From permanent resident to Canadian citizen: stability and immigration freedom

From permanent resident to Canadian citizen: stability and immigration freedomFrom permanent resident to Canadian citizen: stability and immigration freedom

One of the major goals of the immigrant in Canada is to achieve permanent resident (PR) status, as this gives him/her the freedom to live, work and study in the country without having to go through the same processes and formalities as if he/she were a temporary resident. However, obtaining Canadian citizenship is the final step that eliminates all uncertainties regarding the IRCC and opens the full range of rights and opportunities in the country.

Becoming a Canadian citizen from PR offers important advantages to achieve greater peace of mind in the new country and access to economic power. In this blog I will give you more details, let's get started!

Canadian citizenship: immigration security and global freedom

The major difference between a permanent resident and a citizen lies in unconditional permanence and freedom of movement.

Permanent Resident (PR) Canadian Citizen
Must comply with the residency obligation (live 730 days in a 5-year period) in order not to lose status. The status is permanent and unconditional. Cannot be deported (except for fraud or revocation for very specific reasons).
You need to renew the PR Card every five years. He holds a Canadian passport, one of the most powerful passports in the world, which allows visa-free travel to more than 180 countries.
You may not work in high-security government positions or positions requiring high-level security clearance. He is eligible for all public offices and any federal employment.

Citizenship offers you the only absolute legal protection against deportation and gives you maximum flexibility to travel outside Canada without worrying about residency deadlines.

Civic and political advantages

As a permanent resident, you enjoy the protection of the law, but are excluded from political participation. A Canadian passport is the key to full democracy, as it gives you the right to vote to raise your voice in federal, provincial and municipal elections, allowing you to directly influence the policies that affect your life and business.

On the other hand, they can run for political office and serve on juries, becoming fully integrated into the civic life of the country.

Economic and establishment power (investment and business)

There is a great deal of confusion as to whether a permanent resident can start a business in Canada. Some newcomers believe that entrepreneurship is limited. The reality is different. 

A permanent resident can start and operate a business in Canada without restrictions. A PR is treated exactly like a citizen in terms of taxation, legal liability and business ownership. Citizenship is not required to register a corporation or sole proprietorship.

Where is the citizen's advantage in business?

The advantage of citizenship in the economic sphere is not about the ability to found, but about access and stability. Here are some benefits and advantages of being a citizen:

  • Long-term stability: banks often offer better conditions and interest rates for mortgages or commercial loans to citizens, due to the unconditional stability of their status.
  • Less bureaucracy: obtaining certain specialized licenses or permits can be more straightforward as a citizen.
  • Family sponsorship: once you are a citizen, you can sponsor more family members (including orphaned siblings or grandparents in certain circumstances) more easily. This is an additional advantage if you want to grow your business.

Elaborate a migration plan for citizenship

If you meet the physical presence(1095 days) and language proficiency requirements, the time to apply for citizenship is now. This is a decision that must be made with strategic immigration planning.

To do this, consider these questions in your plan: Have you accurately calculated your days of physical presence, including part-time as a student or temporary worker? An error in this calculation is the most common cause of rejection.

In terms of transition, do your documents and language meet the full requirements for a flawless IRCC filing?

These administrative steps must be taken with precision so as not to jeopardize years of residence in Canada.

At Immiland Lawwe have Canadian lawyers and CICC immigration consultants who have the experience and legal rigor necessary to handle your naturalization application. We are here to support newcomers at every stage of their naturalization process. 

In addition, we are the strategic partner for the success of your company. We offer a wide range of business legal services and immigration representation, designed to cover all stages of the life cycle of your business and establishment in the new country. If you want to plan your transition of status or need to incorporate a business in Canada, contact us at to schedule a consultation and help you secure your and your family's future in Canada.

Thank you very much for reading, see you soon!

With love, 

Immiland Law Professional Corporation

Note: This article does not constitute legal advice or legal opinion from an attorney. Rather, it is provided solely to inform readers about certain aspects related to the details of the law in legal matters.

Latest on Instagram

Immiland Canada BogotaImmiland Canada BogotaEddy Ramirez ImmilandEddy Ramirez ImmilandEddy Ramirez CanadaEddy Ramirez CanadaVenezuelans in CanadaVenezuelans in Canada
CAPIC ACCPI

Migration services
with professional support

Immiland is regulated and authorized by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO #89482N) and by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (cicc #r515840). (CICC #R515840),