If you are a permanent resident considering citizenship, you are making one of the most important decisions of your life in Canada. Here are 7 reasons that tip the scale — plus honest considerations for the rare cases where waiting might make sense. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.
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Reason #1: The Right to Vote
This is the most fundamental civic right that citizenship unlocks. As a citizen, you can vote in:
- Federal elections (choosing your Member of Parliament and, by extension, the Prime Minister)
- Provincial elections (choosing your provincial government)
- Municipal elections (choosing your mayor and city councillors)
- Referendums (having your say on important national or provincial questions)
Many new citizens describe voting for the first time as one of the most emotional moments of their Canadian experience. After years of living in Canada, paying taxes, and contributing to your community, your voice finally counts in the democratic process.
Reason #2: The Canadian Passport
The Canadian passport is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185+ countries and territories
- Consistently ranked in the top 10 globally for travel freedom
- Recognized and respected worldwide
- Valid for 10 years (adults) with straightforward renewal
As a PR, you travel with your home country passport plus your PR card. The Canadian passport simplifies travel enormously and opens doors that may be closed to your current passport.
Reason #3: You Cannot Be Deported
This is the security that citizenship provides:
- Canadian citizens cannot be deported under any circumstances
- This protection is absolute — there are no exceptions
- PRs can be deported for serious criminal offences, misrepresentation, or failing to meet residency obligations
For many immigrants, this peace of mind alone is worth the application.
Reason #4: Full Access to Government Jobs
Many desirable careers require Canadian citizenship:
- Federal government positions (especially those requiring security clearance)
- RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Intelligence agencies (CSIS, CSE)
- Diplomatic positions (representing Canada abroad)
- Certain provincial and municipal positions
These are stable, well-paying careers that are simply not available to permanent residents.
Reason #5: Pass Citizenship to Your Children
As a Canadian citizen, your children can inherit Canadian citizenship:
- Children born in Canada are automatically citizens
- Children born abroad to Canadian parents can be citizens by descent
- Bill C-3 (2025) removed the first-generation limit — citizenship can now pass through multiple generations
This is a gift that extends to future generations.
Reason #6: No More PR Card Renewals
The PR card must be renewed every 5 years, and renewal requires proving you have lived in Canada for at least 730 days in the previous 5 years. Miss the renewal, and you cannot re-enter Canada by air.
As a citizen, there is no renewal requirement:
- Your citizenship is permanent
- Your passport is valid for 10 years and renewal is straightforward
- You can live abroad for any length of time without losing status
Reason #7: Permanent Belonging
Beyond the practical benefits, citizenship represents:
- You are Canadian — not a guest, not a temporary resident, but a full member of the Canadian family
- Your voice matters in shaping Canada's future
- Your commitment to Canada is recognized and reciprocated
- Your identity includes being Canadian, with everything that means
When You Might Want to Wait
In rare cases, it might make sense to delay citizenship:
Your Home Country Does Not Allow Dual Citizenship
If gaining Canadian citizenship means losing your original citizenship, carefully weigh the trade-offs. Countries that restrict dual citizenship include China, India, Japan, and Singapore.
Tax Implications
If you are a US citizen, gaining Canadian citizenship does not change your US tax obligations. But if you are considering renouncing US citizenship later, the sequence matters. Consult a cross-border tax professional.
You Plan to Return Home Soon
If you are seriously planning to move back to your home country within a few years, and dual citizenship would cause complications, you might prefer to remain a PR.
For the vast majority of permanent residents, the benefits of citizenship overwhelmingly outweigh any considerations for waiting.
Pass Your Citizenship Test — With CitizenPass
Ready to take the leap? 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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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
1Is it worth becoming a Canadian citizen?
For the vast majority of permanent residents, yes. The benefits — voting rights, passport, deportation protection, job access — far outweigh the cost ($630) and effort (passing a test). The only significant consideration is whether your home country allows dual citizenship.
2What do I lose by staying a permanent resident?
As a PR, you cannot vote, cannot hold a Canadian passport, can be deported for serious offences, may lose status if you live abroad too long, and have limited access to government jobs.
3Are there any disadvantages to becoming a Canadian citizen?
Very few. If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may lose your original citizenship. Some countries have tax implications for dual citizens (notably the US). Otherwise, there are no disadvantages.
4Can I apply for citizenship if I might move back to my home country?
Yes. Canadian citizenship is permanent — even if you move abroad, you remain a citizen. You can always return to Canada. However, consider whether your home country's citizenship rules would be affected.
5How difficult is the citizenship test?
With proper preparation, most applicants pass on their first attempt. The test is 20 questions based on the Discover Canada guide. CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20.