Immigration
Five benefits of Canadian citizenship
There are a number of good reasons to transition from permanent residence to Canadian citizenship.
Beyond the security and pride that comes with citizenship, there are some advantages that are not available to permanent residents.
Here are five benefits to getting Canadian citizenship.
Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm
No need to renew status
Most PR cards are valid for just five years. In that time, it is possible to meet the residency requirement for citizenship. Permanent residents need to be physically present in Canada for 1,095 days out of the past five years before applying.
Once you are a citizen, there is no need to renew your citizenship status. Citizenship certificates are valid indefinitely.
More job opportunities
Canadian citizens are able to apply for jobs that are not available for permanent residents. Certain government jobs and some jobs that require security clearances are only available to Canadian citizens.
Better protection against losing status
It is possible for permanent residents to be deported no matter how long they have lived in Canada.
There are only a few circumstances in which citizenship status can be revoked. According to Canadian law, a person’s citizenship can be taken away if it was obtained by false representation, fraud, or knowingly concealing material circumstances. Other reasons to revoke citizenship relate to security, human or international rights violations, or organized crime.
The right to vote
Canadian citizens can vote in all elections. They can also run for office and represent constituents on issues that are important to Canadians.
Canadian passport
Citizens get access to the Canadian passport. Many countries allow Canadian passport holders to enter without a visa for certain purposes.
Canada also recognizes dual citizenship. If your country of birth also recognizes dual citizenship, then you may be able to hold two passports. If your country does not allow dual citizenship, then you may wish to analyze the pros and cons of choosing one passport over the other.
Conclusion
About 86% of Canadian permanent residents become citizens, one of the highest rates among western countries. Although, in recent years the citizenship uptake has been declining, Statistics Canada reports.
When permanent residents become Canadian citizens, it benefits both themselves and the country at large. It gives immigrants the right to vote, enables them to have political influence, and studies suggest it may improve immigrants’ economic opportunities.
Schedule a Free Canadian Citizenship Consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm
© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Shelby Thevenot
Adora Dumaguing
April 7, 2022 at 7:07 AM
As a Filipino citizen, I think Canadian government really did well in order to improve Canadian standard of living.
Jay Mark Hernandez
April 7, 2022 at 9:28 AM
Having Canadian citizenship is good because mafe-feel natin ang pagiging marangya bilang parte nila pero andun pa rin ang adjustment for those Filipinos na gusto mag change ng citizenship. Better to think before we change. Sa okay lang tayo.
Archie O. Tulod
April 7, 2022 at 9:35 AM
I wonder how it feels like to be Canadian citizen, Canada is one of my dream countries. Someday when I have enough savings and I will be able to earn by my own then maybe that’s the perfect time.