Many permanent residents wonder whether citizenship is worth the effort. This guide compares every right and benefit so you can make an informed decision. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.
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Comprehensive Rights Comparison
| Right or Benefit | Permanent Resident | Canadian Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Vote in elections | No | Yes (federal, provincial, municipal) |
| Run for political office | No | Yes |
| Canadian passport | No (PR card only) | Yes |
| Risk of deportation | Yes | No |
| Live abroad indefinitely | May lose status | Yes, status is permanent |
| Work for federal government | Limited positions | Full access |
| Join RCMP or military | No | Yes |
| Sponsor parents/grandparents | Yes (limited) | Yes (priority) |
| Pass citizenship to children | No | Yes |
| Access to consular services abroad | Limited | Full |
| Healthcare (provincial) | Yes | Yes |
| Education access | Yes | Yes |
| Social benefits | Yes | Yes |
What PRs CANNOT Do That Only Citizens Can
1. Vote in Any Election
This is the most fundamental civic right. As a citizen, you can vote in:
- Federal elections (Parliament)
- Provincial elections
- Municipal elections
- Referendums
Many new citizens describe voting for the first time as one of the most meaningful moments of their Canadian journey.
2. Hold a Canadian Passport
The Canadian passport is one of the most powerful in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185+ countries. PRs can only travel with their PR card (for return to Canada) and their home country passport.
3. Be Protected from Deportation
Canadian citizens cannot be deported from Canada under any circumstances. This is absolute. Permanent residents can be deported for:
- Serious criminal convictions
- Misrepresentation on immigration applications
- Failing to meet residency obligations
- Security grounds
4. Run for Political Office
Only citizens can run for election at any level — federal, provincial, or municipal. This includes school board positions and other elected roles.
5. Work in All Government Positions
Many federal government jobs require Canadian citizenship, particularly those involving:
- Security clearances (Secret, Top Secret)
- Law enforcement (RCMP)
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Intelligence agencies (CSIS, CSE)
- Diplomatic postings
6. Live Abroad Without Losing Status
Citizens can live outside Canada for any length of time without losing citizenship. PRs must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in every 5-year period to maintain their status.
What PRs CAN Do That Some People Do Not Realize
Permanent residents have many of the same rights as citizens:
- Work anywhere in Canada without a work permit
- Study anywhere in Canada at domestic tuition rates
- Access universal healthcare through provincial programs
- Receive social benefits (EI, CPP, OAS, child benefits)
- Own property anywhere in Canada
- Start and run a business without restrictions
- Be protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Sponsor a spouse or partner for permanent residence
Situations Where Staying a PR Might Make Sense
In rare cases, some people may delay or forgo citizenship:
- Home country does not allow dual citizenship and you want to keep your original nationality
- Tax implications — some countries tax citizens on worldwide income
- You plan to return to your home country permanently and citizenship there is more valuable for your situation
However, for the vast majority of permanent residents, the benefits of Canadian citizenship far outweigh any considerations for remaining a PR.
The Emotional Argument for Citizenship
Beyond the practical benefits, citizenship represents:
- Permanent belonging — Canada is officially your home, forever
- Full participation — Your voice matters in elections
- Peace of mind — No renewal requirements, no deportation risk
- Legacy — You can pass citizenship to your children
- Identity — You are Canadian, with all that means
Pass Your Citizenship Test — With CitizenPass
Ready to make the upgrade from PR to citizen? Start preparing for the test:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
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- 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
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- Bilingual Support — Study in English or French, switch anytime
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CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 on their first attempt — well above the 15/20 passing score.
Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1Can permanent residents vote in Canada?
No. Permanent residents cannot vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections. Only Canadian citizens have the right to vote.
2Can permanent residents be deported?
Yes. Permanent residents can be deported if they commit serious criminal offences, misrepresent themselves on immigration applications, or fail to meet residency obligations (730 days in Canada per 5-year period).
3Do permanent residents get a Canadian passport?
No. Permanent residents receive a PR card, which must be renewed every 5 years. Only Canadian citizens can obtain a Canadian passport.
4Can permanent residents work for the federal government?
In limited positions. Many federal government jobs, especially those requiring security clearance, are restricted to Canadian citizens. PRs can work in some government positions but not all.
5Is it worth becoming a citizen if I am already a PR?
For most people, yes. Citizenship provides permanent security (no deportation risk), voting rights, a powerful passport, full job access, and the ability to pass citizenship to your children. The main consideration is whether your home country allows dual citizenship.