability, there are a few limitations:
- You must renew your PR card every five years
- You can't vote or run for office
- You're not eligible for some jobs requiring high-level security clearance
- You must carry your PR card when traveling internationally
- You can lose your status if you don’t meet residency obligations
While these are not major setbacks for most people, they can affect long-term planning and participation in civic life.
FAQs: Canadian Citizen vs Permanent Resident
Still have questions? Here are some of the most commonly searched questions about Canadian citizenship and permanent residency in 2025:
A Canadian citizen has full legal status, including voting rights and a passport, while a permanent resident can live and work in Canada but must renew their PR status and cannot vote or hold certain jobs.
You must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years before applying for citizenship.
No. Only Canadian citizens are allowed to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
Yes. Permanent residents are eligible for public healthcare coverage through their province or territory, just like citizens.
Yes. PR status can be lost if you fail to meet residency obligations (living in Canada at least 730 days in 5 years), commit a serious crime, or are found guilty of immigration fraud.
Canada allows dual citizenship, but whether your original country permits it depends on their laws. Some countries may require you to renounce your original citizenship.
Yes. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must prove proficiency in English or French, Canada’s two official languages.
The test is a 30-minute exam with 20 questions about Canadian history, geography, government, laws, and symbols. A score of 15 out of 20 is required to pass.
Yes. A PR card is typically valid for five years and must be renewed to maintain proof of status, especially for travel.
Permanent residents can apply for many jobs, but some federal government positions requiring security clearance are only open to Canadian citizens.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Choosing between remaining a permanent resident or applying for Canadian citizenship is a deeply personal decision. It depends on your long-term goals, family situation, and how rooted you feel in Canadian society.
Citizenship offers the highest level of security, belonging, and access to democratic participation. However, permanent residency provides nearly all the same benefits and may be a better option if you plan to maintain ties with your home country.
No matter your status, health insurance is essential. Whether you're a PR or a citizen, understanding your coverage options is key to protecting your health and finances.
Insurdinary can help. Compare quotes and find the best private health insurance plans in Canada to complement your public coverage.
Get your free quote today.
