What is the difference between permanent residence and Canadian citizenship?

    • Be able to legally live, study, & work anywhere in Canada

    • Have access to the healthcare system.

    • Must live 2 out of every 5 years in Canada to maintain status

    • Cannot run or vote in Municipal, Provincial or Federal Election

    • Travel with their country of origin passport and need a PR card for re-entry

    • May need a visa for traveling

    • Access to some Canadian benefits.

    • Can be deported if serious crimes are committed

    • Can live, study, & work anywhere in Canada, even high security clearance jobs

    • Can live abroad and not have citizenship status taken away

    • Can run and vote in Municipal, Provincial & Federal elections

    • Have the right to a Canadian passport and visa-free travel

    • Protection from deportation

    • Have access to healthcare and eligible Canadian benefits

    • Can pass citizenship to a child born abroad

I WANT TO OBTAIN CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP

FAQ

  • Yes, we can process applications for citizenship services urgently in some situations. We’ll review your application to see if it qualifies.

  • Under Canadian law, you can be both a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country.

    However, some countries won’t let you keep their citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen.

    The consulate or embassy of your other country of citizenship can tell you whether this applies to you.

  • To become a Canadian citizen, you must

    • be a permanent resident

    • have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years

    • have filed your taxes, if you need to

    • pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada

    • prove your language skills

    Depending on your situation, there may be additional requirements.