According to the latest research and study, becoming a Canadian citizen after receiving permanent residence is probably the next step for many individuals. Looking at the recent statistics, Canada is preparing to welcome a path-breaking 465,000 permanent residents. Moreover, the number will only rise in the upcoming years.
The 2021 data also reveals that four out of five eligible individuals look forward to Canadian citizenship once they gain permanent residence.
Becoming a Canadian citizen after receiving permanent residence
Canadian permanent residents will hold the same rights as the Canadian citizens. However, they will still remain foreign nationals coming from different countries. Moreover, it is not essential to gain Canadian citizenship if you hold PR status.
Additionally, there are various conditions associated with Canadian status for permanent residents. They are subject to repercussions from their native country if they seek Canadian citizenship.
Distinguishing between Canadian permanent residence and citizenship
A person who is a permanent resident in Canada also possesses the chance to reside and work in Canada permanently. Conversely, a naturalized citizenship holder undergoes the complex process of fulfilling all eligibility conditions, applying, and gaining recognition as a Canadian citizen through the federal government.
Here are the following differences between Canadian permanent residence and citizenship:
- PR holders don’t have permission to vote, work in jobs, or hold office. These are essentially things that require certain security clearances.
- They must reside in Canada consecutively for 730 days within five continuous years. Not being able to do so might make them lose their PR status.
- If PR holders have gained sponsorship through someone else, they will lose out on specific government services. To access these services, the sponsor must pay back the costs.
- In addition, several PR holders will have different travel requirements than Canadian citizens.
- Those with PR status will have different travel privileges and documents.
The eligibility conditions for Permanent Residence
Permanent residents don’t necessarily have to hold Canadian citizenship. However, they must fulfill specific conditions to maintain their PR status in Canada. A PR holder in Canada will need to live in Canada for around 730 days within five years. However, this period doesn’t have to be consecutive. Individuals can access the journal template of IRCC to keep a travel record.
Notably, the PR status will not expire during the same time as the PR card.
Possible indications of acquiring Canadian citizenship
The chief reason people choose to continue becoming Permanent Residents in Canada is that their own country might not have the provision for dual citizenship. Furthermore, this makes it imperative for people to choose between getting a Canadian passport and their nationality.
This change will be massive and not just determine their passport’s color. These individuals will witness a huge impact based on their home country’s laws. The effect will be related to the following:
- Their home country’s ownership rights, especially significant ownership like businesses and commercial property.
- Their potential to visit Canada and their friends and families to the same level of freedom.
- Ability to access personal and professional objectives in their home country. This includes political, social, and economic prospects.
- The varied aspects of personal and professional life.
In addition, reviewing and thoroughly analyzing the consequences of the decisions is a great idea. Hence, one might even get in touch with an immigration lawyer if they choose to transition from Canadian permanent residence to citizenship.
The home country’s alignment with Canadian dual citizenship – Details of the various countries
Here’s a list of different top source countries of Canada’s new immigrants. This list provides details on whether these citizens have permission to gain Canada’s dual citizenship.
- Afghanistan – In this country, dual citizenship has no legal recognition. In Afghanistan, if local authorities acknowledge you as an Afghan citizen, you will not get consular services in Canada. However, Afghan citizens can access dual citizenship without any discrimination if they have two passports. Essentially, these individuals have no access to hold political office in Afghanistan without the renunciation of their second citizenship.
- China – This country, too, does not recognize dual citizenship. In the event that local authorities in China hold you in custody and believe you to be a citizen, they can deny you access to Canadian consular services, which would hinder assistance from the Canadian government. According to China’s Nationality Law, children born in Canada to at least one Chinese citizen parent may be thought of as Chinese citizens, thereby preventing them from being acknowledged as Canadian citizens. In addition, the family may be subject to family planning laws.
- France – Dual citizenship with Canada is permitted for French nationals. France has no laws that forbid its residents from obtaining citizenship in other nations. It is not mandatory for French nationals to disclose their dual citizenship to the French authorities.
- India – The Indian Citizenship Act of 1955 states that it is illegal to hold dual citizenship in India. Moreover, applying for, receiving, or possessing an Indian passport after obtaining foreign citizenship is unlawful. Dual citizenship is not permitted for Indian nationals who obtain Canadian citizenship.
- Iran – Iran does not publicly acknowledge holding dual nationality with another nation. A naturalized Canadian citizen of Iranian descent must use their Iranian passport to return to Iran. If these people are imprisoned in Iran, they might also not be allowed access to Canadian consular services.
- Nigeria – This country enables its residents to hold a Nigerian passport while obtaining naturalization in another nation and to have dual citizenship with other nations. However, foreign nationals who have obtained naturalization in another nation are not eligible to do so in Nigeria. A Nigerian citizen seeking Canadian citizenship has the ability to possess two passports.
- Pakistan – Dual citizenship is not permissible for Pakistani nationals residing outside. Even though Pakistan and 19 other countries have dual citizenship accords, including Canada, Pakistani nationals who naturalize in another nation forfeit their Pakistani citizenship (the same is true for Canadian citizens who naturalize in another nation).
- Philippines – The Philippines and Canada both permit dual citizenship. Suppose a person was born before 1973 and had at least one Filipino parent when they were born. In that case, they may be able to petition to keep or recover their Filipino citizenship after becoming naturalized citizens of another nation. Those born in Canada with at least one Filipino parent are automatically classified as dual citizens. Filipino nationals may keep both passports if they apply to become citizens of Canada.
- Syria – Under Syrian law, a person can be a citizen of both Syria and Canada, as dual citizenship gains recognition. However, these people will be considered Syrian nationals first and foremost under Syrian law; if a dual citizen is imprisoned in Syria, consular services could be refused.
- United States of America: The United States permits dual citizenship with other nations, such as Canada. Citizens of the United States are free to apply for citizenship in Canada without compromising their American citizenship.
If you have any questions related to the Canadian immigration process, you can access all relevant details through Make Home Canada’s immigration consultants. Write to us at [email protected]
