A lot of people planning to move to Canada often wonder about the difference between being a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) and a Canadian Citizen. While both enjoy many similar rights, there are important distinctions especially when it comes to voting, passports, and residency rules.
If you’re planning to immigrate, understanding these differences will help you make informed decisions about your long-term future in Canada.
What Is a Canadian Permanent Resident?
A permanent resident is someone who has been granted the right to live in Canada indefinitely—but is not a Canadian citizen. They continue to remain citizens of their home country.
Most immigration programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Quebec Immigration aim to help newcomers become permanent residents first.
Permanent Resident (PR) Card
Once you become a PR, you receive a Permanent Resident Card, similar to a U.S. Green Card. This card:
Proves your PR status
Helps you re-enter Canada when travelling
Must be renewed every few years (though your PR status itself doesn’t expire)
Rights of Permanent Residents
Permanent residents enjoy several important rights:
Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
Access most social benefits, including provincial healthcare
Apply for Canadian citizenship later
Receive protection under Canadian law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
However, PRs do not have all the rights of a citizen. Below are the key differences.
Permanent Resident vs. Citizen: What’s the Difference?
While both have important rights and responsibilities, citizenship offers more privileges.
1. Voting and Government Jobs
Both citizens and PRs must follow Canadian laws and pay taxes.
However, permanent residents cannot:
Vote in federal, provincial, or municipal elections
Run for political office
Work in certain government jobs requiring high-level security clearance
Only Canadian citizens have the right to vote and participate fully in politics.
2. Passport and Travel Privileges
Permanent residents do not get a Canadian passport.
PRs must travel with:
A valid PR card, or
A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
Citizens, on the other hand, are eligible for a Canadian passport one of the strongest passports in the world.
3. Residency Requirements
A permanent resident must meet certain residency obligations to keep their status.
PR Residency Rule
PRs must live in Canada for:
At least 2 years (730 days) out of every 5 years
Time spent outside Canada may count if:
You are accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or parent
You are working abroad for a Canadian business
You do not automatically lose PR status, even if your PR card expires. Loss of status happens only through a formal assessment.
Citizens, however, do not have any residency obligations once citizenship is granted.
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship once they meet all requirements, which usually include:
Physical presence in Canada for 3 out of 5 years
Filing taxes
Passing a citizenship test
Language requirements (if applicable)
Once approved, a permanent resident becomes a naturalized Canadian citizen.
What Rights Do Citizens Have?
Citizens enjoy all benefits PRs have and more:
Can vote in all elections
Eligible to run for political office
Can apply for a Canadian passport
Do not need to meet ongoing residency requirements
Naturalized citizens have the same rights as those born in Canada.
Summary: Permanent Resident vs. Citizen
| Category | Permanent Resident | Canadian Citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Live/work/study in Canada | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Access healthcare & social benefits | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Vote in elections | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Run for political office | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Canadian passport | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
| Residency requirements | ✔ Yes – 2 years in 5 | ✘ None |
| Lose status if residency not met | ✔ Possible | ✘ No |
| Apply for citizenship | ✔ Yes | ✘ Not needed |
Final Thoughts
Becoming a permanent resident is the essential first step toward making Canada your long-term home. While PRs enjoy many rights, citizenship offers additional privileges especially voting rights and access to a Canadian passport.
Most immigrants aim to become Canadian citizens once they meet the eligibility criteria, as citizenship provides lifelong security without ongoing residency obligations.
If you’re planning your journey to Canada, understanding these differences will help you plan your future better.
