Becoming a Canadian Citizen comes with many benefits that are not available to Permanent Residents.

Canadian Citizens Are Eligible for More Jobs

Canadian Citizens have access to a number of jobs that require a high level of security clearance, such as jobs at the federal level.

Canadian Citizens Can Vote and Run for Political Office

By becoming Canadian Citizens, people gain the right to participate in Canadian politics (vote in federal, provincial and municipal elections). It can also mean running for election or participating in the management of the different levels of government that exist in Canada.

Canadian Citizens Can Travel on a Canadian Passport

Canadian passport makes it easier for Citizens to travel to many countries without a visa and makes it simplier to obtain visas if necessary. You can find a list of visa free countries for Canadians here. Needless to say, that a passport makes entrance to Canada less problematic.

Canadian Citizens Do Not Need to Worry About Losing Status

Canadian Citizens can spend as much time as they like outside of Canada with no immigration consequences, unlike Permanent Residents, who must comply with certain residency requirements. In addition, Canadian Citizens will not ordinarily lose Citizenship if convicted of a crime, while permanent residents will face deportation if the crime is considered serious enough to merit this consequence.

Canadian Citizens Don't Need to Renew Their Immigration Documentation

Permanent Resident Cards are valid for only five years. The cards are required for international travel and may be requested as proof of permanent resident status by employers or other government agencies. Therefore, permanent residents are in the unenviable position of needing to file a new application for a Permanent Resident Card, and pay a new fee, every five years. Citizens have no similar obligation. A Citizenship Certificate is valid indefinitely and Canadian Citizens who wish to travel internationally need only renew their passports every ten years.

• There are additional or different requirements if you are:

- applying for a minor (under age 18);

- a Canadian applying for  their adopted child born outside of Canada;

- a current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member;

- a past Canadian Citizen who wants Canadian Citizenship back.

You don’t automatically become a Citizen when you marry a Canadian. 

If you’re the spouse of a Canadian Citizen, you must meet the same requirements listed above (no exception).

If you have a Canadian parent or grandparent, you may be a Canadian Citizen.

  To be eligible 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 citizenship test;

- prove your English language skills.

*Other requirements may apply.