Canada has one of the highest percentages of immigrants obtaining citizenship when compared to various other countries across the globe.
By ‘citizenship’ is implied the legal status that an individual enjoys in a country. Generally, the citizenship of Canada can be obtained either by birth or through the naturalization process.
A Canadian permanent resident, on the other hand, is an individual that has been given permanent resident status after having immigrated to Canada. A permanent resident of Canada is a citizen of some other country and is not a Canadian citizen.
Those in Canada on a temporary basis – such as international students or foreign workers – are not permanent residents of Canada.
Immigrants that move to Canada and settle down in the country might be able to apply for Canadian citizenship, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for becoming a citizen of Canada through naturalization, an individual must –
| Be a permanent resident of Canada |
| Have lived in Canada for 3 out the previous 5 years |
| Have filed their taxes, if they were needed to file the same |
| Pass a test on their responsibilities, rights as well as knowledge of Canada |
| Prove their language skills |
Do keep in mind that as per IRCC, “other requirements might apply”.
Transitioning into a Canadian citizen is the final step in the Canada immigration process for many immigrants.
A testimony to their successful integration, Canadian citizenship also gives immigrants various benefits that they were ineligible for while being permanent residents of Canada.
Top 5 benefits of Canadian citizenship are:
Ability to participate in elections
Gaining the right to participate in Canadian politics. With the citizenship of Canada, an individual gets the right of participating in elections – federal, municipal, and federal – as a voter. A citizen of Canada can also run for elections or participate in the management of the various levels of government existing in Canada.
Better employment opportunities
Being a citizen of Canada also greatly improves employment opportunities for an individual. A Canadian citizen gains access to several jobs requiring a comparatively higher security clearance. For example, jobs at the federal level.
Dual citizenship
Canada allows multiple or dual citizenships. Any individual that becomes a citizen of Canada will not be required to choose between their new citizenship and the country of their origin.
Children become Canadian citizens
Children – born in Canada to parents that are citizens of Canada – become Canadian citizens without the requirement of having to go through an application process.
Easier to travel with a Canadian passport
A Canadian passport is among the Top 10 most powerful passports of the world. As per Henley Passport Index and Global Mobility Report 2020, the passport of Canada holds the 9th position with 183 points. Canada shares the position with Australia, New Zealand, Malta, and the Czech Republic.
In addition to making it easier to travel to many countries worldwide without a visa, it is also much simpler for a Canadian citizen to get a visa if required.
Immigration, helping the country in strengthening its social fabric and developing the economy, holds much importance for Canada. Most of the immigrants that qualify for Canadian citizenship succeed in eventually acquiring it.
If you are looking to Work, Study, Invest, Visit, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.
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Top 5 benefits of becoming a citizen of Canada
Posted on August 17, 2020