Is Seeking Canadian Citizenship Worth It?

Immigrating to any country is a big deal. So it’s only fair that you’re sure of your decision before you invest your time, money, and energy into immigrating. If you’re considering moving to Canada, one of the questions you might be asking yourself is whether it’s really worth it to seek Canadian citizenship.

The truth is, those who’re able to move to Canada and consciously make the decision to become citizens never regret it. Well, we haven’t heard any immigrants we’ve helped relocate come back to us wanting to renounce their citizenship!

Without further ado, below are some of the benefits that make seeking Canadian citizenship worth it.

Vast Job Opportunities

Canadian citizens can work in any location and for any legal Canadian company. Unlike permanent residents, citizens are not restricted from working for specific companies and in specific roles.

As a citizen, you’re eligible to apply and work in jobs that require a security clearance, a privilege that is not extended to those with a Canada permanent resident card.

Citizens Can Run for Political Office and Vote

One of the best advantages of being a citizen of any country, Canada included, is the privilege of choosing your leaders. Most importantly, as a citizen, you can run for elective office and be the change you want to see.

Canadian citizens enjoy the right to vote in provincial and federal elections, giving them a hand in shaping how their country is run.

Ability to Travel Visa-Free to Multiple Countries

Most people love to travel. Unfortunately, many would-be travellers are restricted from traveling because they often need a visa to enter the country they’re traveling to.

However, for the most part, Canadian citizens don’t have such a problem. Canadian citizens get a Canadian passport, which is one of the strongest in the world. In fact, the Canadian passport ranks as the 7th most powerful globally.

Canadian citizens with a Canadian passport can travel to 180+ destinations visa-free. In most of those destinations, Canadians don’t need a visa while in the few that require a visa, Canada’s citizens can apply at the destination.

Additionally, for immigrants whose home countries allow dual citizenship, Canada allows you to retain both Canadian and your native citizenship.

Canadian Citizenship is Permanent

While foreigners with a Canada permanent resident card have the freedom to work and live anywhere in Canada, their status is not permanent. There are multiple reasons a permanent resident can lose their status and be kicked out of the country.

This is a problem that citizens don’t have to worry about. Once the Canadian government grants you citizenship, they can’t cancel or revoke it later – it’s permanent.

No Immigration Documents to Track

As mentioned before, citizenship is permanent once it’s granted by the Canadian government. On the other hand, the Canadian permanent resident card is only valid for a period of five years, after which you need to renew it.

In addition, when traveling outside the country, permanent residents have to ensure their permanent resident cards don’t expire while they’re abroad. Otherwise, they’ll have a hard time being admitted back into the country.

However, citizens don’t need to track their immigration and the validity of their residency. Additionally, citizens can travel out of Canada and will always be allowed back into the country without a fuss.

How Do I Become a Canadian Citizen?

There are different requirements candidates who want to become Canadian citizens have to meet. While this may change depending on circumstances, below are 5 qualification criteria you MUST meet before applying for Canadian citizenship:

• Be a permanent resident
• Prove your language skills
• Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years
• Have filed your taxes for at least the last 3 years if you’re eligible
• Pass a test on your knowledge of Canada and your rights and responsibilities

The benefits above are among the reasons why Canadian citizenship is a popular option among foreigners looking to immigrate. With the right guidance, you too can become a Canadian permanent resident and start cultivating your path to citizenship.